ARCHIVE NEWS FROM
JANUARY - DECEMBER 2007
Some of the news items on this page have been reproduced from
PetShopBoys.co.uk,
with the kind permission of Bill 'Redman' Goodin.
27th December 2007 - Sweden
The Pet Shop Boys are making a brief visit to Sweden this week to perform a song in a gala
concert in Stockholm which will be broadcast live on Swedish TV4 on Sunday 30th December 2007.
25th December 2007 - Merry Christmas!
So Pet Shop Boys would like to wish everybody around the world a very merry Christmas.
22nd December 2007 - USA Chart
In the Billboard 'Hot Dance Club Play' chart
'Minimal'
was at number 5 in the end of year chart rundown.
5th December 2007 - War Child DVD
A DVD featuring highlights of the War Child concert curated by Keane at Brixton Academy in
November will be released early next year with all profits going to War Child. The DVD will
include two songs performed by the Pet Shop Boys.
3rd December 2007 - 2007 Christmas Card
It's here, the Pet Shop Boys Club 2007 Christmas card came through my letterbox this morning.
To find out what this years Christmas card looks like see my
Christmas 2007 page.
1st December 2007 - Visionaire Magazine
'Visionaire' is a limited-edition American magazine which has a totally different format every
issue. 'Visionaire 53 Sound' will consist of five 12-inch vinyl records, imprinted with images
(picture discs), containing approximately 100 minutes of sound content featuring audio
experiments, unreleased songs, samples, and spoken word pieces. It includes an exclusive
one-minute song by the Pet Shop Boys entitled 'Transfer'. Other contributors include U2,
Michael Stipe, Miss Kittin, Antony & the Johnsons, Thurston Moore & Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth),
Malcolm McLaren, Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Sylvian as well as an array of artists and fashion
designers. The Pet Shop Boys have worked with Visionaire before. In 2002 the Visionaire team
created the artwork for 'Release'.
For more information, visit the
Visionaire
website.
30th November 2007 - Battleship Potemkin
On Friday 11th January 2008 at 9pm, the Pet Shop Boys with the BBC Concert Orchestra,
conducted by Jonathan Stockhammer, will be performing their music for the classic film
'Battleship Potemkin' at a screening of the film in the Barbican Hall, London. The concert is
part of the Barbican's Only Connect series which "explores the boundaries where music, film
and art meet". 'Battleship Potemkin' was originally premiered in Trafalgar Square in 2004 and
the CD of the music was released in 2005.
21st November 2007 - Last Fundamental Concert
This coming Sunday 25th November 2007, the Pet Shop Boys will perform their first-ever concert
in Romania, at the Sala Palatului in Bucharest. The concert will also be the final concert of
the 'Fundamental World Tour' which began in June 2006. The tour has included over 100 concerts
in Europe, North and South America, Australasia and Japan. It has been the Pet Shop Boys most
extensive tour ever and was originally planned to end in August 2007 but further dates were
added this autumn.
In the new year Neil and Chris will be starting to write songs for a new album, the follow-up
to 'Fundamental'.
14th November 2007 - Moscow Show Cancelled
The Moscow promoters have informed the Pet Shop Boys, that because of parliamentary elections
in Russia on Sunday 2nd December 2007, they have been instructed in a letter received from the
Ministry of Internal Affairs and the government of Moscow that all entertainment events for
that date are forbidden. This means that the Pet Shop Boys concert due to take place at the
Khodinka Ice Palace that night has been cancelled. It has not been possible to find a
replacement venue which can accommodate Pet Shop Boys' production later that week.
Neil and Chris are very disappointed and somewhat surprised by this sudden announcement and
must apologise to their Russian fans for this cancellation which is out of their control.
Ticket refunds will be available from point of purchase.
4th November 2007 - Ballet Boys
The Pet Shop Boys are set to write a ballet for Sadler's Wells. Neil said, "We've spoken to
Sadler's Wells, and they want us to do it. We've got the idea for the story, and now we need
to find the right choreographer - we won't start writing it properly until we do that."
He also added, "That'll be a way off as yet. Right now, all we're working on is finishing the
tour."
4th November 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the dance album chart
'Disco 4'
went out of the top 40.
