PONTYPRIDD, WALES — Few voices have defined an era, crossed generations, and carried the identity of a nation quite like Sir Tom Jones. Now, the legendary Welsh singer will be honored in the heart of his hometown with a towering 25-foot monument — a striking tribute to a career that has captivated audiences across the globe for more than 60 years.
The unveiling is scheduled for 2026 to coincide with his highly anticipated farewell tour, “One Last Ride”, a series of performances that fans and critics alike are already calling “the emotional crescendo of a lifetime in music.”
A Project Born of Love — And Backed by the Legend Himself
The idea for the monument began as a grassroots movement among Pontypridd residents and quickly spread worldwide. Fans from Cardiff to California contributed to the fundraising campaign, ultimately raising over £2.5 million.
But in a move that took supporters by surprise, Tom Jones himself made a substantial personal donation to the project — a gesture he described as “giving back to the town that gave me everything.”
“This isn’t just about me,” Sir Tom said in a statement. “It’s about Pontypridd. It’s about Wales. It’s about remembering where we come from, and making sure future generations feel the same pride in their roots that I’ve always felt in mine.”
Design Inspired by Legacy and Community
The monument’s design, created by Welsh sculptor Eleri Morgan, will depict Tom Jones mid-performance — microphone in hand, head tilted back, the moment of pure power and connection frozen in bronze. Surrounding the base will be engraved lyrics from his most beloved songs, including “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “It’s Not Unusual”.
Local stone and reclaimed materials from Pontypridd landmarks will be incorporated into the foundation, symbolizing the bond between the man and the place that shaped him.
A Farewell Tour with Extra Meaning
The monument’s unveiling will take place just days before the Pontypridd stop of “One Last Ride”, which is expected to draw thousands to the Valleys. Tour organizers have hinted at a special performance on the town square, with proceeds directed toward local arts programs and youth music initiatives — another personal request from Tom.
Longtime fan and community leader Rhys Williams said,
“Tom’s music gave Wales a voice on the world stage. Now this monument will make sure his story is part of our streets forever. The fact that he helped fund it himself just proves his heart is as big as his voice.”
More Than a Monument
Local schools are planning a week of cultural events leading up to the unveiling, including choral performances, art exhibitions, and storytelling sessions about Tom’s early life in Pontypridd — from his school days to his first gigs in local pubs.
Businesses have also pledged to decorate their storefronts with Tom Jones memorabilia, turning the town into a living museum of his career.
A Legacy Set in Stone
When the curtain finally falls on his touring career, Sir Tom Jones’s voice will still echo — not only in the music charts and on the airwaves but now in a monumental reminder of the boy from Treforest who became a world star without ever forgetting his roots.
And in true Tom Jones fashion, he insists the day won’t be about goodbyes:
“It’s not unusual to celebrate the people and places that shape us,” he said with a grin. “Pontypridd is in my blood. This monument is my way of saying — I was here, and I’ll always be here.”
