Tom Jones Halts Cardiff Gig Amid Booing Over Rugby Song Ban

Sir Tom Jones faced boos from the crowd at his Cardiff Castle concert when he defended his 1968 hit "Delilah," which was banned by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in 2023 due to its lyrics depicting a man stabbing his unfaithful partner. Despite the controversy, Jones questioned the decision to remove the song from sporting events, emphasizing that the lyrics should not be taken literally and expressing his fondness for hearing the track sung at international rugby matches. The WRU justified the ban by condemning domestic violence and acknowledging that the song's subject matter is upsetting to some supporters. Fans at the concert booed in support of Jones' defense of the song, highlighting the divided opinions surrounding the ban. "Delilah" had been an unofficial Welsh rugby anthem for decades before its removal from half-time entertainment at the Principality Stadium in 2015 and choir playlists at Six Nations matches in 2023. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between preserving cultural traditions and addressing concerns over the song's violent themes.