2nd November 2007 - War Child Concert
The Pet Shop Boys performed, as requested, a 20-minute set at the War Child concert organised
by Keane at Brixton Academy last night. The set list was as follows:
Rent - Barfly Version
West End Girls - Extended Version
Integral - Based on the Perfect Immaculate Mix
Being Boring
On the last three songs Neil and Chris were joined by Bic Hayes and Mark Refoy on guitar and
Dawne Adams on percussion. Tom Chaplin of Keane gave Pet Shop Boys a very warm introduction
before they took to the stage. Other artists performing included Guillemots, the Magic Numbers,
Teddy Thompson, Lilly Allen (with Keane) and Keane.
Highlights of the show will be broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK on Sunday 4th November 2007
from 11.50pm until 12.55am.
28th October 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the dance album chart
'Disco 4'
went down 26 places to number 35.
25th October 2007 - Moscow Concert Confirmed
The Pet Shop Boys will perform at the Khodinka Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia, on Sunday 2nd
December 2007. Tickets are on sale now. This is likely to be the final date of the
'Fundamental World Tour'.
21st October 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the singles chart
'Integral'
went out of the top 200 and in the album chart
'Disco 4'
went out of the top 40 in the compilation album chart and went down 6 places to number 9
in the dance album chart.
20th October 2007 - Dainton Connell RIP
The funeral of Dainton Connell, long-time friend and former assistant to Pet Shop Boys took
place yesterday.
Thousand of people walked from Arsenal's Emirates stadium through the streets of Islington,
North London, yesterday morning in tribute to Dainton Connell, a.k.a. "The Bear". In a
remarkable scene, more like a state funeral than a private internment, Holloway Road was
closed by the police to allow the procession to take place. Then mourners including Chris Lowe,
Neil Tennant, ex-Arsenal footballers Ian Wright and Lee Dixon, Little Britain stars Matt Lucas
and David Walliams, boxer Frank Bruno, journalist and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, artist
Sam Taylor-Wood, singer Sylvia Mason-James, and hundreds of friends and Arsenal supporters
joined Dainton's wife and family for the funeral service at St Mary Magdalane Church conducted
by three vicars, including the priest who married Dainton and his wife Mandy 31 years ago.
Past and present PSB managers David Dorrell, Mitch Clark and Jill Carrington were also present,
along with members of the Lowe and Tennant families. Chris Lowe read from The Bible
(Revelation 21: 1-7) as part of the service. The service was broadcast via speakers to a huge
crowd standing outside the church in bright sunshine.
Once again, thank you to all fans and friends who have sent messages of condolence and flowers.
19th October 2007 - Dainton Connell
Dainton's funeral will take place in North London today and will be preceded by a tribute
march from the Arsenal Emirates stadium. A huge number are expected to take part.
18th October 2007 - PSB Fans Charity Album
Pet Shop Boys came up in the music business over 20 years ago. Since then,
they have been a great inspiration for their fans who learned and took
from them an incredible musical culture/background. Pet Shop Boys are
living proof that we all can endure and even be better all through the
years. Their fans (like father, like children) decided to try their luck
in the world of music. Philanthropy is not a tribute to the Masters of
synthpop. This album does not include any cover version of Neil Tennant
and Chris Lowe's songs. You can find original tunes inspired by the Pet
Shop Boys' career.
'Philanthropy' contains enjoyable dance songs with strong lyrics and
electronic backgrounds that show a wide variety of styles. Every
fan/musician is leaving a personal print here. This promising project was
born at tennant-lowe.com forum: A fan under the nickname of "twisted
logic" suggested the idea of taking an advantage from the fans who were
musicians to produce an album. People from the forum just loved it and we
all started to work on it immediately. We chose fans with experience in
the music world. Artists like KooLTURE, an Argentine singer and producer
who is presently making the rounds with songs of his own as well as a
beautiful cover version of classic Pet Shop Boys' hit 'Heart'.
The album is almost done and the first 4-track EP will be digitally
released by Bit Records Mexico in November 2007.
A large percentage of the profits obtained from digital downloads/sales
will go to "Hereford Kids First", a British charity association run by
Mark Price, another PSB fan. Some songs will also be released as digital
singles full of remixes. Profits from the remixes sales will go to both
charity association and remixers/artists.
One of the pleasant surprises of the album is the producer and musician
Chris Kalera, who is also known as Dynarec, whose vocals sound similar to
Neil Tennant's. He has collaborated with so many areas of production,
singing and adding vocals to various songs. Chris kalera started making
music about ten years ago. Heavily influenced by the 80's synthetic pop
sounds, he's into techno as well (on his ckal label), electro (he
releases as "dynArec"), and more detroitish stuff are produced under the
"speakwave" alias. His classical formation allows him to write tunes very
quickly, and he probably has hundreds of unreleased tracks somewhere in
his lair...
