ARCHIVE NEWS FROM
JANUARY - DECEMBER 2006

Some of the news items on this page have been reproduced from PetShopBoys.co.uk, with the kind permission of Bill 'Redman' Goodin.

25th December 2006 - Merry Christmas!

So Pet Shop Boys would like to wish everybody around the world a very merry Christmas.

20th December 2006 - Neil And David Bowie

In the January 2007 issue of 'Record Collector' magazine (out today), Neil talks about his lifelong obsession with David Bowie.

13th December 2006 - Remixing Again

Chris and Neil are remixing The Killers' next single. They are in their studio remixing 'Read My Mind', the forthcoming third single from The Killers' 'Sam's Town' album. The single is expected to be released early in 2007. Neil and Chris both went to see The Killers in concert at Brixton Academy at the end of November 2006, which is when the remix was originally discussed.
Neil and Chris have also remixed a song for 'Little Britain' which will be released as a download early in 2007. The song 'I'm Gay (Get Over It)', was originally written as the finale of their live show by Matt Lucas and David Walliams with film composer David Arnold and is sung by the character Dafyd, "the only gay in the village". The Pet Shop Boys' mix is more "pop" than the original.
Neil and Chris' last remix to be released was 'Sorry' by Madonna which reached number one in the UK charts in February 2006.

9th December 2006 - Rare CD

More money to burn or need a Christmas present? If you've got a spare Ł2,000 and are wondering what you could buy, then I have the answer. What about a copy of 'Compiled'. 'Compiled' is an incredibly rare CD-R of five tracks given away as prizes on Radio 1's Pet Shop Boys day in 1993. Only 20 copies were ever made, they feature two exclusive mixes, 'Left To My Own Devices - Frankie Knuckles Royal Piano Version' and 'It's A Sin - Miami Mix'. It comes in it's original Abbey Road title sleeve which has been personally autographed by Neil and Chris and has a Certificate Of Authenticity.
For more information visit eil.com.

8th December 2006 - Two Grammy Nominations

The nominees for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards were announced today and the Pet Shop Boys have two nominations:

Best Dance Recording: 'I'm with Stupid'
(Other nominees are: 'Suffer Well' Depeche Mode, 'Ooh La La' Goldfrapp, 'Get Together' Madonna, 'Sexy Back' Justin Timberlake)

Best Electronic/Dance Album: 'Fundamental'
(Other nominees are: 'Supernature' Goldfrapp, 'Confessions On A Dance Floor' Madonna, 'A Lively Mind' Okenfold, 'The Garden' Zero 7)

The awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, USA on Sunday 11th February 2007.
For a list of all the other nominations visit the Grammy Awards website.

7th December 2006 - 2006 Christmas Card

It's here, the Pet Shop Boys Club 2006 Christmas card came through my letterbox this morning.
To find out what this years Christmas card looks like see my Christmas 2006 page.

6th December 2006 - London Selfridges Signing Details

Chris and Neil will be signing books and CDs at Selfridges department store on London's Oxford Street on Thursday 14th December 2006 between 6.30pm and 7.30pm (approximately). Look out for them in the basement bookshop!

30th November 2006 - Madrid Concert

The Pet Shop Boys are performing in Madrid on Friday 5th January 2007 as part of the CEE'd Festival. They will be performing a concert at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid, supported by Fangoria + Nancy Rubias and Pastoria. Tickets will be available from Friday 1st December 2006 from Ticktackticket on 902 15 00 25 as well as Fnac, Carrefour and usual ticket agents. Other Pet Shop Boys shows around the world in 2007 will be announced over the next few weeks as they are confirmed. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

29th November 2006 - Return To Oz

The Pet Shop Boys will play their first concerts in over a decade in Australia next year as co-headliners of the first V Festival Australia. Two dates have been announced but there will be more. The dates are Saturday 31st March 2007 at Centennial Park in Sydney and Sunday 1st April 2007 at Avica Resort on the Gold Coast. Tickets go on sale on Monday 4th December 2006 at the V Festival Australia website and all Ticketmaster outlets (130 799 753). Prices are $124:40 inclusive (transaction fees may apply).

28th November 2006 - National Portrait Gallery And Selfridges

The National Portrait Gallery in London is hosting two events to tie in with its display of photographs of Pet Shop Boys. Neil and Chris will also be signing books and CDs in London. At the National Portrait Gallery in London on Thursday 7th December 2006 at 7pm, Philip Hoare, author and co-editor of 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue' will present 'Pet Shop Boys: Pop Art'. "Are the Pet Shop Boys art, or are they just arty?" asked 'Blitz' magazine back in the 1990s. From Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward to Derek Jarman and Sam Taylor-Wood, using images from the Pet Shop Boys' two decades of pop and photographs from the National Portrait Gallery's archive, Hoare will discuss Pet Shop Boys, art and literature.
Catch the essential PSB exhibition in the neighbouring gallery at the same time. Also at the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday 11th January 2007 at 7pm, Neil Tennant will discuss the creation of the Pet Shop Boys' image and their work with leading photographers with Philip Hoare and Michael Bracewell, the writer and cultural commentator, author of 'The Nineties: When Surface was Depth'.
Tickets for each event are Ł5 each and Ł3 for concessions. To book tickets call 020 7306 0055.
On Thursday 14th December 2006 Chris and Neil will be signing copies of 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue' and the CDs 'Fundamental' and 'Concrete' at Selfridges department store in London. The exact time will be announced shortly.

18th November 2006 - PSB/Robbie Single

'She's Madonna' will be released as a joint Robbie Williams/Pet Shop Boys single in January 2007 and apparently it will coincide with the start of the Pet Shop Boys' full UK tour the same month. All we need now are the dates!

17th November 2006 - American Tour Ends

The 24-date tour of Canada, USA and Mexico which began in Montreal, Canada on on Tuesday 10th October 2006 in Montreal, finished last night in Monterrey, Mexico. The next cncert will be on Sunday 31st December 2006 at Edinburgh's Hogmanay. There is no truth in the rumour that Robbie Williams will be guesting there!

14th November 2006 - Mexico Concert Being Filmed

Tonights Pet Shop Boys concert at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City will be filmed for a DVD to be released in Spring 2007. The director is David Barnard who has previously filmed live shows by Bjork and Gorrillaz amongst others.

11th November 2006 - MTV PSB Request

Do you want to appear on MTV and choose your favourite videos? MTV Flux are looking for the biggest fans of the Pet Shop Boys to appear on the channel, talking about the band, as well as your other favourite artists and videos.
If you think you have the confidence, enthusiasm and personality to appear on MTV Flux, please contact Oona Howard with some info about yourself ie, what other music you like, any other interests or hobbies you have, the area you live in etc. Good luck.

7th November 2006 - USA TV Appearances

The Pet Shop Boys are making two appearances on national American television this week. Tomorrow evening, Wednesday 8th November 2006 the Pet Shop Boys can be seen performing 'West End Girls' on 'Dancing With The Stars - The Results Show' on ABC TV between 8pm and 9pm (Eastern Time). This show is one of the most popular on American TV, attracting some 20 million viewers. On Friday 10th November 2006 the Pet Shop Boys will be performing a song from 'Fundamental' on 'The Late, Late Show' which is broadcast nationally at 12.35am (Eastern Time) on CBS TV.

5th November 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Numb' went out of the top 75 and in the album chart 'Concrete' also went out of the top 75.

4th November 2006 - Pet Shop Noise Gig

Pet Shop Noise (the official Pet Shop Boys Tribute Band) will be performing with Eraser (an Erasure Tribute Band) on Thursday 9th November 2006 at The Robin, 20-22 Mount Pleasant, Bilston, near Wolverhampton. Doors will be open from 8pm and the boys will take to the stage at 8.45pm. Prices are Ł7 in advance or it's Ł8.50 on the door. Don't miss this Excellent Night of Electronic Wizardry!

1st November 2006 - Meet The PSB In The USA

On Monday 6th November 2006 Neil and Chris will be at Borders Union Square, 400 Post Street, San Francisco, from 6pm to sign copies of 'Fundamental', 'PopArt' and the new book 'Catalogue'. Then on Thursday 9th November 2006 at 5pm, before the last of their back-to-back shows at The Wiltern Theater, Neil and Chris will be signing CDs and books at Virgin Sunset, 8000 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. UK fans may be interested to know that a British book signing is planned for December.

30th October 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that the 'A Life In Pop' documentary DVD is released in the UK today (delayed from last week). Originally shown on Channel 4 in the UK in May the DVD is a far more comprehensive overview of Pet Shop Boys' lives and career. It also includes the videos for, 'Miracles', 'Flamboyant', 'I'm With Stupid', 'Minimal' and 'Numb', and Brit Award perfomances for 'What Have I Done To Deserve This?' (from 1988) and 'Go West' (from 1994). Buy 'A Life In Pop': UK DVD.

29th October 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Numb' went down 29 places to number 52 and 'Concrete' entered the album chart at number 61. 'Rudebox' by Robbie Williams which includes two Pet Shop Boys collaborations, 'She's Madonna' and 'We're The Pet Shop Boys' entered the album chart at number 1.

28th October 2006 - Eric Watson

I had an email from the Pet Shop Boys' photographer and videomaker Eric Watson last week about some limited edition prints from the National Portrait Gallery show that are available for purchase. I have added a page about Eric Watson and included images of the prints.

26th October 2006 - Party Like Madonna

Madonna and her producer Stuart Price have chosen the 10 tracks which make up their "ultimate party playlist". Modesty kept Madonna from adding any of her own songs to it. At number 1 is Pet Shop Boys' 'West End Girls'.

25th October 2006 - Most Valuable Records Of Our Time

The Pet Shop Boys have a record in the 250 Most Valuable Records Of All Time list published in the December 2006 issue of 'Record Collector' magazine which is out tomorrow.
At number 119 is the 'Introspective' clear vinyl triple pack from 1988, with custom pressings with paper strip. Only 10 known copies were ever made and it's worth Ł800+ in mint condition. However two years ago it was worth Ł1,500.
The number 1 Most Valuable Record Of Our Time is, 'That'll be The Day/In Spite Of All The Danger' by The Quary Men. The 1958 plain sleeved 10" 78rpm acetate is worth Ł100,000 in mint condition.

24th October 2006 - A Life In Pop Delay

Unfortunately, the 'A Life In Pop' documentary DVD has been delayed by one week. I have been advised that the release date has been delayed until Monday 30th October 2006.

23rd October 2006 - Hogmany Hits Extravagaza

The Pet Shop Boys will be seeing in the New Year in Edinburgh. They have accepted invitations to appear at this year's Concert in the West Princes Street Gardens at Edinburgh's Hogmanay party which promises to be a show-stopping event.
The Concert in the Gardens with Pet Shop Boys and Paulo Nutini will be one of the highlights of this year's Royal Bank Street Party, which takes place in Edinburgh City Centre on Sunday 31st December 2006. In addition to the artists playing on the main stage at the Concert in the Gardens there will be another three stages within the arena featuring other live acts from 10pm.
Pete Irvine, director of Unique Events said, "We are finalising a brilliant programme for Hogmanay this year but we are delighted to make a first announcement today of the artists for Concert in the Gardens. Paolo Nutini, Scotland's new sensation has seen his debut album 'These Streets' go platinum. The Pet Shop Boys are one of the most consistently successful artists in pop music. Their album 'Fundamental' has been received as a career high and their new live album 'Concrete' is released today, while their live show has been the huge hit of this year's European festivals and is currently getting rave reviews in the USA. They promise a special Hogmanay Hits Extravaganza and with the excitement of Paolo Nutini, this year's Concert in the Gardens will be the best yet."
Lord Provost, Lesley Hinds of the City of Edinburgh added, "This year's Edinburgh's Hogmanay will entertain an audience of 100,000 party goers. The announcement of these two artists kicks off the list of the many names we have playing this year."
Tickets for the Concert in the Gardens which are priced at Ł40.00 and Ł32.50 (plus Ł2.50 booking fee) and go on sale on Saturday 28th October 2006 at 10am and are available in person from Edinburgh's Hogmanay box office at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE or by telephone on +44 (0) 131 473 2000 or buy online at the Edinburgh's Hogmanay website.

