Sir Tom Jones blasts Welsh rugby after attempts to ban singing of Delilah: 'You can't stop us!'

​Sir Tom Jones

Sir Tom Jones appeared to criticise Welsh rugby's decision

PA
Dan Falvey

By Dan Falvey


Published: 22/07/2023

- 10:54

Updated: 22/07/2023

- 11:03

The singer's song has faced attempts to be cancelled for depicting violence against women

Sir Tom Jones last night appeared to take a swipe at Welsh rugby's decision to ban the singing of his hit song Delilah.

The fan favourite used to be a regular on the playlist before matches at Cardiff's Principality Stadium but was removed amid concerns about the song's lyrics.


The 1968 hit was removed from the playlist of rugby choirs in 2015 and was officially banned earlier this year.

Lyrics about a woman murdered by her jealous partner sparked fears that the song risked promoting depictions of violence against women.

\u200bSir Tom Jones

Sir Tom Jones said that crowds would continue to sing the song regardless of the ban

PA

Addressing the ban at a concert at Cardiff Castle last night, Jones said that rugby supporters would continue to sing the famous song.

He told the crowd of fans: "You can't stop us singing Delilah."

The legendary Welsh singer added: "Can you imagine… Who was the man who didn't want us to sing Delilah?

"He stopped the choir from singing but he didn't stop the crowd from singing it.

CANCEL CULTURE MADNESS:

"And we will keep singing it too."

Despite the ban imposed by the Principality Stadium on choirs singing the son, at fixtures earlier this year rugby fans continued to belt out the lyrics from the stands.

The Principality Stadium defended its ban on the song earlier this year, stating that it had sought advice before making a decision on the matter.

It said at the time: "Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium.

Welsh rugby team

Welsh rugby fans continued to sing the song earlier this year in defiance of the ban

PA

"Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games.

"The WRU [Welsh Rugby Union] condemns domestic violence of any kind.

"We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter."

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