Press Release
May 21, 2025 | Segerstrom Hall
Tickets on sale January 31 at scfta.org
COSTA MESA, CA | Segerstrom Center for the Arts is thrilled to present the legendary Tom Jones in concert as part of his Defy Explanation 2025 tour. With a string of Top 10 hits in the 60s and globally acclaimed tours, this “full-throated, robust baritone” (AllMusic) continues to sustain popularity around the world as one of the greatest singers and recording artists of all time. Hear songs like “She’s A Lady,” “Sexbomb,” “It’s Not Unusual,” and more and enjoy a true music icon as he takes our stage for one night only on Wednesday, May 21 in Segerstrom Hall.
Legendary Welsh singer and performer Sir Tom Jones continues to sustain his popularity around the world, captivating audiences with his timeless discography of hit songs and enduring talent and charisma. With a remarkable career spanning over six decades, Jones is widely considered to be one of the greatest singers and recording artists of all time, selling over 100 million records and continuing as an esteemed and influential figure in the music industry.
At the age of 83, Jones has received some of the best reviews of his career for his most recent Ethan Johns-produced albums “Surrounded By Time”, “Long Lost Suitcase,” “Spirit In The Room,” and “Praise & Blame.” Critics have praised both the recorded material and Jones’ performances, highlighting his undeniable and unique talent in both the studio and on stage.
Born in the mining town of Pontypridd, South Wales, Jones quit school at an early age, working various odd jobs before getting his start as a member of a local band called The Senators, later forming his own group, Tom Jones and the Squires, gigging in clubs and pubs around the local area
In the early 1960s, he signed with Decca Records in London, kickstarting a successful and diverse career and achieving international fame with his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. He had a string of hit songs including “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?” “Delilah,” and “Green, Green Grass of Home” which sat alongside his hugely popular 1969-1971 cross-continental TV show, “This is Tom Jones“. Jones has always had a fundamental interest in a wide range of music, leading him to work with dozens of iconic collaborators over the years, ranging from Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin to Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Ed Sheeran, just some amongst many. Although he is well known for his hits, he is first and foremost a diverse artist with a true rhythm and blues soul.
Jones’s career has been filled with numerous honors and accolades, including a deeply cherished knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, multiple BRIT Awards, a Silver Clef Award, the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award and a Hitmaker Award from the US Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also acted in films such as Tim Burton’s “Mars Attacks,” and “Playhouse Presents: King of The Teds” for Sky Arts. Along with his yearly touring, Jones has continued to be active in the industry as a longstanding coach on The Voice UK and being a valued contributor at a variety of events and broadcasts such as the 25th Anniversary of MusiCares (honouring Bob Dylan) and the 57th Grammy Awards as well as many others for charitable causes. His recent autobiography “Over The Top And Back” was a rollicking best-seller, and his 2021 album release “Surrounded By Time” made him the oldest male to claim a Number 1 spot on the UK Official Albums Chart with an album of new material, overtaking Bob Dylan.
Sir Tom has indeed cemented his place in music history as one of the most successful artists of all time, traversing musical eras and genres, cutting across class divides, and appealing to all genders and ages, mainstream and cutting edge. Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, and the power of the voice, qualities that have made him a true legend in the music zeitgeist. Despite the passage of time, Sir Tom Jones continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the music world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
Tickets for Tom Jones: Defy Explanation are on sale Friday, January 31st at 9:00AM PT and are available for purchase online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and by phone at (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts of 10 or more, call the Group Services offices at (714) 755-0236.
Tom Jones: Defy Explanation
Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30PM
Segerstrom Hall
Tickets on sale Friday, January 31 at 9:00AM PT
In-Person –
Box Office
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Monday 10am to 2pm
Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Phone – Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm (714) 556-2787
Online – SCFTA.org
Group Sales – (714) 755-0236
Segerstrom Center for the Arts® is an innovative nonprofit organization that champions artistic excellence and fosters a vibrant, inclusive community in Orange County through the transformative power of live performance. As the region’s leading cultural hub, the Center offers a diverse array of programming, featuring international dance companies, Broadway national tours, jazz and cabaret musicians, and an engaging speaker series. Its Education and Community Engagement departments present family-friendly events on the picturesque Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, including outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and lively festivals.
With six stunning venues nestled within a beautiful multi-disciplinary campus, the Center is home to the region’s most esteemed performing arts organizations, including the Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and Orange County Museum of Art. Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities.
The Center continues to uphold the vision of its founder, Henry Segerstrom, remaining true to its mission as the premier arts in Orange County since its inception in 1986 as Orange County Performing Arts Center®. Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds its corporate partner Kaiser Permanente, Official Health Care Partner.
The information provided is accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a public, non-profit organization. “Segerstrom Center for the Arts” and “SCFTA” are registered trademarks.