For more information on the artists, songs and the charity association, please visit the
Official PSB Fans Philanthropy
website.
15th October 2007 - Now Dance 2008
'Integral - Dave Spoon Mix' is included on the new compilation album, 'Now Dance 2008' which
is released in the UK today. Buy 'Now Dance 2008':
UK CD.
14th October 2007 - UK Chart
This week
'Integral'
entered the singles chart at number 197 and
'Disco 4'
entered the compilation album chart (as 'Disco 4' is a multi-artist album it's not eligible
for the album chart, only the compilation album chart) at number 15 and the dance album chart
at number 3.
12th October 2007 - Bucharest And Moscow Concerts
The Pet Shop Boys regret to announce that the date of their concert in Bucharest must be
changed from Friday 19th October 19th 2007 to Sunday 25th November 2007.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Dainton Connell, the legal
formalities required by the authorities, both in Moscow and the UK, combined with the wide
number of factors that his family had to take into account when arranging the funeral, the
funeral cannot take place until Friday 19th October 2007. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe must
attend the funeral out of respect for one of their oldest friends and former employees and his
family. The Pet Shop Boys apologise for any inconvenience caused. They hope all will
understand the good reasons for postponing the show.
The rescheduled concert on Friday 25th November 2007, will take place at the same venue and
all tickets remain valid for the new date. This is the first available date at the Sala
Palatului. Changing to a new venue would have made the inconvenience to fans even worse as all
the tickets would have to be re-issued. The Pet Shop Boys are looking forward to their first
visit to Bucharest and Romania and would like to thank all fans for their understanding.
The Moscow concert planned for Wednesday 7th November 2007 did not go on sale at the beginning
of this week as planned because of the tragic accident there. We are currently in discussion
with the promoters about when this concert will take place. Chris Lowe would like to take this
opportunity to thank the staff of the British Consulate in Moscow for their sympathetic and
invaluable help over the last week.
11th October 2007 - Disco 4.1
Popjustice have made a CD cover for 'Disco 4.1' because lot of people have been a-moanin' and
a-wailin' that 'Disco 4' doesn't feature all the remixes the Pet Shop Boys have ever done and
is therefore 'a con'. For this reason they have made you a sleeve for 'Disco 4.1'. You can
print it out, burn yourself a disc of the remaining Pet Shop Boys remixes, and put the CD on
your shelf next to 'Disco 4'.
Download the cover from the
Popjustice website.
8th October 2007 - Out Today
Don't forget that 'Disco 4' is released in the UK today.
Buy 'Disco 4':
UK CD,
UK Vinyl.
The track listing is as follows:
CD (5060462) and Vinyl (5060461):
Read My Mind - PSB Stars Are Blazing Mix The Killers
Hallo Spaceboy - PSB Extended Mix David Bowie/Pet Shop Boys
Integral - PSB Perfect Immaculate Mix Pet Shop Boys
Walking On Thin Ice - PSB Electro Mix Yoko Ono
Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix Madonna
Hooked On Radiation - PSB Orange Alert Mix Atomizer
Mein Teil - PSB There Are No Guitars On This Mix Rammstein
I'm With Stupid - PSB Maxi-Mix Pet Shop Boys
Also out today is the download only single, 'Integral'. Buy 'Integral':
Download.
The track listing is as follows:
Digital Download Only Exclusives:
Integral - PSB Perfect Immaculate Seven-Inch Mix
Integral - Dave Spoon Mix
Integral - Video Low Resolution Graphic Version
Integral - Video High Resolution Graphic Version
8th October 2007 - Dainton Connell RIP
Neil and Chris would like to thank everyone who has sent in messages of sympathy to the family
and friends of Dainton Connell at this sad time. Some fans in Moscow have left flowers at the
site of the accident and, again, we would like to thank them for their kindness and
condolences.
A march was held in North London yesterday before the home game at Arsenal. Approximately 400
people participated, carrying flowers and photographs of "The Bear". As we said in our earlier
report, those who met him, did not forget him.
6th October 2007 - Moscow Concert Date
Neil and Chris are returning to Russia on Wednesday 7th November 2007. The venue is the
Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow. The show will be the 'Fundamental Tour' production.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday 8th October 2007. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
6th October 2007 - Dainton Connell
Dainton Connell was killed in a car accident in Moscow in the early hours of this morning. He
was in Moscow accompanying Chris Lowe who was planning to DJ at a friend's nightclub there
tonight. The friend driving him lost control of the car. There was no one else in the car.
Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant are "devastated" by this tragic news. They had known Dainton for
almost 20 years, during which time he had worked for the Pet Shop Boys as security and later
as personal assistant. He was also a close friend.
"Dainton was a warm, kind, loveable friend, a huge Arsenal fan and a larger-than-life
character, famous in North London and beyond. We are devastated by his sudden and tragic death
and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Mandy, and their family."
Dainton (also known as "The Bear") accompanied the Pet Shop Boys on their tours from 1989 to
2000. He can be seen in the videos for the Pet Shop Boys' singles, 'Jealousy', 'So Hard' and
'Was It Worth It?' as well as in the 'Somewhere' concert film. We know that he was a familiar
and friendly face to many PSB fans who encountered him over the years and that they will share
in our grief and sorrow. Those who met him will never forget him.
4th October 2007 - Happy Birthday Chris!
So Pet Shop Boys and all the many fans online wish Chris
a very warm and happy 48th birthday!
21st September 2007 - War Child Charity Concert
The Pet Shop Boys will be special guests at a concert at Brixton Academy on Thursday 1st
November 2007 in aid of the War Child charity and its work for children in Iraq.
As well as Keane and the Pet Shop Boys, the show will feature The Magic Numbers, Guillemots
and Teddy Thompson. Neil and Chris will be performing a short set as a duo at the concert,
having been invited by Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane. Tickets are on sale now. Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
19th September 2007 - Some Days Never End
The Pet Shop Boys are playing a concert on Saturday 27th October 2007 at the Irish Museum of
Modern Art, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin as part of the Some Days Never End
multi-media festival which is described as "A series of happenings under the stars in one of
the most beautiful settings in the capital city, Some Days Never End is where cutting-edge
21st century musicians and the most thought-provoking contemporary artist of the 20th century
come together to play. Located in three tented structures pitched in the grounds of the Royal
Hospital Kilmainham, the home of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Some Days Never End will
apply equal weight to both music and art. Given the time of year, these structures will be
heated. The third structure will feature high standard wide ranging food and drink."
Some Days Never End is presented by POD Concerts in collaboration with The Model Arts and
Niland Gallery and IMMA and supported by The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh. Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
18th September 2007 - Bucharest Change Of Venue
The Bucharest concert on Friday 19th October 2007 has had to move venues. The new venue is
Sala Palatului (Palace Hall). This is because the promoter has changed the venue from the
Roman Arena because the Palace Hall has become available and is a preffered venue.
17th September 2007 - Greatest Hits
On Wednesday 19th October 2007 at 10pm, VH1 Classic will be showing 'Pet Shop Boys Greatest
Hits'. It includes exclusive clips and interviews.
16th September 2007 - Elvis Covers The Pet Shop Boys
Elvis Presley will release 'Always On My Mind' 20 years after it was Christmas number 1 for
the Pet Shop Boys in 1987. Only kidding, 'Always On My Mind' will be re-released by Elvis as
part of 18 'Elvis The King' singles to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Elivs's death.
'Always On My Mind' is re-released on Monday 19th November 2007.
15th September 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the Music Week cool cuts chart
'Integral'
went up 4 places to number 8.
14th September 2007 - Integral Video
The Pet Shop Boys signal the release of 'Disco 4', the fourth album in a continuing series,
with a groundbreaking video for the politically-inspired new track 'Integral'.
Picking up on the song's themes of ID cards and the erosion of civil liberties by the
government, the Pet Shop Boys have worked with new creative group the Rumpus Room to conceive
and create a sinister mix of surveillance type footage and information technology as content
for their new music video.
Embedded in this dystopian film are single frames of Quick Response (or QR) Code, a new
barcode technology which works in a similar way to supermarket checkout scanners.
For the first time ever in a Pet Shop Boys video, fans will be able to access embedded codes
linking to featured websites simply by pausing the video on the QR Code frame and taking a
snapshot with their mobile camera.
The various sites and online news articles and forums reflect the song’s subject matter in
highlighting campaigns for freedom and civil liberty.
Two versions of the 'Integral' video are available, the first a low resolution graphic version
optimised for portable devices such as mobile phones, and the second in higher resolution for
traditional broadcast needs.
Both versions successfully mix the 'fluid' technology of the internet (links etc), the
functions we use to consume film and video (pause, rewind etc) and the new tools that we use
to document our social environment such as camera phones.
