Legendary singer Tom Jones has hit out at the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to discontinue the use of the song “Delilah” during matches. The song has courted controversy for a section of the lyrics that apparently describe the murder of a woman.
Tom Jones questions decision to ban Delilah at rugby games https://t.co/PFHXSd9xRn
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 22, 2023
Back in February, the WRU announced its decision that “Delilah” would no longer be sung at matches by the choir at the Municipality Stadium in Cardiff. In a move that has undoubtedly sought to deflect any controversy or offence to those attending rugby matches at the stadium, the WRU have defended their position by stating that they do not condone violence of any kind.
The song was written by Barry Mason in 1968 and contains a lyric that describes a woman’s murder at the hands of her boyfriend after she is found with another man. The decision by the WRU to stop singing the song has been criticised by one of Wales’ most famous sons and original singer of “Delilah”-Tom Jones. Jones, who is well known globally for hit songs such as, “It’s Not Unusual” and “She’s A Lady,” stated frankly that he simply will just keep on singing the song.
During his gig in Cardiff on Saturday 22, July, Jones allegedly told the crowd, “you can’t stop us singing ‘Delilah.’ Can you imagine? Who was the man who didn’t want us to sing ‘Delilah?’ They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven’t stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it-and I’ll keep on singing it too.”
Jones’ personal fight for the song is not new either-the singer leaped to the ballad’s defence in 2014 when calls for its banning first appeared. Speaking at the time about the song, Jones said, “it makes me very proud to be Welsh. I think if they’re looking into the lyric about a man killing a woman, it’s not a political statement. It’s just something that happens in life that [a] woman was unfaithful to him and he just loses it.”
Politicians have weighed in and defended the banning as well, citing that often times during rugby or football matches, incidences of domestic violence tend to increase. The WRU have further stated that their decision to ban the song is based around the belief that some supporters will find the subject matter upsetting.
The song was censored earlier this year due to its connotations to domestic violence https://t.co/RQgwZYStcN
— NME (@NME) July 24, 2023
The song was a significant hit for Jones when the singer released the single in February of 1968. The song reached number 1 in several European countries and found success in Great Britain where it reached number 2. The WRU’s decision is sure to divide some sections of supporters while furthering the debate on censorship and public interest. Tom Jones is on tour now and tickets can be purchased here.
Tom Jones Tour:
24/07/2023 – Cardiff Castle – Cardiff
26/07 – Sandown Park Racecourse – Esher
27/07 – Dreamland – Margate
28/07 – Dreamland – Margate
30/07 – Tio Pepe Festival – Jerez De La Frontera, Spain
01/08 – Plaza de Toros – Alicante, Spain
03/08 – Festival de Terramar – Catalunya, Spain
05/08 – Cardiff Castle – Cardiff
06/08 – Audley End House and Gardens – Saffron Waldon
