Sir Tom Jones has expressed regret over his "stupid" behaviour that led to him snubbing Beatles legend John Lennon during a tribute show for media mogul Sir Lew Grade in April 1975. The Welsh singer, who was performing alongside Lennon and other stars like Peter Sellers and Dave Allen, pulled away when Lennon reached out to shake his hand during the grand finale.
In his book Over The Top And Back, The Voice coach Sir Tom admitted: "Men holding hands with men...I was shy of that. So I shook it off - dropped his hand. Stupid, uptight reaction. I'm sorry now that I did that."
This wasn't the first time Sir Tom had a run-in with Lennon. He also revealed in his book that he once wanted to "punch the lippy Scouser in the mouth" after Lennon made fun of his song It's Not Unusual.
Sir Tom Jones has recounted a shocking encounter with John Lennon, revealing the Beatles legend mocked his hit tune earlier in the Welsh singer's career. Lennon was rehearsing for ITV's Thank Your Lucky Stars while Sir Tom was watching on from the auditorium.
The 84-year-old says Lennon spotted him and was inspired to start singing. He recalled: "And what he sings is It's Not Unusual, except with his own words. 'It's not a unicorn, it's an elephant'."
Then he added the jibe: "Then he nods at me and says 'how are you doing, you Welsh poof? 'Wow, a double-slap. John Lennon just took the p*** out of my song and then called me a poof," reports Wales Online.
Sir Tom admitted he was left reeling by the comments, torn between feeling humiliated and wanting to retaliate.
The star added: "I'm thrown into confusion: crushed and bristling at the same time. Should I melt into my seat or punch the lippy Scouser in the mouth?
"However, his manager Gordon Mills helped him see the lighter side, suggesting it was just Lennon's 'sense of humour'. Reflecting on the incident now, Sir Tom believes he should have taken it in stride, acknowledging his inexperience in the industry at the time.
He said: "I'm touchy. I'm a novice. I'm working out where I belong here - if I belong here."
Fans can catch the iconic singer at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall from 9pm tonight on BBC One, where he will perform alongside stars like Jack Savoretti and Alexandra Burke.
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