23rd October 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that the live album 'Concrete' is released in the UK today. The album was recorded in May at the Mermaid Theatre, London, with the BBC Concert Orchestra, and it's produced by Trevor Horn. It features guest artists Rufus Wainwright, Frances Barber and Robbie Williams. Buy 'Concrete': UK CD. The track listing is as follows:

CD1:
Left To My Own Devices
Rent
You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
Casanova In Hell sung by Rufus Wainwright
After All
Friendly Fire sung by Frances Barber
Integral

CD2:
Numb
It's Alright
Luna Park
Nothing Has Been Proved
Jealousy sung by Robbie Williams
Dreaming Of The Queen
It's A Sin
Indefinite Leave To Remain
West End Girls

The 'A Life In Pop' documentary DVD is also released in the UK today. Originally shown on Channel 4 in the UK in May the DVD is a far more comprehensive overview of Pet Shop Boys' lives and career. It also includes the videos for, 'Miracles', 'Flamboyant', 'I'm With Stupid', 'Minimal' and 'Numb', and Brit Award perfomances for 'What Have I Done To Deserve This?' (from 1988) and 'Go West' (from 1994). Buy 'A Life In Pop': UK DVD.
Also released in the UK today is Robbie Williams' new album 'Rudebox'. It includes the two new collaborations the Pet Shop Boys have done with him, 'She's Madonna' and 'We're The Pet Shop Boys'. Buy 'Rudebox': UK CD.
One more, also released in the UK today is 'Pop! Justice: 100% Solid Pop Music'. It includes a completely new recording of 'It's A Sin - Barfly Version'. Buy 'Pop! Justice: 100% Solid Pop Music': UK CD.
It will be an expensive day (and few weeks, 'Numb' and 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue' last week) if you're buying the lot.

22nd October 2006 - UK Chart

This week 'Numb' entered the singles chart at number 23.

21st October 2006 - Eric Watson

I had an email from the Pet Shop Boys' photographer and videomaker Eric Watson today:

I wonder if you would be kind enough to announce on your site that I will be making a limited edition of prints from the National Portrait Gallery show available for purchase. These prints have been approved by Neil and Chris. The first prints available will be the images from the front and back covers of 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue', ie. the 'Suburbia' portraits. These will be available as selenium toned silver gelatin prints 20" x 20" and will be limited to an edition of 25 of each. These images will be Ł1,500 each. For those not equipped with that kind of cash A3 sized Giclee prints will be printed in an edition of 50 at Ł100 each. The reproduction of the giclee prints is excellent and gives a more affordable (I hope) alternative. More images will be available as the show opens.
Thank you
Eric Watson

For more information contact Eric Watson.

21st October 2006 - Rare Blue Vinyl

Money to burn? If you've got a spare Ł2,500 and are wondering what you could buy, then I have the answer.
What about a copy of 'Can You Forgive Her?' on 7" blue vinyl! "This item is well documented in Pet Shop Boy circles" say eil.com, and it's been confirmed that only three of these were pressed on blue vinyl and three on red vinyl. It's considered to be the jewel in the crown of any serious collection, however until recently all three copies resided in one collection, now for the first and probably only time eil.com are able to offer this fabulous rarity to other collectors, but be quick before somebody else snaps it up!
For more information visit eil.com.

20th October 2006 - A New Single Format

There is a ground breaking new format for a single release, the USB Memory Stick. The USB Memory Stick, which can be plugged into PCs and MP3 players will be presented in standard-sized CD packaging, with the memory stick shrink-wrapped to the sleeve artwork, so it will be easy to merchandise in-store and will retail for Ł3.99.
Keane are the first to try out the new format with a limited edition of 1,500 of their new single 'Nothing In My Way' which will be available solely through HMV stores around the UK. Gary Rolfe, HMV Head of Music comments, "HMV has always helped to pioneer the development of new formats, so we're delighted to support this groundbreaking initiative from Keane and Island Records by being the first retailer to stock such a release. It fits perfectly with our stated aim of giving fans the widest possible access to music and entertainment products across all platforms, however and whenever they wish to buy them - in-store, online and digitally. The beauty of this product is that it brings all these different elements together, further underlining our credentials as a multi-channel specialist." Jon Turner, General Manager of Island Records adds, "I'm delighted that Island Records are leading the way in embracing groundbreaking and innovative ways to deliver music to the consumer. The Kingmax SuperStick introduces a new dynamic to the format business and could well become a standard music carrier in the future. We wanted to offer the fans something unique, and this format gives the user a whole host of benefits, ranging from the obvious in terms of content delivery, to the fact that it can be re-used as a content holder. It's the ultimate in added value."
How long before the Pet Shop Boys use this new format?

18th October 2006 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'Numb' is currently at number 12.

16th October 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'Numb' is released in the UK today. It's released on three formats today, CD, DVD and 12" vinyl and on Monday 23rd October 2006 it's released on 7" vinyl. Buy 'Numb': UK CD1, UK CD2, UK 7" Limited Edition, UK 12" Limited Edition. It is also available on major digital download stores. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single - Limited Edition (R 6723):
Numb - New Radio Version
Party Song

12" Single - Limited Edition (12R 6723):
Numb - Album Version
Numb - Accapella
Psychological - Ewan Pearson Vocal Remix

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6723):
Numb - New Radio Version
West End Girls - Live At The Mermaid Theatre

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6723):
Numb - PSB Original Demo
Party Song
Bright Young Things
Numb - Enhanced Video

Also released in the UK today is 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue', the lavish new book published by Thames & Hudson that brings together all Pet Shop Boys' artwork, videos, stage productions and other visual material from 1984 to 2004. Buy 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue': UK Book.

13th October 2006 - New York Concert And Signing

Neil and Chris will be dashing downtown after their Radio City Music Hall concert to sign CDs and books. They will make a special appearance on Saturday 14th October 2006 with a midnight signing session at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square. Neil and Chris will sign copies of 'Fundamental', 'PopArt' (just released in the USA) and advance copies of the new book, 'Catalogue'. Space and time are limited so please arrive early.

10th October 2006 - Smash Hits Book

A new book compiles the best of 'Smash Hits magazine' which Neil workied for in the 80s. Neil has written the introduction to 'The Best Of Smash Hits', a new book reprinting classic interviews and features from the legendary and now deceased pop magazine which Neil worked for between 1982 and 1985 before leaving to be a full time Pet Shop Boy.
"I was lucky enough to work for Smash Hits in a golden age for British pop, between the end of punk and Live Aid. This was the period when young, intelligent pop stars had learnt the lessons and ideas of Punk and decided to link them to the glamour of pop stardom and nightlife. A stylish, thoughtful hedonistic pop era flourished and Smash Hits was its house magazine." The book is out now.

5th October 2006 - A Life In Pop

The 'A Life In Pop' documentary DVD co-produced with Channel 4 will include the videos for, 'Miracles', 'Flamboyant', 'I'm With Stupid', 'Minimal' and 'Numb', and Brit Award perfomances for 'What Have I Done To Deserve This?' (from 1988) and 'Go West' (from 1994). Pre-order 'A Life In Pop': UK DVD.

4th October 2006 - Happy Birthday Chris!

So Pet Shop Boys and all the many fans online wish Chris a very warm and happy 47th birthday!

3rd October 2006 - Exhibition And Book

An exhibition of photographs of the Pet Shop Boys will open at the National Portrait Gallery in London at the end of October.
To mark the launch of 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue', the lavish new book published by Thames & Hudson that brings together all Pet Shop Boys' artwork, videos, stage productions and other visual material from 1984 to 2004, the National Portrait Gallery will be presenting a small exhibition of photographs in their Bookshop Gallery.
This display, running from Monday 30th October 2006 until Wednesday 28th February 2007, will focus on their early collaboration with Eric Watson and also include work by other star photographers such as Pennie Smith and Andy Earl.
'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue' will be published on Monday 16th October 2006 in the UK, USA and Germany (in German). Book-signings are planned for New York (this month) and London (in December). Pre-order 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue': UK Book.

2nd October 2006 - TV Appearance

Neil and Chris will be interviewed on 'The New Paul O'Grady Show' on this evening at 5pm on Channel 4 in the UK.

1st October 2006 - PopArt USA

Three years after its release in the rest of the world, 'PopArt' is finally released in the USA.

30th September 2006 - American Tour Starts Soon

Neil, Chris and their singers and dancers have been rehearsing all week for their 24-date tour of Canada, USA and Mexico which begins on Tuesday 10th October 2006 in Montreal, Canada and finishes on Thursday 16th November 2006 in Monterrey, Mexico. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

29th September 2006 - Concrete Track Listing

The live album 'Concrete' will be released on Monday 23rd October 2006. The album was recorded in May at the Mermaid Theatre, London, with the BBC Concert Orchestra, and it's produced by Trevor Horn. It features guest artists Rufus Wainwright, Frances Barber and Robbie Williams. Pre-order 'Concrete': UK CD. The track listing is as follows:

CD2:
Numb
It's Alright
Luna Park
Nothing Has Been Proved
Jealousy sung by Robbie Williams
Dreaming Of The Queen
It's A Sin
Indefinite Leave To Remain
West End Girls

28th September 2006 - Popjustice

Neil and Chris have given their 'Barfly' recording of 'It's A Sin' for a Popjustice website compilation album. When the Pet Shop Boys performed at the Camden Barfly in March 2004 for the War Child charity, they programmed a new version of 'It's A Sin' and later recorded it in their own studio, shortly before performing it on the 'Parkinson' TV show. This is it's first release.
The album called 'Pop! Justice: 100% Solid Pop Music' is a non-stop mix of everything that's right in the world of pop, the compilation album celebrates an eclectic array of artists, as championed by the notorious Popjustice website, with other exclusive tracks from Girls Aloud and Sophie Ellis-Bextor to indie-pop favourites The Killers and The Automatic. It's released on Monday 23rd October 2006. Pre-order 'Pop! Justice: 100% Solid Pop Music': UK CD.

27th September 2006 - Numb Photograph

The photograph on the cover of the new single 'Numb' was taken by Sam Taylor-Wood in November 2003 and features Chris and Neil seated in The Jerusalem Tavern pub in Clerkenwell, London, wearing "Doctor of the Plague" masks bought in Venice.
Originally 'Numb' was going to be on the 'PopArt' album, released at the end of 2003, and the song was planned for a single release early in 2004. Chris and Neil decided, however, to keep 'Numb' for their next studio album and stored the photograph for future use. Its time has now come.
Sam Taylor-Wood first collaborated with Pet Shop Boys in 1997 on their 'Somewhere' series of shows at the Savoy Theatre in London.

