Ageing can impact every single part of your body, including your singing voice according to the legendary Sir Tom Jones.
At age 84, the Welsh icon isn’t planning to slow down but admits he is having to ‘push harder’ to perform as he now has ‘less control’ over his vocal cords.
He isn’t slowing down though as Sir Tom is embarking on his Ages and Stages world tour, heading to the likes of America, Germany, and Portugal before returning to the UK.
The It’s Not Unusual hitmaker has been releasing music since the 60s but promised he has no plans to retire any time soon in a new interview.
‘I can still sing,’ he assured Yours magazine, adding: ‘All you have got to do is push it harder … and I can still do that.’
Sir Tom is more often seen as a coach on The Voice now rather than releasing new tracks but he is aware of his limitations as he ages.
‘My voice is lower now,’ the star continued. ‘As we get older, our voices drop, and we get more character in them. The older you get, the less control you have over your vocal cords.
‘Being older, I feel I’ve got a point to prove. I can still sing and I can prove it, so here it is.’
Last year, Sir Tom told Metro.co.uk the only way he would retire would be if he completely lost his voice.
He has had to concede that he can’t move around on stage like he used to but is still determined to give gig-goers an incredible performance.
‘I wouldn’t like to shortchange an audience,’ Sir Tom said at the time. ‘Being old, you can’t do what you used to do.
‘I mean, I can’t walk around like I used to but I wouldn’t want to now. When you’re young you’re full of p*** and vinegar and you’re giving it plenty. Now I concentrate more on singing than I do anything else.’
He confessed he was struggling when he needed a second hip operation in late 2022, as the Delilah hitmaker was seen using a walking stick.
With his usual upbeat manner, Sir Tom took to X and declared: ‘Papa has two new hips now!’
Reassuring fans, he added: ‘For all those concerned and sent in well wishes, I am pleased to report my recent surgery went very well, I’m following orders and doing my physio, so happy to say I will be back soon.’
His first hip replacement surgery was in 2017, with the singer opting to sit down for live performances rather than standing — but never considering stopping altogether.