TOM JONES fans were thrilled to have the chance to see their idol perform live.

The Welsh singer performed an intimate gig at Chalk in Pool Valley, Brighton, last night.

The show has been organised by record store Resident Brighton and record label One Inch Badge, who booked the famed singer to mark the release of his album Surrounded By Time.

It was one of only a handful of opportunities to see the world famous musician after lockdown, fans came from all over the country.

Tom Jones super fan Claire Ovenell travelled down from Bedford and has waited in line for eight hours in order to secure a front row spot to see her idol from the past 40 years.

The Argus: Tom Jones fans Claire Ovenell and her mum Sue Dalgarno Tom Jones fans Claire Ovenell and her mum Sue Dalgarno

She said: “My mum and I have come down from Bedford and we are very excited to see Tom.

“I am his biggest fan and I’ve travelled the world to see him play.

“This is the ultimate performance considering it is a small and intimate venue.”

The album Sir Tom is promoting was initially released in April, but this show was one of the first times the songs have been performed live since its release.

Speaking before the show, Christopher Cole, from Brighton, said: “I can’t wait to see Tom perform.

“The last time I saw him live was before Covid-19 and he was great, I’m just hoping he still has it.

For many fans the show is the first one they have managed to get to following the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Argus: Fans queued to get a good spot to see the Welsh star at ChalkFans queued to get a good spot to see the Welsh star at Chalk

Ashley West, from Haywards Heath, was seeing Tom Jones for the first time.

She said: “I can’t wait it has been so long since I have even been able to watch live music because of the pandemic.

“So I am happy my first show will be to watch Sir Tom, especially as I have not see him before.”

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