Issue #228

‘I lost my dad a few years ago, in somewhat traumatic circumstances. I still feel him here with me, but sometimes it’s a bit too much and it makes ...’

Issue #227

‘Do you ever find that you don’t have time to do your Red Hand File because you’ve spent all week writing songs that are starting to sound really ...’

Issue #226

‘I’ve always believed in, and yearned for, a soul-mate kind of love: passionate, joyful, uplifting and inspiring. And I have found it, although quite late in life. However, he ...’

Issue #225

‘My son died almost a decade and a half ago. I don’t have nearly as many dreams about him now but when I do, as when I had many, ...’

Issue #224

‘I’ve recently been listening to your duet of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with Johnny Cash, on repeat. Whilst it’s melancholy, the harmonising that’s happening ...’

Issue #223

‘I’m 13. In a world ridden with so much hate, and disconnect; How do I live life to its absolute fullest, and not waste my potential? Especially as a creative. ...’

Issue #222

‘I was dismayed to hear that my namesake, Tom Jones has had his murder ballad, Delilah cancelled by the Welsh Rugby Union, and roundly condemned by Police Chiefs and Politicians, ...’

Issue #221

‘I was recently listening to “Hollywood” and finally recognized the connection between the “cougar that roams these parts / with a terrible engine of wrath for a heart” and P-22, the ...’

Issue #220

‘When did you become a Hallmark card hippie? Joy, love, peace. Puke! Where’s the rage, anger, hatred? Reading these lately is like listening to an old preacher drone on ...’

Issue #219

‘[ ] What is joy? Where is it? Where is love in this world that is such an evil mess. [ ]’

Issue #218

‘I asked Chat GPT to write a song in the style of Nick Cave and this is what it produced. What do you think?

Verse 1:
In the ...’

Issue #217

‘Two questions. What’s it like to wake up and know you have written so many wonderful songs? What are your plans for 2023?’

Issue #216

‘I love the song Night Raid. When you played it in Perth you said some words about it before you began but I didn’t really understand what you meant. ...’

Issue #215

‘Yesterday, I was listening to your BBC interview, and the interviewer asked you to discuss the distinction you make between spirituality and religion – I’m interested in this distinction too, ...’

Issue #214

‘How do you feel when you stand before the mirror? Do you like your tattoo?’

Issue #213

‘Do you have tinnitus? What do you do when the ringing gets loud? I have had it for 15 years and have adjusted but as I get older and seek more ...’

Issue #212

‘Is it better to keep quiet, or to speak one’s mind?’

Issue #211

‘How is Earl?’

Issue #210

‘I’m 62 years old and decided to learn how to play guitar. Rock guitar. Is such an endeavour a fool’s errand for someone of my age?’

Issue #209

‘I recently learned that there is a sitting Supreme Court Justice, here in the United States, who is a fan of a musician I love. This musician has passed.
...’

Issue #208

‘What is your favourite film of all time?’

Issue #207

‘I feel so uninspired. Inspiration. Can I have some of yours?’

Issue #206

‘As one of your most consistent supporters who has followed every artistic move that you’ve made, I can’t read your new book or your letters, I can’t ...’

Issue #205

‘How come you decided to give interviews again?’

Issue #204

‘What is the point in life?’

Issue #203

‘You don’t usually stay away from The Red Hand Files this long without pre announcing it, so I’m writing to make sure that you are well.
Your ...’

Issue #202

‘My favourite lyrics from your album Ghosteen are on the final track: “The kid drops his bucket and spade / And climbs into the sun.” I find this so deeply powerful ...’

Issue #201

‘Who do you want to win Love Island?’

Issue #200

‘So, the next Red Hand File is #200! What are The Red Hand Files? I mean what are you trying to do with them? By the way, I love them. They ...’

Issue #199

‘Do you have a safe space? How would you describe it?’