At 85 years old, Sir Tom Jones proved he’s far from finished. Performing under the Athenian sky on Saturday night, the legendary Welsh singer took to the stage at the historic Lycabettus Theatre, marking his first performance in Athens in six decades—and it was nothing short of triumphant.

A Night That Silenced All Doubts

Any hesitation surrounding the veteran artist’s return vanished within minutes. By the time Jones reached his second or third song, he had already won over the packed open-air venue on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus, a landmark known for hosting some of the most memorable live shows in Greece.

Despite his age, Jones delivered a set full of vigor and style, backed by a tight band and a voice still rich in soul and power. With reimagined arrangements that leaned into rock, blues, and soul, he masterfully adapted his classic sound to suit his current vocal range — without sacrificing any of his legendary charisma.

A Setlist Bridging Past and Present

The 100-minute set was a journey through Tom Jones’s storied career. Kicking off the evening with “I’m Growing Old”, the song’s wry tone and self-deprecating humor set the mood. From there, he moved through an eclectic repertoire that mixed greatest hits, soulful covers, and personal favorites.

Among the evening’s highlights were haunting renditions of Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song,” Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet,” and “Lazarus Man”. He also performed “I Won’t Crumble with You If You Fall”, a deeply emotional piece from his 2021 album Surrounded by Time, which debuted at No.1 in the UK, making Jones the oldest male artist to top the UK Albums Chart. The song, inspired by a promise to his late wife during her battle with cancer, stood out as one of the most heartfelt moments of the night.

A Crowd-Pleasing Performance

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tom Jones show without his signature hits. The crowd erupted during “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?”, while blues-infused takes on “Sex Bomb” and “You Can Leave Your Hat On” added a fresh twist. A funkier version of “Kiss” had fans dancing, and “Delilah” drew loud applause and a singalong chorus.

Encore with a Touch of Gospel and Boogie

Jones wasn’t finished there. The encore featured “Green, Green Grass of Home”, “One Hell of a Life”, and a boogie-filled “Strange Things Happening Every Day”, originally by gospel pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. With a final “God bless you,” Jones thanked his audience and left the stage to a standing ovation.

A Legend Who’s Still Evolving

Saturday’s performance wasn’t just a nostalgia act—it was a testament to Tom Jones’s enduring artistry. Whether channeling emotional depth or commanding a bluesy groove, he showed a remarkable ability to reinterpret his legacy while staying true to it.

As one fan said aloud after the final notes faded: “Imagine what it must have been like to see him in the ‘70s…”

We can only imagine. But judging from this show, even in 2025, Tom Jones remains unforgettable.