23rd September 2006 - Numb Track Listing

'Numb' is the third single to be released from 'Fundamental' on Monday 16th October 2006. It will be released on four formats, two CDs, 7" and 12". Pre-order 'Numb': UK CD1, UK CD2, UK 7" Limited Edition, UK 12" Limited Edition. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single - Limited Edition (R 6723):
Numb - New Radio Version
Party Song

12" Single - Limited Edition (12R 6723):
Numb - Album Version
Numb - Accapella
Psychological - Ewan Pearson Vocal Remix

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6723):
Numb - New Radio Version
West End Girls - Live At The Mermaid Theatre

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6723):
Numb - PSB Original Demo
Party Song
Bright Young Things
Numb - Enhanced Video

21st September 2006 - Chris Goes Back To School

Chris revisited Arnold School in Blackpool, which he attended in the 1970s. He was guest of honour at the opening of the new Ł500,000 music department.

20th September 2006 - Concert Is Concrete

The double-CD of Pet Shop Boys Mermaid Theatre concert is now called 'Concrete' and will be released on Monday 23rd October 2006. 'Concrete' was Neil and Chris's original title which they changed to the more explanatory 'Concert' but at the last minute decided they preferred the original title. Pre-order 'Concrete': UK CD.

16th September 2006 - Bestival Highlights

Highlights of last weekends Bestival on the Isle of Wight are on Channel 4 in the UK early tomorrow morning at 12.15am.

14th September 2006 - Scissor Sisters v Pet Shop Boys

In a Times Online podcast, the Scissor Sisters say that they sent a song to the Pet Shop Boys called 'Don't Make A Joke Of Me No More' during the making of 'Fundamental', but they never heard back from Neil & Chris about it.

6th September 2006 - Numb Out Next

'Numb' will be the third single to be released from 'Fundamental'. It will be an edited version with new production by Trevor Horn. Bonus tracks will be 'Party Song' and 'Bright Young Things', the former produced by Pet Shop Boys and the latter by Pet Shop Boys and Chris Zippel. A new dance mix of 'Psychological' by Ewan Pearson will also be included on a limited edition 12" vinyl release. 'Numb' will be released on Monday 16th October 2006, full details to follow when available. The video for 'Numb' (edited to the original album version) has recently been completed and is described by the directors (Julian Gibbs, Julian House and Chris Sayer) as "an icy emotional landscape of borrowed dreams, sewn together with the power and style of Russian constructivist cinema".

30th August 2006 - Back On Tour

After a couple of weeks on holiday (Chris was in Ibiza and Italy, Neil was in England), the Pet Shop Boys are about to play their last six shows of the summer, starting off in Germany at the Schlossgarten Ludwigslust (about 100 km from Hamburg) on Saturday.
On Sunday they'll be at Electric Picnic in Ireland and then off to Barcelona on Tuesday. After a free concert in the City Square of Skopje, Macedonia, on Thursday, the final two European shows for this summer are Bestival on the Isle of Wight and the Summer of Music festival in Poland.

28th August 2006 - Concert This Evening

At 7pm this evening, BBC Radio 6 Music will broadcast the entire, unedited 90 minutes of the Pet Shop Boys performance with the BBC Concert Orchestra and an all-star band recorded in May. The original Radio 2 broadcast was edited but this will be the full concert including guest appearances by Frances Barber, Rufus Wainwright and Robbie Williams. Trevor Horn was the musical director.

27th August 2006 - Electronic

Electronic, the duo of former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and New Order singer Bernard Sumner, are set to release a greatest hits album on Monday 18th September 2006. 'Get The Message, The Best Of Electronic' will include their two collaborations with Neil, 'Getting Away With It' and 'Disappointed' and 13 other tracks.
Electronic released three albums in the 1990s and on their debut release collaborated with the Pet Shop Boys on another track 'The Patience Of A Saint'. Neil and Chris subsequently performed with Electronic at their debut concerts in Los Angeles, supporting Depeche Mode at the Dodger Stadium. Johnny Marr has, of course, played on three Pet Shop Boys albums. Pre-order 'Get The Message, The Best Of Electronic': UK CD. There is also CD/DVD double pack which includes the videos for 'Getting Away With It' and 'Disappointed'.

26th August 2006 - Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams says working with Chris and Neil, his childhood heroes was a real honour. He said, "I am truly blessed. The odds of Robbie Williams making a ninth album 10 years ago would have been more than long against. To be writing this album and having my heroes work with me feels phenomenal." Robbie reckons his new album, 'Rudebox' is the best record he's made to date, it includes the two new collaborations the Pet Shop Boys have done with him, 'She's Madonna' and 'We're The Pet Shop Boys'.
Meanwhile Robbie has been accused of stealing 'She's Madonna' from Rod Stewart's stepson Ashley Hamilton. Ashley, whose mother Alana was Rod's first wife says he worked with Robbie on the track before Robbie asked Neil and Chris to finish it. Ashley told the 'Daily Mirror', "We came up with this idea over coffee one afternoon and worked on the lyrics together. The next thing I know, a producer's ringing me up to say congratulations for getting my song on Robbie's record. I didn't know what he was talking about!" Robbie says he wrote the track after seeing Madonna perform at last year's MTV Europe awards, but Ashley insists the track was written 3 years ago. A spokesperson for Robbie said, "'She's Madonna' is a collaboration between Robbie and the Pet Shop Boys."
'Rudebox' is released on Monday 23rd October 2006, the same day as two PSB releases, the live 'Concert' album and the DVD of 'Pet Shop Boys: A Life In Pop' (it could be an expensive day). Pre-order 'Rudebox': UK CD.

20th August 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Minimal' went out of the top 75.

18th August 2006 - Free Concert

On Thursday 7th September 2006 at 10 pm, the Pet Shop Boys will be performing a free concert in the City Square of Skopje in the Republic of Macedonia. The concert is sponsored by T-Mobile. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

16th August 2006 - Chris Writes For The West End

Chris has written the music for a song in the famous play 'Bent' by Martin Sherman, which is to be revived in London at the Trafalgar Studios from Friday 22nd September 2006. The director of the play, Daniel Kramer asked the Pet Shop Boys to write the music for the song 'Streets Of Berlin' which already had lyrics by Martin Sherman. As Neil was, ironically, in the streets of Berlin working on Rufus Wainwright's new album, Chris wrote the music by himself. In previous productions, the lyrics have been set to music by both Philip Glass and Mick Jagger.

15th August 2006 - New Releases In October

Parlophone/EMI have decided to delay the release of 'Concert', the double-CD of the complete Mermaid Theatre concert with the BBC Concert Orchestra, to Monday 23rd October 2006 for manufacturing and contractual reasons.
On the same day, Parlophone/EMI plan to release the DVD of 'Pet Shop Boys: A Life In Pop', the documentary which was originally shown on Channel 4 in the UK in May. The TV broadcast was less than an hour long whereas the DVD version is an expanded version, lasting approximately 2 hours 20 minutes long, and is a far more comprehensive overview of Pet Shop Boys' lives and career. As well as Neil and Chris, it features interviews with Brandon Flowers, Jake Shears, Trevor Horn and Robbie Williams, amongst others.
October will also see the release of 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue', the illustrated book published by Thames & Hudson which documents the entire visual, design, video and staging output of Pet Shop Boys from 1984 to 2004. The book will also be published in the USA and in a German-language version in Germany (publication date to be confirmed). There are no plans at present for USA releases of 'Pet Shop Boys: A Life In Pop' or 'Concert'.

14th August 2006 - Minimal Is Essential

'Minimal - Tocadisco's Sunday At Space Mix' is shaping up to be a smash in Ibiza this summer. Last Friday Pete Tong made it his Essential New Tune on his weekly BBC Radio 1 show.

13th August 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Minimal' went down 22 places to number 63.

9th August 2006 - Neil And Rufus

Neil has been helping Rufus Wainwright with his new album. For the past week, Neil has been in Berlin and has been working as consultant producer on Rufus Wainwright's new album.
Neil and Chris first met Rufus in 2000 when they both perfomed at the Human Rights Concert in Washington DC and have remained in touch since. Rufus sang 'Casanova In Hell' at the Mermaid Theatre concert recently and this version will appear on the live 'Concert' album due for release on Monday 25th September 2006.
Rufus is producing his new album himself but earlier this year asked Neil if he would help to oversee the production. The album is due for release early in 2007.

6th August 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Minimal' went down 22 places to number 41.

3rd August 2006 - Neil, Chris And Robbie

The two new collaborations the Pet Shop Boys have done with Robbie Williams for his forthcoming album 'Rudebox' are, 'She's Madonna' (a new Williams-Tennant-Lowe composition) and 'We're The Pet Shop Boys' (written by My Robot Friend and previously recorded by the Pet Shop Boys as a track on the 'Miracles' 2 track CD in 2003).
Chris said they enjoyed collaborating with Robbie on his new album. "He just came over to us (in Soho House) and said, "Hey do you fancy forming a supergroup?" Absolutely. Why wouldn't we." "And out of that came two songs. Not quite the supergroup that we imagined. We could never think of another person to have in there."

2nd August 2006 - Live Album Release Date

Parlophone have given Monday 25th September 2006 as the provisional release date for 'Concert', the double-CD of the complete Mermaid Theatre concert with the BBC Concert Orchestra, featuring guests Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright and Frances Barber.
Robbie Williams' own new album 'Rudebox' is scheduled to be released on the same day. It includes two collaborations with the Pet Shop Boys.

1st August 2006 - Madonna Concert

Madonna began the UK leg of her 'Confessions' world tour at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday and Pet Shop Boys fans there were amazed to hear Neil's vocals from the 'Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix' introducing the track. Last year Neil's pre-recorded vocals also featured in Kylie Minogue's sold-out 'Showgirl: The Greatest Hits' world tour as Kylie duetted with him on the Pet Shop Boys track 'In Denial'. Madonna's tour continues at the Wembley Arena in London for the next couple of weeks.

31st July 2006 - Out Today

'Fundamentalism (Part 2)' is released in the UK today. It's a limited edition 4 track 12". which will be deleted today, on the day of release. It's produced on heavyweight vinyl and is lavishly packaged. Buy 'Fundamentalism (Part 2)': UK 12" Part 2 Limited Edition. The track listing is as follows:

12" Limited Edition Heavyweight Vinyl (3647821) - Fundamentalism (Part 2):
I'm With Stupid - Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix
In Private - Stuart Crichton Club Mix
Minimal - Lobe Remix
Gomorrah - Dettinger Remix

30th July 2006 - UK Chart

This week 'Minimal' entered the singles chart at number 19 and the download singles chart at number 68.

28th July 2006 - Live Album To Be Released

Parlophone will release the complete Pet Shop Boys/BBC Concert Orchestra concert recorded on Monday 8th May 2006 at the Mermaid Theatre in London. The show also featured guests Frances Barber, Rufus Wainwright and Robbie Williams. Trevor Horn was the musical director. The double-CD is expected to be released at the end of September 2006. Full details to follow when available.

27th July 2006 - Le Sport

In each issue of Literally Neil and Chris each choose their five favourite records to listen to (at the time of going to press). In Issue 30, one of Neil's favourites is 'If Neil Tennant Was My Lover' by a Swedish group called Le Sport. The track is on the groups debut album 'Euro Deluxe Dance Party' (catalogue number SIWIHW009) which was released in Sweden on Wednesday 5th April 2006. Apparently the album is "very Pet Shop Boys/New Order-ish sounding" and one swedish website describe it as "like the Pet Shop Boys but younger and faster."

