Sir Tom Jones opens up about his true thoughts on growing older and shares the unforgettable moment that stands above all others in his legendary 60-year career. From his powerful voice to his timeless charm, the iconic singer has seen it all — but what does he really think about aging, and which achievement still gives him goosebumps after all these years? Fans will be surprised by his candid reflections and emotional revelation about the milestone that means the most to him. Don’t miss the inspiring story behind one of music’s most enduring st

In a new interview with Metro, Tom Jones discusses fame, ageing and and the proudest moment of his career. Picture: Getty

At 81 years old, Sir Tom Jones is proving that age is no barrier to passion—or performance. As he embarks on a tour celebrating his 41st studio album, Surrounded By Time, the Welsh icon reflects on his extraordinary life in music, the power of honesty, and the inevitable passage of time.

Surrounded By Time is more than just a collection of covers from artists like Bob Dylan, Dusty Springfield, and Cat Stevens. It’s a meditation on ageing, fame, and legacy, all delivered through Jones’ unmistakably rich, soulful voice. One of the album’s more playful tracks, Cat Stevens’ “Pop Star,” brought him full circle. “When I listen to it,” Tom shared, “it just takes me back to when I started.” He remembered proudly playing his first hit, “It’s Not Unusual,” to his wife Linda. “She said, ‘That sounds like a hit to me.’ And it was.”

Tom Jones discusses life with his wife Linda (pictured together in 1965): “When I took the song ‘It’s Not Unusual’ [his first number one] back to Wales to play it to her, she said, ‘That sounds like a hit to me.'”. Picture: Getty

But the album isn’t all nostalgia. One of its most poignant moments is the song “I’m Growing Old,” which Jones has held onto for over five decades. Originally offered to him when he was just 32, he felt he couldn’t do it justice at the time. “Hopefully when I’m about 80,” he told songwriter Bobby Cole, “I’ll do it.” Now, with years and wisdom behind him, he finally has. “It’s harder for me to get off the bloody floor nowadays,” he says with a laugh, acknowledging the physical challenges of growing older with both grit and grace.

Age, however, has brought perspective. “When you’re young,” he said, “you think you’ve got this big voice and you can sing the s**t out of anything. You don’t think about what you’ll be like at 80.” Now, he sees the benefits too—with his age earning him an early COVID-19 vaccine and a deeper sense of purpose. “I think God gave me this voice,” he said. “And when you get a gift like this, you should see it through.”

Across his 60-year career, Sir Tom has collected accolades that few can match: an Ivor Novello award, an OBE, his own television show in the ‘60s, and his knighthood—an honor he calls the proudest moment of his life. Yet, even today, he remains as dynamic as ever. His role as a coach on The Voice UK has introduced him to a new generation of fans. “I’m honest,” he says simply. “And I can sing.”

As he continues to tour and inspire, Sir Tom Jones stands not just as a survivor in an ever-changing industry, but as a timeless artist—one who sings not for fame, but for the joy of giving voice to life’s deepest truths. His journey is far from over.