close
close

Tom Jones, 84, reveals bizarre pre-surgery health trick left him hanging like a bat

Sir Tom Jones joined the coaching team of The Voice in 2012 and has been one of the absolute favorites in the red chair ever since.

During his time on the show, the music icon had to undergo two hip surgeries – on his left in 2017 and his right in 2022. The 84-year-old “Sexbomb” singer has revealed the health trick that helped him through the painful periods between hip surgeries, and it's certainly unexpected.

© Getty
The Welsh singer has undergone two hip operations

The Welsh singer has confessed to hanging like a bat to relieve his aching hips and undergoing sessions of inversion therapy, in which the patient is strapped to a table and turned upside down to relieve the pain.

The “She's a Lady” singer reportedly has one of these devices backstage because the pressure created by the upside-down position and the shift in body gravity theoretically reduces the pressure on the joint.

In an interview with The Daily MailSir Tom spoke about the health of his hip before the proper replacement.

Tom Jones is expected to begin the second part of his tour later this month.© Samir Hussein
Tom Jones had problems singing while standing

“I sing four songs, sit down and say, 'Look, normally I would stand up after this, but tonight I'm just on the stool to take the weight off this leg.' And I've found that I can sing easier sitting down than standing up,” the star said.

Tom Jones in the red chair at The Voice© ITV/Rachel Joseph/Shutterstock
Tom has his inversion therapy device backstage

He added that while he waits for surgery on his right hip, he is not taking any painkillers or following a special diet, but is “just waiting for the right time to get a new hip joint there.”

You might also likeWATCH: The Voice US announces four judges for 2025 – including one very surprising name

“Dad has two new hips now!” wrote Sir Tom after his second operation. “To all those worried and wishing me well, I am pleased to report that my last operation went very well. I am following instructions and doing my physiotherapy, so I am happy to say I will be back soon!”

Sir Tom's health journey

In 2017, the hitmaker spoke about the pain in his left hip before surgery, revealing that he couldn't shake the dull ache.

Tom Jones poses at the finale of The Voice © Getty
Tom talked about his sore hips

On BBC Radio 2, the musician also spoke about his weight loss, which he achieved with a paleo diet, meaning he ate only lean meat, fish, vegetables and nuts.

Tom Jones in black on the red carpet© Getty
Tom Jones admitted to going on a weight loss journey for the sake of his health

“But with the Christmas puddings and cakes, before I knew it I weighed 230 pounds (16.4 stone), 30 pounds more than I should weigh. I couldn't fit into my suits anymore. That's when I thought, 'This has got to stop.'”

Tom with Elvis and Priscilla Presley© Getty
Tom Jones has been singing since the 1960s

What can be said about Sir Tom's health is that his voice is in excellent shape. He previously told The Mirror: “Well, thank God my voice still works. I'm 83 years old. I can hardly believe it, but it's true.”

Tom sings on The Voice© ITV/Rachel Joseph/Shutterstock
Tom often breaks out into song on The Voice

DISCOVER: Tom Jones' £2.6 million Welsh villa with his late wife Linda rivalled a hotel

“When I sing, I'm like, 'How the hell is this coming out of me? Honestly. If the voice wasn't there, I'm sure I'd be like, 'Urgh, I don't want to do so many shows,' but I love it because the voice still works!”

You may also like...