26th July 2006 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'Minimal' is set to miss out on the top 10 in the singles chart. It's currently at number 13.

26th July 2006 - Radio Appearances

Chris and Neil will be interviwed by Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2 today, on Thursday 27th July 2006 they will be interviwed by Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6 and on Tuesday 1st August 2006 they can be heard on Resonance FM between 2pm and 3pm talking to Ben Thompson "about their invasion of London's most celebrated public spaces, while playing some of the records they associate most closely with the city once known as The Great Wen."

25th July 2006 - The Chris Lowe Remix

The U-Myx function on the 'Minimal' Maxi CD is proving very popular. Chris has done his own mix, 'Minimal - Chris Lowe Summer Mix'.

24th July 2006 - Robbie/PSB Controversy

The subject matter of one of the two Robbie Williams/Pet Shop Boys collaborations on Robbie's forthcoming album 'Rudebox' is discussed in today's 'Daily Mirror' newspaper. They say the track (a duet with Neil) is "already being described as a pop masterpiece" but also consider it rather controversial.

24th July 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'Minimal' is released in the UK today. It's released on three formats today, two CDs and a DVD and on Thursday 27th July 2006 it's released on 7" clear vinyl. Buy 'Minimal': UK CD1, UK CD2, DVD, UK 7" Limited Edition Clear Vinyl. It is also available on major digital download stores with exclusive remixes by M Factor, Tiga, Superchumbo and Telex. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single - Limited Edition Clear Vinyl (R 6708):
Minimal - Radio Edit
In Private - 7-Inch Mix

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6708):
Minimal - Radio Edit
In Private - 7-Inch Mix

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6708):
Minimal - Radio Edit
Minimal - Tocadisco's Sunday At Space Mix
Minimal - M-Factor Mix
Minimal - U-Myx Format

DVD Single (DVD 6708):
Minimal - Telex Hell Remix
Blue On Blue
No Time For Tears - 7-Inch Mix
Minimal - Video

Digital Download Only Exclusives:
Minimal - M-Factor Dub
Minimal - Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L Remix
Minimal - Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L Dub
Minimal - Superchumbo's Light & Shade Dub
Minimal - Telex Heaven Remix

21st July 2006 - Literally Issue 30

It's here, Literally Issue 30 came through my letterbox this morning. To find out what's in it see my Literally page for more details.

19th July 2006 - Literally

Literally (Issue 30) has just been dispatched to Pet Shop Boys Club members.

15th July 2006 - Minimal Remixes

There is a promo CD of 'Minimal' doing the rounds containing nine remixes. Some of these remixes, if not all will be available for purchase on major digital download stores. The track listing is as follows:

Promo CD Single (0094637114421):
Minimal - Radio Edit
Minimal - Tocadisco's Sunday At Space Mix
Minimal - M-Factor Mix
Minimal - M-Factor Dub
Minimal - Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L Remix
Minimal - Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L Dub
Minimal - Superchumbo's Light & Shade Dub
Minimal - Telex Hell Remix
Minimal - Telex Heaven Remix
In Private - Tomcraft 7-Inch Mix

13th July 2006 - Literally

A new issue of Literally (Issue 30), the Pet Shop Boys Club magazine, will be ready to be sent out in a week or so.

12th July 2006 - Neil's Birthday

Neil and Chris played the Exit Festival at Novi Sad in Serbia at 10.15pm on Sunday evening (11th July) in front of an estimated audience of around 40,000, according to local newspapers. They were followed at 12.15am (12th July) by the Scissor Sisters whose set Neil and Chris watched. Before their final encore, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters informed the audience that it was now Neil's birthday and got the entire crowd to join in and sing 'Happy Birthday' to Neil who promptly ran on the stage! Neil said that it was a very memorable birthday moment. He, Chris, Jake, Sylvia Mason-James, Pete Gleadall and others then went to enjoy Jeff Mills spinning in the spectacular Dance Arena.
Neil and Chris spent most of Monday sightseeing in Belgrade before returning to London on Tuesday. Neil would like to thank all fans who have sent him cards or posted birthday greetings to him via various fan forums and sites.

10th July 2006 - Happy Birthday Neil!

So Pet Shop Boys and all the many fans online wish Neil a very warm and happy 52nd birthday!

1st July 2006 - England's Numb

At the end of last nights live coverage of the England v Portugal World Cup Quarter-Final match, when England lost 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw, the BBC played a montage of England's key moments during the tournament edited to a soundtrack of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Numb'. Numb summed up how all of us English felt after yet another tournament defeat on penalties. The match is estimated to have been watched by one of the biggest TV audiences of the year. The rather moving montage was later repeated on 'Match Of The Day' and on BBCi. 'Go West' has also featured at the World Cup, at the end of every match the stadium PA plays a German rewrite of it.

30th June 2006 - Supporting PSB

At the Pet Shop Boys' concert in Liverpool on Sunday, Client will be the support act. Lorraine who were the support act at the Tower of London concerts will return for the Thetford Forest concert.

29th June 2006 - Up For Selection

The video for 'Minimal' is now available for selection on UK satellite music television channels, The Hits (the selection number is 159) and The Box (the selection number is 134).

25th June 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'Fundamental' went out of the top 75.

23rd June 2006 - North American Tour

Neil and Chris have confirmed a tour of North America. The tour includes two dates in Canada and two dates in Mexico. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

22nd June 2006 - Remix Minimal

The second CD single of 'Minimal' will also contain a U-Myx track which allows you to make your own remix of 'Minimal'. U-Myx is an interactive music format which enables music fans "to make their own, personal mixes of major artists songs, without requiring any specialist knowledge or equipment". It was launched in September 2004.
For more information visit the U-Myx website.

20th June 2006 - Top Of The Pops Cancelled

The UK weekly music show 'Top Of The Pops' has been an institution in Britain since 1964. Today the BBC announced that it will be broadcast for the last time on Sunday 30th July 2006.
Neil and Chris were sad to hear the news, having been seen on the show 60 times, including 35 individual studio performances. Neil commented, "We've felt that the BBC have gradually run down the show since the mid-90s, not trusting the chart-based format, moving it from its classic Thursday evening slot on BBC1 until it ended up on BBC2 with inevitably smaller viewing figures. 'Top Of The Pops' is a world-famous name in music television and it's a shame to see it disappear. Actually, it's worse than a shame, it's a mistake".

19th June 2006 - Minimal Track Listing

'Minimal' is the second single to be released from 'Fundamental' on Monday 24th July 2006. It will be released on four formats, two CDs, DVD and a 7" clear vinyl. The 7" is released on Thursday 27th July 2006. Pre-order 'Minimal': UK CD1, UK CD2, DVD, UK 7" Limited Edition Clear Vinyl. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single - Limited Edition Clear Vinyl (R 6708):
Minimal - Radio Edit
In Private - 7-Inch Mix

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6708):
Minimal - Radio Edit
In Private - 7-Inch Mix

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6708):
Minimal - Radio Edit
Minimal - Tocadisco's Sunday At Space Mix
Minimal - M-Factor Mix
Minimal - U-Myx Format

DVD Single (DVD 6708):
Minimal - Telex Hell Remix
Blue On Blue
No Time For Tears - 7-Inch Mix
Minimal - Video

'In Private' is the 7" mix of the track which appears in a longer mix on 'Fundamentalism', featuring vocals by Neil and Elton John. 'Blue On Blue' was written and recorded by the Pet Shop Boys in 2003 at the same time as 'Luna Park' and 'Casanova In Hell'. The mix of 'No Time For Tears' was made by Tim Weidner at Sarm West studios in 2005 when it was considered as a single release to promote the 'Battleship Potemkin' album. The video for 'Minimal' was made in Paris, directed by Don Cameron. Unlike 'I'm With Stupid', Neil and Chris feature heavily!

19th June 2006 - Fundamental In America

'Fundamental' will be released in the USA next week on Tuesday 27th June 2006. It will be released on the Rhino label, a division of Warner Bros. The album is already available on iTunes USA and is currently number 39 in their album chart and number 7 in their pop chart. To correct what was reported earlier, iTunes USA is selling 'Fundamentalism' as a separate album. However the bonus demo tracks and the video of 'I'm With Stupid', which are included as part of a 'Fundamental' bundle on other iTunes sites around the world, are not being offered as part of 'Fundamental' or 'Fundamentalism' on iTunes USA.

18th June 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'Fundamental' went down 26 places to number 73.

17th June 2006 - Summer Tour Has Started

Neil and Chris last night played a sold-out concert at the Cirkus in Stockholm and the previous night the first show of their tour in Skein, Norway.
The show is an ambitious multi-media production, conceived and designed by theatre designer Es Devlin with choreography by Hakeem Osibudo. Neil and Chris are joined onstage by singers Sylvia Mason-James, Andy Love and Nick Clow and two young dancers, Swan and Nathan Holliday. The set list includes new songs such as 'Minimal' and 'Integral' alongside older songs such as 'Shopping', 'Dreaming Of The Queen' and 'It's A Sin'. 'The Sodom And Gomorrah Show' is already proving to be a favourite with audiences. On the first two dates a couple of semi-acoustic versions of 'Home And Dry' and 'Before' were performed.

16th June 2006 - Another Date

Neil and Chris have annouced another festival date. They will be at the Eclectic Festival (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) in Valencia, Spain on Sunday 23rd July 2006. This is a free concert.
For more information visit the Panorama Actual website.

15th June 2006 - Supporting PSB

The Pet Shop Boys' summer tour starts tonight in Norway at the Sommer Festival in Skien. At tonight's show, and also at the Tower of London and Thetford Forest shows, Lorraine who are form Bergen in Norway will be the support act. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

14th June 2006 - On The Beach

The Pet Shop Boys will be performing three songs on Channel 4's live music event 'T4 on the Beach' on Sunday 18th June 2006. The show is transmitted live on TV. Pet Shop Boys are flying in from Denmark and are expected to perform at around 4.15pm.

11th June 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'Fundamental' went down 25 places to number 47.

10th June 2006 - Questions Answered

Fans on tennant-lowe.com sent in some questions and Neil has answered some of them. Here are the best of them:

Q. Why does Japan get rare tracks on each album and we miss out in the UK?
A. In Japan, domestic releases are more expensive than foreign imports so they always get something extra to make the domestic release more attractive.

Q. 'Fugitive' is fantastic. Will this be a single?
A. No.

Q. A few years back you performed 'Philadelphia' for the TV show Re-Covered. Is there any chance ever that this could be released as a B-side or a single. It's an incredibly moving song, and your version was awesome.... please please please.
A. We might record it sometime but Chris doesn't think our arrangement was good enough.

Q. 'Discovery Tour' on DVD?
A. It is planned to release 'Discovery', 'It Couldn't Happen Here' and the complete 1989 tour film (directed by Derek Jarman) on DVD in the next few years. But please be patient...

Q. Will we ever have a Live CD?
A. Maybe the BBC Radio 2 concert.

Q. Why is there no remix CD for 'I'm With Stupid' available. Will this become the norm from now on, or can we expect to see the remixes issued on CD in some markets for the 'Fundamental' singles?
A. One of the formats of 'Minimal' will include remixes.

Q. Have you considered making rarities compilation CDs for the fan club. Perhaps the "download only" remixes could be sold as fan club CD EPs?
A. We are thinking about a function like this online.

Q. Do you still have the intention to make big concerts with big theatrical tricks when touring?
A. The new tour is quite theatrical!

