Sir Tom Jones ‘Snubbed’ John Lennon After Beatles Star’s Brutal Dig at Hit Song
In a stunning revelation from the annals of music history, it has emerged that Sir Tom Jones, the Welsh singing legend, ‘snubbed’ Beatles icon John Lennon after the latter’s infamous brutal comment about one of Jones’ most iconic songs. The feud, which has remained largely under the radar for decades, offers a fascinating glimpse into the complicated dynamics of the music world during the 1960s.
The song in question is none other than Tom Jones’ international hit, *”It’s Not Unusual,”* which was released in 1965 and became a defining track in Jones’ career. It catapulted the Welsh star to global fame, securing his place in the pantheon of pop and soul singers. However, according to recent accounts, Lennon did not hold the song in the same regard, and his public comments about the track left a sour taste that Jones never forgot.
The controversial remark came during a press conference in 1965, shortly after *”It’s Not Unusual”* became a chart-topping success. John Lennon, known for his candid and sometimes acerbic comments, was asked about the rising success of Tom Jones and the song that had become an anthem for many. In his trademark biting style, Lennon dismissed the track, calling it “a laughable piece of commercial rubbish” and dismissing Jones’ vocal style as “more shout than soul.”
Lennon, who had a reputation for voicing his opinions without much hesitation, reportedly laughed off the question, stating that *”It’s Not Unusual”* was “just another catchy tune designed to make a quick buck off the charts” and claiming that Jones’ popularity was “nothing more than the result of good marketing.” This harsh critique of the song and, by extension, Jones’ talents, reportedly stung the Welsh singer, who had built his reputation on hard work, vocal prowess, and a strong connection with his fans.
The fallout from Lennon’s remarks was swift. According to several sources close to Tom Jones at the time, the singer was deeply hurt by Lennon’s scathing comment, feeling it was not only unfair but unnecessary. While Jones was no stranger to criticism — especially in an era where pop music was frequently scrutinized by both fans and critics alike — Lennon’s dismissive tone, particularly coming from one of the world’s most respected musicians, left a lasting impression on the Welsh star.
In fact, according to several reports, Tom Jones, who was known for his charismatic personality and larger-than-life stage presence, refused to engage with Lennon in subsequent public interactions. A confrontation, or even a handshake, never materialized between the two, despite multiple opportunities in the years that followed. Jones reportedly felt that Lennon’s comments were a deliberate attempt to belittle him, and he chose to distance himself from the former Beatle both professionally and personally.
But as the years went by, Jones did not shy away from the incident. In interviews later in his career, Jones would recall the remark with a mix of bemusement and disdain. “I was just trying to sing, to entertain, and here was John Lennon, throwing shade at me for no reason,” Jones said in one such interview. “I don’t think he understood what it took to create a song like that, or what it meant to my fans.”
Despite the early tension, Tom Jones went on to have a long and successful career, scoring hits across various genres, from pop and soul to country and even gospel. However, the events of 1965 lingered in his memory. In contrast, John Lennon’s career continued to thrive, though his relationship with the press, especially in the aftermath of the Beatles’ breakup, became more complex and increasingly contentious.
Now, nearly six decades after that infamous press conference, this previously undisclosed tension between two of the 20th century’s most iconic musicians sheds new light on the personalities behind the public facades. It’s a reminder of how even the most successful artists can fall victim to personal rivalries, ego clashes, and the sometimes volatile nature of fame.
While it may have been a fleeting moment in the history of rock music, the ‘snub’ between Sir Tom Jones and John Lennon serves as an example of how even the most celebrated musicians can have complicated relationships with each other, often influenced by competitive spirits, egos, and the pressures of the music industry.