Q. What is happening with 'Nightlife & Further Listening'?
A. It was postponed by Parlophone. It will be released at some point though.

Q. Will there be a 'Closer to Heaven' further listening?
A. Those tracks would be on the 'Nightlife & Further Listening' CD.

Q. What will happen to 'Bright Young Things'. It's a masterpiece, one of the best PSB songs ever.
A. Thanks. It will probably be a bonus track on a single this year.

Q. 'Integral' should be single, don't you think so?
A. Yes, I do. But I think about half the tracks on the album could be singles...

6th June 2006 - Rehearsing

Production rehearsals are about to start for the summer tour show which is being created with theatre designer Es Devlin and choreographer Hakeem Onibudo. The first show is in Norway on Thursday 15th June 2006 at the Sommer Festival in Skien. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

5th June 2006 - Minimal Video

Neil and Chris have just returned from Paris where they have filmed the video for their next single 'Minimal'. The video is directed by Don Cameron.

4th June 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'I'm With Stupid' went out of the top 75 and in the album chart 'Fundamental' went down 17 places to number 22.

3rd June 2006 - Fundamental In Japan With Bonus Tracks

'Fundamental' will be released in Japan on Tuesday 6th June 2006. It will be released on the Toshiba label, a division of EMI. Toshiba will also release, on the same day, the limited edition double-CD version, including the dance album 'Fundamentalism'. The Japanese edition of the double-CD version includes 2 extra bonus tracks on 'Fundamentalism'. Buy 'Fundamental': Japanese CD. The 2 extra bonus tracks are as follows:

I'm With Stupid - PSB Maxi-Mix
Minimal - Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L Remix

2nd June 2006 - European Chart

This week in the album chart 'Fundamental' entered the album chart at number 2.

2nd June 2006 - Pet Shop Boys Remix Bananarama

Neil and Chris have apparently remixed Bananarama's next single 'I Feel For You' due for release next month. 'I Feel For You' is taken from Bananarama's latest album 'Drama' which was released last year. Apparently a track that Neil and Chris wrote early last year for Bananarama wasn't used on the album.

1st June 2006 - German TV Appearance And Chart

Neil and Chris have returned from Germany where they were interviewed by Stephan Raab on 'TV Total', they also performed 'I'm With Stupid'. 'Fundamental' is at number 4 in the German album chart.

28th May 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'I'm With Stupid' went down 22 places to number 47 and 'Fundamental' entered the album chart at number 5.

28th May 2006 - Happy Birthday So Pet Shop Boys!

So Pet Shop Boys is 6 years old today!

27th May 2006 - Radio 2 Concert

Neil, Chris and special guests, Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright and Frances Barber (star of the original production of 'Closer To Heaven') performed a 'Live & Exclusive' concert for BBC Radio 2 with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Mermaid Theatre in London on Monday 8th May 2006. Neil and Chris also talk about their songwriting history with Stuart Maconie. You can listen to the concert tonight at 9pm on BBC Radio 2 88-91FM and online at the Radio 2 website. You can also listen again to the entire concert for seven days after broadcast via the BBC Radio Player. The set listing was as follows:

Left To My Own Devices
Rent
You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk *
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
Casanova In Hell (Rufus Wainwright)
After All *
Friendly Fire (Frances Barber)
Integral
Numb *
It's Alright
Luna Park
Nothing Has Been Proved
Jealousy (with Robbie Williams)
Dreaming Of The Queen *
It's A Sin
Indefinite Leave To Remain
West End Girls

* These tracks that won't be included in the broadcast of the concert, but you can listen to them at the Sold On Song section of the Radio 2 website.

27th May 2006 - Pet Shop Noise Charity Party

Pet Shop Noise, the officially recognised Pet Shop Boys Tribute Band are holding a charity Pet Shop Boys Party on Sunday 28th May 2006 (tomorrow). It's being held at Edward's No. 8 Nightclub, Lower Severn Street, Birmingham, B1 1BL. Doors open at 7pm and the event ends at midnight. Along with Pet Shop Noise performing, the Pet Shop Boys themselves are donating several signed rare items for raffle/auction to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust. This will be an evening of non stop Pet Shop Boys music not to be missed! Tickets are available for Ł7 in advance from Ticketweb and Edward's No. 8 or Ł9 it's on the door.

26th May 2006 - Swedish West End Girls

A young Swedish girl duo called West End Girls only record Pet Shop Boys tracks. They released 'Domino Dancing' in October 2005 and 'West End Girls' in January 2006. Their third single 'Suburbia' and their album 'Goes Petshopping' are both released in Sweden on the same day, Wednesday 7th June 2006 on the Columbia record label. Pre-order 'Goes Petshopping': Swedish CD. The track listing for the single 'Suburia' is as follows:

CD Single (SME-8287682-9192):
Suburbia - Orginal Version
Suburbia - Punkstar 80s Remix
Suburbia - Extended Version

The track listing for the album 'Goes Petshopping' is as follows:

CD (SME-8287677-4982):
I'm Not Scared
Domino Dancing
Suburbia
Rent
Shopping
You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
West End Girls
Being Boring
Love Comes Quickly
It's A Sin
Jealousy

For more information visit the official West End Girls website.

25th May 2006 - Digital Download Exclusives

Shoppers at the iTunes online Music Store can buy the special edition of 'Fundamental' with 'Fundamentalism' but also, exclusively, the demo versions of 'I'm With Stupid' and 'The Sodom And Gomorrah Show'. You can hear what they sounded like before Trevor Horn got his hands on them in a "proper" studio!

24th May 2006 - A Life In Pop

'Pet Shop Boys: A Life In Pop' a Channel 4 documentary about the Pet Shop Boys, made with their full cooperation, will be shown tonight at 11.05pm on Channel 4 in the UK. It includes interviews with Bruce Weber, Robbie Williams, Brandon Flowers (The Killers), Tim Rice-Oxley (Keane), Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters) and West End Girls (see below) amongst others. Neil and Chris are interviewed together at Tate Modern in London and are filmed and interviewed separately in their hometowns of Newcastle and Blackpool. A much longer version of the documentary will subsequently be released on DVD.
A correction: Channel 4's pre-publicity suggests that Pet Shop Boys' first producer Bobby 'O', appears in the film, but this is not the case.

23rd May 2006 - More Radio Appearances

Chris and Neil will be talking to Phil Jupitus on BBC Radio 6 tomorrow morning from 9am and they will also be talking to Jonathan Ross on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 27th May 2006 from 10am.

22nd May 2006 - Radio Appearance

Neil and Chris will be talking to Simon Mayo on BBC Radio Five Live at 3pm today.

22nd May 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that the long-awaited new album 'Fundamental' is released in the UK today. Buy 'Fundamental': UK CD, UK CD Limited Edition, UK Vinyl, UK 12" Part 1 Limited Edition. The track listing is as follows:

CD (3628592) and Vinyl (3628591) - Fundamental:
Psychological
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
I Made My Excuses And Left
Minimal
Numb
God Willing
Luna Park
I'm With Stupid
Casanova In Hell
Twentieth Century
Indefinite Leave To Remain
Integral

A limited edition of 'Fundamental' includes a bonus dance album 'Fundamentalism', containing six remixes and two new tracks. The track listing is as follows:

Special Limited Edition CD (3628602) - Fundamentalism:
Fugitive - Richard X Extended Mix
Sodom - Trentemřller Remix
Psychological - Alter Ego Remix
Flamboyant - Michael Mayer Kompakt Remix
I'm With Stupid - Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix
In Private - Stuart Crichton Club Mix
Minimal - Lobe Remix
Gomorrah - Dettinger Remix

'Fugitive' was originally written at the beginning of 2005 and was recently completed with Richard X. 'In Private' is the Pet Shop Boys' own version of the hit they wrote and produced for Dusty Springfield in 1989. It features vocals by Neil and Elton John. There is also a limited edition 4 track 12" version available which will be deleted today, on the day of release. It's produced on heavyweight vinyl and is lavishly packaged. The track listing is as follows:

12" Limited Edition Heavyweight Vinyl (3647811) - Fundamentalism (Part 1):
Fugitive - Richard X Extended Mix
Sodom - Trentemřller Remix
Psychological - Alter Ego Remix
Flamboyant - Michael Mayer Kompakt Remix

Also released in the UK today is DJ Fresh's album 'Escape From Planet Monday' which includes Neil on the track 'Throw'. Neil says the album is "brilliant". Buy 'Escape From Planet Monday': UK CD.

21st May 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'I'm With Stupid' went down 17 places to number 25.

20th May 2006 - Second Tower Of London Date

A second Tower of London date has been added and will go on sale tomorrow. The date is Thursday 29th June 2006 (the day after the first one). They will now be performing two concerts outdoors at the spectacular and historic location of the Tower of London as part of the Tower of London Festival, fans will be able to picnic on the lawns of the moat before the show. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

20th May 2006 - Record Of The Week

'Fundamental' has been selected as BBC Radio 2's Album of the Week in the UK.

19th May 2006 - Fundamental In America

'Fundamental' will be released in the USA on Tuesday 27th June 2006. It will be released on the Rhino label, a division of Warner Bros. Rhino will also release, on the same day, the limited edition double-CD version, including the dance album 'Fundamentalism'. The download release of the album will be earlier.

19th May 2006 - Splitting Up

Don't get worried. Neil and Chris admit they briefly thought about splitting up. Speaking in the Channel 4 documentary 'Pet Shop Boys: A Life In Pop', to be shown on Wednesday 24th May 2006 at 11.05pm, Neil said, "I once asked Chris, shall we call it a day? Chris just didn't reply, and it was never mentioned again." Chris said, "I trained as an architect, but it'd be embarassing if I did it now. I'm unemployable."

18th May 2006 - More TV And Radio Appearances

Neil will be interviewed on 'This Week' (a weekly politics and current affairs discussion show), tonight at 11.35pm on BBC1 in the UK, talking about the 1980s. Neil and Chris will appear on 'The Colin and Edith Show' on Friday 19th May 2006 between 3 and 4pm on Radio 1 in the UK. Neil and Chris will appear on 'The Culture Show' on Saturday 20th May 2006 at 8.10pm on BBC2 in the UK (repeated early on Sunday 21st May 2006 at 12.40am again on BBC2), talking about their 25-year career. Neil and Chris will be interviewed on 'The New Paul O'Grady Show' on Monday 22nd May 2006 at 5pm on Channel 4 in the UK.

18th May 2006 - Battleship Potemkin In Dresden

On Thursday 20th July 2006 the Pet Shop Boys will perform their original music for 'Battleship Potemkin' with the Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra from the balconies of a high-rise apartment block on the famous Prager Strasse in celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the city of Dresden in Germany. The orchestra will play from the balconies of the gigantic block, while Neil and Chris will perform on the roof. Prager Strasse, was first constructed in 1851 and rebuilt several times after its destruction in 1945.

17th May 2006 - So Pet Shop Boys Gets A New Look

I have given my website its fifth new look. After being based on 'PopArt', and before that 'Disco 3', 'Release', and 'Nightlife', I have now based it on, 'Fundamental' which is released next week.

17th May 2006 - International Charts

This week 'I'm With Stupid' is at number 3 in Denmark, number 5 in Spain, number 10 in Sweden, number 24 (airplay) in Hong Kong, number 26 (video airplay) in Thailand, number 29 in Germany and number 46 in Holland.

16th May 2006 - Fundamental Launch Party

There is a special launch party on Friday 19th May 2006 to celebrate the release of 'Fundamental', so go along to hear tracks from the new album, and get the chance to lay your hands on some free goodies! It's being held at The Cock @ Ghetto, 6 Falconberg Court, London, W1, between 10.30pm and 4am. Admission is Ł5 before 11.30pm or with a flyer, or Ł7 otherwise.

15th May 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the airplay chart 'I'm With Stupid' went up 15 places to number 12.

15th May 2006 - Neil And Chris Say Thanks

Yesterday 'I'm With Stupid' was the highest new entry in the UK singles chart at number 7, the Pet Shop Boys' 21st top 10 single in the UK. As ever, Neil and Chris would like to thank their fans for all their support!

14th May 2006 - UK Chart

This week 'I'm With Stupid' entered the singles chart at number 8 and the download singles chart at number 24.

12th May 2006 - The Resurrectionist Story

If you are interested in the rather macabre story of 'The Resurrectionist', you might like to read the fascinating book which inspired Neil to write it. The book, entitled 'The Italian Boy: Murder And Grave-Robbery In 1830s London' is by Sarah Wise.

11th May 2006 - The Next Single

The second single to be released from 'Fundamental' will be 'Minimal'. It has already been remixed for clubs by Tiga. The release date is currently set for the end of July 2006 but this could change.

10th May 2006 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'I'm With Stupid' is set to enter the top 10 in the singles chart. It's currently at number 7.

9th May 2006 - BBC Concert

Neil and Chris last night played an exclusive concert at the Mermaid Theatre in London in front of an audience of 600 invited guests, including many winners of competitions. On stage with the Pet Shop Boys were the 60 (approx) members of the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Nick Ingman plus Trevor Horn (bass), Phil Palmer (acoustic guitars), Steve Lipson (guitars), Anne Dudley (piano and keyboards) and Paul Robinson (drums). Backing vocalists were Lol Creme, Andy Caine, Lucinda Barry and Sylvia Mason-James. Special guests Rufus Wainwright, Frances Barber (star of the original production of 'Closer To Heaven') and Robbie Williams each sang a song. Trevor Horn was the musical director. The set listing was as follows:

Left To My Own Devices - Full-length Introspective Version
Rent (Liza Minnelli arrangement)
You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
Casanova In Hell (Rufus Wainwright)
After All (from Battleship Potemkin with film)
Friendly Fire (Frances Barber)
Integral
Numb
It's Alright
Luna Park
Nothing Has Been Proved
Jealousy - Extended Version (with Robbie Williams)
Dreaming Of The Queen
It's A Sin
Indefinite Leave To Remain
West End Girls

The opera singer Sally Bradshaw also sang on 'Left To My Own Devices' and 'It's Alright'. The concert will be broadcast by BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 27th May at 8.30pm in the UK. However Chris Evans will play one song from the show tonight on Radio 2 between 5pm and 6pm in the UK.

9th May 2006 - TV Appearance

Neil and Chris will be interviewed live, tomorrow morning on 'Breakfast' at 9am on BBC1 in the UK.

8th May 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the airplay chart 'I'm With Stupid' went down 15 places to number 27.

8th May 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'I'm With Stupid' is released in the UK today. It's released on three formats, CD, DVD and a 7" picture disc. Buy 'I'm With Stupid': UK CD, UK DVD, UK 7" Limited Edition Picture Disc. It is also available on major digital download stores with exclusive remixes by the Pet Shop Boys, Abe Duque and Max Tundra. If you want to do a PSB karaoke there is also an instrumental version available for download. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single - Limited Edition Picture Disc (R 6690):
I'm With Stupid
Girls Don't Cry

CD Single - 2 Track CD (CDR 6690):
I'm With Stupid
The Resurrectionist

DVD Single (DVD 6690):
I'm With Stupid
The Resurrectionist - Goetz B. Extended Mix
Girls Don't Cry
I'm With Stupid - Video

Digital Download Only Exclusives:
I'm With Stupid - PSB Maxi-Mix
I'm With Stupid - Abe Duque Mix
I'm With Stupid - Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix
I'm With Stupid - Max Tundra Mix
I'm With Stupid - Instrumental

7th May 2006 - Macedonia

The Pet Shop Boys concert in Skopje City Square, Skopje, Macedonia scheduled for Tuesday 11th July 20006 has had to be postponed due to the announcement of elections there which will take place on Wednesday 12th July 2006. Hopefully the concert should be rescheduled for early September 2006.

6th May 2006 - Pet Shop Boys Documentary Update

Channel 4 in the UK have brought forward the transmission of the Pet Shop Boys documentary by one week. The hour-long film, 'Pet Shop Boys: A Life In Pop' will now be broadcast on Wednesday 24th May 2006 at 11.05pm.

5th May 2006 - I'm With Stupid Remixes

There is a promo CD of 'I'm With Stupid' doing the rounds containing five remixes. Some of these remixes, if not all will be available for purchase on major digital download stores. The track listing is as follows:

Promo CD Single (0094636497921):
I'm With Stupid - PSB Maxi-Mix
I'm With Stupid - Abe Duque Mix
I'm With Stupid - Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix
I'm With Stupid - Max Tundra Mix
I'm With Stupid - Abe Duque Dub
The Resurrectionist - Goetz B. Extended Mix

4th May 2006 - DJ Fresh

Last year Neil recorded vocals on a track called 'Throw' for DJ Fresh. The track is now being released on DJ Fresh's album 'Escape From Planet Monday' on Monday 22nd May 2006, the same day as 'Fundamental'.
The Pet Shop Boys originally met Dan Fresh when he worked with Adam F on the production of their single 'Miracles' in 2003. Last year DJ Fresh asked Neil to sing the chorus vocals on the final track of his album. Neil says the album is "brilliant". Pre-order 'Escape From Planet Monday': UK CD.

3rd May 2006 - TV Appearance

Neil and Chris will be on 'Popworld' on Saturday 6th May 2006 at 10.25am on Channel 4 in the UK. They are performing, 'I'm With Stupid'. They will also be interviewed which will be shown on the following weeks show.

2nd May 2006 - Battleship Potemkin

Chris and Neil performed their original music for 'Battleship Potemkin' with the Northern Sinfonia orchestra last night in the Swan Hunters Shipyard, Wallsend, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to an audience of 14,000 people. It was the sixth public performance of the work after London, Frankfurt, Bonn, Berlin and Hamburg and was presented by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative.

1st May 2006 - UK Chart

This week in the airplay chart 'I'm With Stupid' went up 28 places (from number 40) to number 12, reflecting a fast increase in plays of the new single by UK radio stations.

28th April 2006 - Pet Shop Boys Documentary

For the last year, a documentary about the history and music of the Pet Shop Boys has been in production with the full cooperation of Neil and Chris. The hour-long film now has a provisional transmission date of Wednesday 31st May 2006 on Channel 4 in the UK. It contains filmed interviews with PSB collaborators, friends and fans as well as Neil and Chris each being interviewed in their home towns of Newcastle and Blackpool. A longer version of the documentary is planned for DVD release in the autumn.

26th April 2006 - More Concert And Festival Dates

Neil and Chris have annouced three more dates. They will be at the Sommer Festival in Skien, Norway, on Thursday 15th June 2006, and the Volt Festival in Hungary, on Saturday 8th July 2006. They will also be playing a concert in Czech Republic, on Friday 11th August 2006. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

24th April 2006 - I'm With Stupid Remixes

The various remixes of 'I'm With Stupid' will be available for purchase on digital download stores. British chart rules only allow three formats for a single to be released. 'I'm With Stupid' is being released on 7" (picture disc), CD and DVD. Full details to follow when available.

23rd April 2006 - Stupid Masks

Neil and Chris performed 'I'm With Stupid' on 'Top Of The Pops' earlier this evening on BBC2. If you were watching you may have been wondering about the masks being worn by the dancers, they were of Tony Blair, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, David Cameron (current UK Conservative leader) and Menzies Campbell (current UK Liberal Democrat leader). Originally there were three Tony Blair and three George Bush masks but the BBC insisted that for "political balance" the other UK political party leaders had to be shown and that there could be only one Blair and one Bush. Luckily Putin and Clinton masks were acquired from a party shop while PSB management and make-up staff made quick Cameron and Campbell masks from newspaper photographs!

21st April 2006 - Up For Selection

The video for 'I'm With Stupid' is now available for selection on UK satellite music television channels, The Hits (the selection number is 150) and The Box (the selection number is 133).

16th April 2006 - Top Of The Pops

Neil and Chris will perform 'I'm With Stupid' on 'Top Of The Pops' on Sunday 23rd April 2006 at 7.00pm on BBC2 in the UK. This will be the first TV performance of the the new single.

15th April 2006 - I'm With Stupid DVD Track Listing

The track listing for the DVD single of the new Pet Shop Boys' new single 'I'm With Stupid' has been confirmed. Pre-order 'I'm With Stupid': UK DVD. The track listing is as follows:

DVD Single (DVD 6690):
I'm With Stupid
The Resurrectionist - Goetz B. Extended Mix
Girls Don't Cry
I'm With Stupid - Video

15th April 2006 - UK Chart

'I'm With Stupid' entered the Cool Cuts chart at number 1. The Cool Cuts is the UK's leading tastemaker dance chart compiled from reactions from tastemaker DJs and the Cool Cuts shop panel. The Cool Cuts chart is broadcast on Ministry Of Sound Digital Radio on Paul 'Radical' Ruiz - 'Anything Goes' show every Friday between 12-2pm on the Ministry Of Sound's website and on Tall Paul's 'Kiss 100' show. The Cool Cuts chart is published in the UK's leading music industry trade publication, 'Music Week'.
'I'm With Stupid' is at number 1 in the Cool Cuts Chart for the 'Music Week' issue, dated Saturday 22nd April 2006 with the comment, "A triumphant return with mixes from Max Tundra, Abe Duque and Melnyk."

14th April 2006 - Video Exclusive

The video for the new single 'I'm With Stupid' gets its exclusive first TV play tonight on Channel 4 at 11.45pm in the UK. The video for the single stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas of 'Little Britain', who play the Pet Shop Boys in two of their most famous video incarnations, 'Go West' and 'Can You Forgive Her?'. This gave David and Matt the opportunity to wear versions of the famous pointed hats and orange suits of 'Can You Forgive Her?', whilst re-enacting scenes from the video. Similarly, the 'Go West' promo is plundered for other scenes in this new video. Neil said, "We're really pleased with the way the video has turned out. Matt and David are brilliant in it."

14th April 2006 - Pet Shop Boys Catalogue

An illustrated book compiling the Pet Shop Boys' entire visual and design output from 1984-2004 will be published by the British art book publishers, Thames & Hudson, this year.
The book, entitled 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue' is being edited by Philip Hoare and Chris Heath and is expected to go on sale on Monday 30th October 2006. It also includes contributions from long-term PSB designer, Mark Farrow, as well as comments and an interview from Neil and Chris. Pre-order 'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue': UK Book.
For more information visit the Thames & Hudson website.

13th April 2006 - Mini Festival

The Pet Shop Boys will be one of the many acts performing at Channel 4's T4 on the Beach mini-festival at Weston-Super-Mare on Sunday 18th June 2006. The mini-festival is transmitted live on Channel 4 in the UK.

13th April 2006 - 3 Mobile Exclusive

If you have a 3 mobile contract, you will be able to see a sneak preview today of the video for the new single, 'I'm With Stupid'.

10th April 2006 - Exclusive Concert

The Pet Shop Boys will be performing an exclusive concert on Monday 8th May 2006, the same day as 'I'm With Stupid' is released. The Sold On Song performance with the BBC Concert Orchestra will be recorded for transmission on BBC Radio 2 later that month. The musical director of the show will be Trevor Horn, producer of the new album 'Fundamental', and the concert will feature tracks from the new album as well as Pet Shop Boys hits and other album tracks. Some of the tracks will be sung by special guests. If you live in the UK, you have a chance to win tickets to the concert which will take place at the Mermaid Theatre in London.
For more information visit the BBC Radio 2 website.

8th April 2006 - Record Of The Week

'I'm With Stupid' has been selected as BBC Radio 2's Record of the Week in the UK. Details of an exclusive Pet Shop Boys concert for Radio 2 will be announced shortly.

5th April 2006 - Fundamentalism Track Listing

A special edition of the new Pet Shop Boys' album 'Fundamental' will include a bonus dance album 'Fundamentalism', containing six remixes and two new tracks. 'Fundamental' is released on Monday 22nd May 2006. Pre-order 'Fundamental': UK CD, UK CD Limited Edition, UK Vinyl. The track listing is as follows:

Special Limited Edition CD (3628602):
Fugitive - Richard X Extended Mix
Sodom - Trentemřller Remix
Psychological - Alter Ego Remix
Flamboyant - Michael Mayer Kompakt Remix
I'm With Stupid - Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix
In Private - Stuart Crichton Club Mix
Minimal - Lobe Remix
Gomorrah - Dettinger Remix

4th April 2006 - More Concert And Festival Dates

Neil and Chris will play a concert in Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday 16th June 2006, at Cirkus. They will also be playing a concert at Skopje City Square, Macedonia, on Tuesday 11th July 2006 and headlining the Marktrock Festival in Leuven, Belgium, on Monday 14th August 2006. A concert in Norway for Thursday 15th June 2006 will be announced shortly. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

1st April 2006 - First Video Play

The first "official" play of the Pet Shop Boys' video for the new single 'I'm With Stupid' will be on Channel 4 on Friday 14th April 2006 at 11.45pm in the UK. After that video will become available to all TV stations to play. The video features David Walliams and Matt Lucas of 'Little Britain', Neil and Chris also appear in it. The video is being filmed this weekend.

1st April 2006 - April Fool!

This was posted on Pet Shop Boys Community this morning:

Just returned from my local independent store who very very kindly gave me this information.
Pet Shop Boys 'Fundamental – Limited Edition Box Set', Available soon to pre-order.
12th June 2006 will see the release of a very limited edition box set version of 'Fundamental'. Containing 12 CDs, each CD is a different version or track listing of the album and is highlighted by each letter in 'Fundamental'.
There will only be 500 copies of this lavish box set, which also comes with a 64 page booklet featuring unique photographs by John Ross and an in depth background to the making of this album.

Fundamental - Standard issue CD.
Unique - The standard album but with an alternate random track list. No version will be the same.
Neil - Neil's original track order. Note Chris's track list is the standard issue.
Demo - All 12 tracks in their original demo format.
Alphabetical #1 - In Alphabetical Order!
Mixed - DJ Hell has seamlessly mixed the tracks together into one continuous mix.
Extended - All 12 tracks have their own extended versions.
NoVox - Instrumental versions of all 12 tracks.
Trevor Horn - Alternative versions especially mixed by Trevor Horn.
Alphabetical #2 - In reverse alphabetical order!
Live - Neil and Chris went back into the studio in February 2006 and recorded the whole album in one track producing this unique live CD.

In addition, a copy of 'Fundamentalism' is also added as a bonus to make up the set.
Each box set will be individually numbered and signed by Neil and Chris and is expected to retail at Ł99.99.

31th March 2006 - Another Festival Date

Neil and Chris are headlining the Santander Festival in northern Spain on Saturday 24th June 2006. This is a three-day festival located on a small beach, Playa de Rostrio, just outside Santander City, with one stage featuring live bands and two more stages with DJs. The Prodigy are scheduled to appear on the same day as the Pet Shop Boys. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

30th March 2006 - Fundamental In America

The USA release of 'Fundamental' is under advanced discussion at the moment. It's hoped that it will be released in the USA on the same date as the rest of the world, Monday 22nd May 2006.
It is planned that Pet Shop Boys' world tour will begin in North America (Canada/USA/Mexico) in October 2006.

30th March 2006 - I'm With Stupid Track Listing

The Pet Shop Boys' new single 'I'm With Stupid' is released on Monday 8th May 2006. It will be released on three formats, CD, DVD and a 7" picture disc. The DVD includes the video starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas of 'Little Britain'. Pre-order 'I'm With Stupid': UK CD, UK DVD, UK 7" Limited Edition Picture Disc. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single - Limited Edition Picture Disc (R 6690):
I'm With Stupid
Girls Don't Cry

CD Single - 2 Track CD (CDR 6690):
I'm With Stupid
The Resurrectionist

DVD Single (DVD 6690):
I'm With Stupid - Video
tbc

29th March 2006 - Summer Of Pop

Neil and Chris will be playing a concert at the Big Top Arena in Liverpool on Sunday 2nd July 2006 as part of the Liverpool Summer Pops. Tickets will go on sale at 9am tomorrow and can be booked online at Ticketmaster. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

28th March 2006 - Dusty Documentary

A new documentary about the life and work of Dusty Springfield, including contributions from Neil, will be shown in 'The South Bank Show' on Sunday 9th April 2006 at 10.45pm on ITV1 in the UK.

27th March 2006 - Robbie Covering PSB Again

Robbie Williams is rumoured to be covering one of the Pet Shops Boys' tracks in a forthcoming BBC Radio 2 retrospective of the Pet Shop Boys' 21 year chart career. It has been reported that a discussion took place with Neil and Robbie in London last week.
Robbie has already covered the PSB's 'I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing', which featured in an episode of 'Friends', and Neil featured on Robbie's track, 'No Regrets' in 1998. Robbie is at the moment rehearsing for his sell-out world tour which kicks off in South Africa next month.

25th March 2006 - I'm With Stupid PSB Maxi-Mix

Chris and Neil have done their own 'PSB Maxi-Mix' of 'I'm With Stupid'. Other remixes of the new single are by Melnyk, Max Tundra and Abe Duque. 'I'm With Stupid' is released on Monday 8th May 2006. Pre-order 'I'm With Stupid': UK CD, UK DVD, UK 7" Limited Edition Picture Disc.

24th March 2006 - First Radio Play

The first "official" play of the Pet Shop Boys' new single 'I'm With Stupid' will be on BBC Radio 2 on Friday 31st March 2006 between 9.30am and 12pm in the UK. At 12pm the track will become available to all radio stations to play.

23rd March 2006 - More Concert Dates

In addition to the three concerts/festivals dates in Germany, Neil and Chris have announced some more concerts and festival dates in the UK, Spain, Denmark, Serbia and Ireland. In the UK they will be performing a concert outdoors at the spectacular and historic location of the Tower of London as part of the Tower of London Festival, fans will be able to picnic on the lawns of the moat before the show. They will also be headlining the Bestival Festival on the Isle of Wight. And they will also be headlining the Electric Picnic Festival in Ireland. All the dates are as follows:

Saturday 17th June 2006 - Zulu Rocks Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark
Wednesday 28th June 2006 - Tower of London Festival, Tower of London, London, England
Sunday 9th July 2006 - Exit Festival, Sun Novi Sad, Serbia
Saturday 12th August 2006 - Creamfields Festival, Almeria, Spain
Sunday 3rd September 2006 - Electric Picnic Festival, Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland
Saturday 9th September 2006 - Bestival, Robin Hill, Isle of Wight, England

There are no tickets left for the performance of 'Battleship Potemkin' in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Monday 1st May 2006. All 14,000 tickets were allocated within 48 hours of the box office opening. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the Tour Dates page. More dates will be announced soon!

18th March 2006 - Concert Dates

Neil and Chris have announced three concerts/festivals in Germany and one in the UK in Thetford Forest. The three German dates are as follows:

Friday 14th July 2006 - Melt Festival, Gräfenhainichen, Germany
Monday 17th July 2006 - Museumsplatz, Bonn, Germany
Saturday 2nd September 2006 - Schlossgarten Ludwigslust, Berlin, Germany

Neil and Chris have also announced that they will be playing a concert at Thetford Forest, High Lodge, Suffolk, on Friday 21st July 2006. This concert is promoted by the Forestry Commission. Tickets are priced at Ł26 (subject to booking fee) and they go on sale from 9am on Friday 31st March 2006 from the box office, telephone 01842 814612. Tickets can also be booked online at Ticketmaster.

17th March 2006 - Formats For The New Releases

'I'm With Stupid' will be released on three formats, CD, DVD and a 7" picture disc. The DVD will include the video for 'I'm With Stupid', featuring David Walliams and Matt Lucas of 'Little Britain'. 'I'm With Stupid' is released on Monday 8th May 2006. Pre-order 'I'm With Stupid': UK CD, UK DVD, UK 7" Limited Edition Picture Disc.
'Fundamental', will also be released on three formats, CD, vinyl and a limited 2CD special edition with a bonus CD, entitled 'Fundamentalism', which will include dance tracks and mixes. The complete track listing will follow when available. 'Fundamental' is released on Monday 22nd May 2006. Pre-order 'Fundamental': UK CD, UK CD Limited Edition, UK Vinyl.

16th March 2006 - I'm With Stupid Remixes

The new single 'I'm With Stupid' has so far been remixed by Melnyk, Max Tundra and Abe Duque. 'I'm With Stupid' is released on Monday 8th May 2006.

15th March 2006 - Battleship Potemkin In Newcastle

Neil and Chris attended a press conference in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne today to announce that their performance of 'Battleship Potemkin' on Monday 1st May 2006 will take place in the legendary Swan Hunters Shipyard in the Wallsend area of the city on the banks of the River Tyne.
The Pet Shop Boys will be performing with the Northern Sinfonia orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Stockhammer, in what promises to be a spectacular event. The venue will hold 14,000 people and tickets are free. This performance of 'Battleship Potemkin' is promoted by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative in association with The Sage, Gateshead.
For more information visit the Newcastle Gateshead website.

13th March 2006 - Touring

The Pet Shop Boys will shortly be announcing a series of summer tour dates including outdoor concerts and festivals. Plans are being finalised at the moment but already confirmed are headline appearances at Creamfields in Spain, Melt in Germany and the Exit Festival in Serbia. Three British dates should be announced soon. In the autumn, the Pet Shop Boys plan to commence a world tour. Full details to follow when available.

12th March 2006 - Smash Hits Story

Neil featured in 'The Smash Hits Story', shown last night on Channel 4 in the UK. The programme was a documentary about the history of UK pop magazine, 'Smash Hits' which was taken off the shelves last month. Neil, who worked for 'Smash Hits' from 1982-1985 talked about the magazine's covers in which he and Chris featured, Pop Idol and Boy George. Neil thought Boy George was the best pop star of the lot.

4th March 2006 - New Single And New Album Running Order

The new single will be 'I'm With Stupid', which will be released on Monday 8th May 2006.
The new album 'Fundamental' will be released on Monday 22nd May 2006. Pre-order 'Fundamental': UK CD. The final running order for the album, looks like this:

Psychological
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
I Made My Excuses And Left
Minimal
Numb
God Willing
Luna Park
I'm With Stupid
Casanova In Hell
Twentieth Century
Indefinite Leave To Remain
Integral

1st March 2006 - Pet Shop Boys Protest At UK ID cards

The Pet Shop Boys were among the first celebrities through the door at Number 10 Downing Street to congratulate Tony Blair after Labour swept to power in 1997, and they were seen as a shining example of Mr Blair's "Cool Britannia". Neil even parted with thousands of pounds in the late 1990s to support the New Labour project. But that was until Mr Blair decided to argue the case for ID cards. The move has so angered Neil and Chris that they have devoted a track, 'Integral' to the issue in their new album 'Fundamental'. They have also been inspired to write about the relationship between US President George W. Bush and Mr Blair with a track called 'I'm With Stupid'.
A spokesman for the Pet Shop Boys told the 'Evening Standard', "Neil has always been a Labour Party supporter, but at the last election he voted Liberal Democrat because he is completely against the idea of ID cards. The Pet Shop Boys think we should try to increase our freedom, not limit it. They don't believe ID cards are an effective way of countering terrorism. Some tracks are about the climate of fear that is being exploited so people can push through ID cards. 'I'm With Stupid' is inspired by the relationship between George Bush and Tony Blair." Lyrics from 'Integral' include:

If you've done nothing wrong you've got nothing to fear
If you've something to hide you shouldn't even be here
You've had your chance now we've got the mandate
If you've changed your mind I'm afraid it's too late
We're concerned you're a threat
You're not integral to the project

The government's ID Cards Bill is experiencing a rocky ride through Parliament. Conservatives and Lib Dems in the House of Lords say they will continue to oppose ID card plans despite MPs rejecting their earlier objections. Ministers say anyone getting a passport should have to get an ID card and be registered on a database. Opposition peers say people should have a choice. Sources predict "protracted conflict" between the Lords and the Commons.

23rd February 2006 - Documentary

An hour-long documentary about the Pet Shop Boys is currently being filmed and will be shown on Channel 4 in the UK in May 2006. A longer version will subsequently be released on DVD.

22nd February 2006 - Battleship Potemkin In Newcastle

Neil and Chris will be performing their 'Battleship Potemkin' music with the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra at a free, but ticketed event in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Monday 1st May 2006. Full details to follow when available.

20th February 2006 - Out Today

Don't forget that the 'PSB Maxi-Mix' of Madonna's new single 'Sorry' is released in the UK today. Neil has also added some additional vocals to the remix. The remix is available on both CD Maxi single and 12" vinyl. One review described the remix as "monumental" and "as good as fans of either act could want, it's as epic as 'It's A Sin'." Buy 'Sorry': UK CD2, UK 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (W703CD2):
Sorry - Radio Version
Sorry - Man With Guitar Mix
Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix
Sorry - Paul Oakenfold Remix
Sorry - Green Velvet Remix

12" Single (W703T):
Sorry - Album Version
Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix
Sorry - Paul Oakenfold Remix
Sorry - Green Velvet Extended Remix

16th February 2006 - Brit Awards 2006

Neil was at the Brit Awards 2006 in Earls Court, London last night, he was presenting the award for International Female Solo Artist. Before announcing the winner Neil said, "Of course I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing." The winner appropriately was Madonna (The Pet Shop Boys' remix of Madonna's 'Sorry' is released in the UK next week). In her thank you's Madonna said, "It's ironic because even though I'm an American recording artist it is British recording artists who have influenced my work the most" and she gave the Pet Shop Boys a mention (whilst looking at Neil) as being one of those artists.

14th February 2006 - Fundamental Delay

The Pet Shop Boys' new album 'Fundamental' has been delayed by five weeks. EMI have decided to delay the release until Monday 22nd May 2006. The reason is nothing to do with music, artwork or videos, just that they want more "set-up time". 'Fundamental' was originally scheduled to be released on Monday 17th April 2006.
Neil and Chris are in the studio this week completing two tracks, 'The Resurrectionist' and 'Girls Don't Cry'. They will be released as bonus tracks on future singles.

9th February 2006 - Swedish West End Girls

The young Swedish girl duo have just finished their album of Pet Shop Boys covers. They have already released 'Domino Dancing' and 'West End Girls' as singles in Sweden. For more information visit the official West End Girls website. The track listing is as follows:

I'm Not Scared
Domino Dancing
Suburbia
Rent
Shopping
You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
West End Girls
Being Boring
Love Comes Quickly
It's A Sin
Jealousy

3rd February 2006 - Madonna Track Listing

Madonna's new single 'Sorry' is released on Monday 20th February 2006. The Pet Shop Boys' remix will be available on both CD Maxi single and 12" vinyl. Neil has also added some additional vocals to the remix. Pre-order 'Sorry': UK CD2, UK 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (W703CD2):
Sorry - Radio Version
Sorry - Man With Guitar Mix
Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix
Sorry - Paul Oakenfold Remix
Sorry - Green Velvet Remix

12" Single (W703T):
Sorry - Album Version
Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix
Sorry - Paul Oakenfold Remix
Sorry - Green Velvet Extended Remix

2nd February 2006 - Smash Hits

UK pop magazine 'Smash Hits' is closing after sales plummeted last year. The fortnightly magazine was first published in September 1978 and the final issue will hit the shops on Monday 13th February 2006. Neil worked for 'Smash Hits' from 1982-1985 and I used to get the magazine when I was a teenager.

27th January 2006 - Dusty The Musical

A new musical about the life and times of Dusty Springfield, 'Dusty' opened in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday 12th January 2006, featuring some of the songs the Pet Shop Boys wrote for her.
For more information visit the 'Dusty The Musical' website.

26th January 2006 - Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted

A new cabaret show in which five performers reinterpret Tennant/Lowe songs opened last night in Melbourne, Australia. Apparently it "strips back the hi-energy songs of Tennant and Lowe and reinvents them with surprising results".
For more information visit the Seriously - Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted website.

25th January 2006 - Sorry Update

The 'Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix' remix of Madonna's next single, will be released in Europe and the USA on Monday 20th February 2006 on CD Maxi single and 12" vinyl (along with mixes by Paul Okenfold and Stuart Price).
Neil and Chris remixed 'Sorry' after a personal plea from Madonna. She bumped into them at a party last year and told them she thought, "they were brilliant".

23rd January 2006 - Swedish West End Girls

A young Swedish girl duo called West End Girls only record Pet Shop Boys tracks. They released 'Domino Dancing' in October 2005 and they've just released 'West End Girls'. They are also about to release an album of Pet Shop Boys covers. 'West End Girls' was released in Sweden on Wednesday 11th January 2006 on the Columbia record label.
For more information visit the official West End Girls website. The track listing is as follows:

CD Single (SME-8287677-4972):
West End Girls
West End Girls - Punkstar Remix
West End Girls - Extended

16th January 2006 - Australia

The Sydney production of 'Closer To Heaven' planned to coincide with Mardi Gras will not now be going ahead due to time constraints.

6th January 2006 - Celebrity Big Brother

Pete Burns, who Neil and Chris wrote and produced the track 'Jack And Jill Party' for in 2004, was one of the celebrities to enter the Big Brother house last night in the UK.

5th January 2006 - Madonna's Sorry

It has been confirmed that the Pet Shop Boys have remixed 'Sorry', the second single to be released from Madonna's 'Confessions On A Dance Floor' album. 'Sorry' will be released on Monday 20th February 2006. At the moment it's not known whether 'Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix' will be commercially released or only made available on promo copies to club DJs. Chris and Neil remixed the track in December 2005 and Neil added some vocals to it.

2nd January 2006 - In The Pipeline

This Year Neil and Chris will be releasing their new album, 'Fundamental' on Monday 17th April 2006 in the UK. As well as releasing their new album the Pet Shop Boys are intending to undertake an extensive tour probably beginning in the early autumn.

1st January 2006 - Happy New Year!

What will the Pet Shop Boys be up to in 2006? Keep up to date by regularly checking back here.
All the best for 2006.

ARCHIVE NEWS FROMJANUARY - DECEMBER 2006

25th December 2006 - Merry Christmas!

20th December 2006 - Neil And David Bowie

13th December 2006 - Remixing Again

9th December 2006 - Rare CD

8th December 2006 - Two Grammy Nominations

7th December 2006 - 2006 Christmas Card

6th December 2006 - London Selfridges Signing Details

30th November 2006 - Madrid Concert

29th November 2006 - Return To Oz

28th November 2006 - National Portrait Gallery And Selfridges

18th November 2006 - PSB/Robbie Single

17th November 2006 - American Tour Ends

14th November 2006 - Mexico Concert Being Filmed

11th November 2006 - MTV PSB Request

7th November 2006 - USA TV Appearances

5th November 2006 - UK Chart

4th November 2006 - Pet Shop Noise Gig

1st November 2006 - Meet The PSB In The USA

30th October 2006 - Out Today

29th October 2006 - UK Chart

28th October 2006 - Eric Watson

26th October 2006 - Party Like Madonna

25th October 2006 - Most Valuable Records Of Our Time

24th October 2006 - A Life In Pop Delay

23rd October 2006 - Hogmany Hits Extravagaza

23rd October 2006 - Out Today

22nd October 2006 - UK Chart

21st October 2006 - Eric Watson

21st October 2006 - Rare Blue Vinyl

20th October 2006 - A New Single Format

18th October 2006 - UK Chart Midweeks

16th October 2006 - Out Today

13th October 2006 - New York Concert And Signing

10th October 2006 - Smash Hits Book

5th October 2006 - A Life In Pop

4th October 2006 - Happy Birthday Chris!

3rd October 2006 - Exhibition And Book

2nd October 2006 - TV Appearance

1st October 2006 - PopArt USA

30th September 2006 - American Tour Starts Soon

29th September 2006 - Concrete Track Listing

28th September 2006 - Popjustice

27th September 2006 - Numb Photograph

23rd September 2006 - Numb Track Listing

21st September 2006 - Chris Goes Back To School

20th September 2006 - Concert Is Concrete

16th September 2006 - Bestival Highlights

14th September 2006 - Scissor Sisters v Pet Shop Boys

6th September 2006 - Numb Out Next

30th August 2006 - Back On Tour

28th August 2006 - Concert This Evening

27th August 2006 - Electronic

26th August 2006 - Robbie Williams

20th August 2006 - UK Chart

18th August 2006 - Free Concert

16th August 2006 - Chris Writes For The West End

15th August 2006 - New Releases In October

14th August 2006 - Minimal Is Essential

13th August 2006 - UK Chart

9th August 2006 - Neil And Rufus

6th August 2006 - UK Chart

3rd August 2006 - Neil, Chris And Robbie

2nd August 2006 - Live Album Release Date

1st August 2006 - Madonna Concert

31st July 2006 - Out Today

30th July 2006 - UK Chart

28th July 2006 - Live Album To Be Released

27th July 2006 - Le Sport

26th July 2006 - UK Chart Midweeks

26th July 2006 - Radio Appearances

25th July 2006 - The Chris Lowe Remix

24th July 2006 - Robbie/PSB Controversy

24th July 2006 - Out Today

21st July 2006 - Literally Issue 30

19th July 2006 - Literally

15th July 2006 - Minimal Remixes

13th July 2006 - Literally

12th July 2006 - Neil's Birthday

10th July 2006 - Happy Birthday Neil!

ARCHIVE NEWS FROM
JANUARY - DECEMBER 2006