Dan Duncombe, Head of Digital, Parlophone, comments: "Pet Shop Boys once again prove their
pioneering use of digital technology with their latest promo video. In typical PSB style they
have gone one step further creating an innovative, informative and engaging video that is a
perfect fit for the song's lyrical content."
13th September 2007 - Another New Concert Date
On Friday 19th October 2007 the Pet Shop Boys will be playing at the Roman Arena in Bucharest,
Romania. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 17th September 2007. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
12th September 2007 - HMV Exclusive
Pre-order 'Disco 4' from hmv.com and you will receive an exclusive slipcase with the album!
Offer only available on-line whilst stocks last.
11th September 2007 - Integral Download
On Monday 8th October 2007 'Integral - Perfect Immaculate Seven-Inch Mix' will be available to
buy on the usual download sites along with 'Integral - Dave Spoon Mix' and the 'Integral - Video'.
10th September 2007 - New Concert Dates
The Pet Shop Boys are playing in Zaragoza, Spain, on Thursday 11th October 2007, in the Pilar
Festival. Other artists performing in this festival include Iggy Pop. On Saturday 27th October
2007, the Pet Shop Boys are playing one of a series of concerts as part of the Some Days Never
End Multi-Media Festival at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. The concerts take place
in a tent in the grounds of the museum and other artists playing in this series include Dizzee
Rascal and Jose Gonzalez. Both of these shows will be the full 'Fundamental Tour' production.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday 14th September 2007. Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
8th September 2007 - UK Chart
This week
'Integral'
entered the Music Week cool cuts chart at number 12.
6th September 2007 - Disco 4 New Date
Parlophone have confirmed that 'Disco 4' will now be released on Monday 8th October 2007.
Pre-order 'Disco 4':
UK CD,
UK Vinyl.
6th September 2007 - Hollywood Bowl
Regrettably due to unforeseen logistical issues, the Pet Shop Boys have been forced to cancel
their previously announced Hollywood Bowl performance on Thursday 27th September 2007. Refunds
will be available at point of purchase. Neil and Chris would like to apologise to all ticket
holders for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.
1st September 2007 - Disco 4 Delay
Parlophone have said that the release date of 'Disco 4' will probably have to be put back by
one or two weeks because of delays in completing the licensing of tracks from other record
companies. The new release date will be confirmed as soon as it is known.
30th August 2007 - Disco 4 Vinyl
'Disco 4' will be released on limited edition, numbered vinyl on Monday 24th September 2007,
the same date as the standard CD release. Please note that the album will not be released on
digital download as it wasn't possible to secure digital release rights from the artists
involved. Pre-order 'Disco 4':
UK CD,
UK Vinyl.
19th August 2007 - Pet Shop Boys Need You
The Pet Shop Boys are seeking 200 people to appear in their new video for the upcoming release
of their anti-ID card track 'Integral', for which filming takes place in Central London this
Tuesday 21st August 2007.
200 people are needed to attend Whitefield Memorial Church, 79a Tottenham Court Road, on
Tuesday afternoon (between 3pm and 7pm) who are needed to variously hold up printed frames of
the video clip to their faces or move around in the background.
They can't pay anyone, but there will be refreshments, and it's for a great cause. Neil and
Chris were already filmed and will not attend the filming. The video develops the lyrical
theme of ID cards and the erosion of civil liberties in the UK by central government and
combines a mix of surveillance type footage and information technology. Also embedded in the
film are single frames of QR Code, a new Bar Code technology that is readable by the camera in
people's mobile phones. The QR Codes contain url destinations that elaborate on the issues,
and encourage viewers to get active. Everyone involved will get a credit at the end of the
video, from one of the barcodes. There's no dress code.
11th August 2007 - Tony Wilson
Chris and Neil are very sad to hear of the death of Tony Wilson, the founder of
Factory Records. They would like to express their condolences to his friends and family and
the members of New Order. Neil and Chris got to know Tony when they became involved with
Electronic in 1989. He will be much missed in Manchester and music and beyond.
10th August 2007 - Disco 4
The Pet Shop Boys are preparing the Parlophone release of the latest in their series of
'Disco' remix albums. Whereas previous albums in the series have mainly included remixes of
Pet Shop Boys tracks by other artists and DJs, Chris and Neil were keen to collect on one
album some of their remixes of other artists and their own recent remixes of Pet Shop Boys
tracks. Accordingly, 'Disco 4' will include the Pet Shop Boys' extended dance mixes of
The Killers, David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Madonna, Atomizer and Rammstein, as well as a new extended
mix of 'Integral' and their maxi-mix of 'I'm With Stupid'. The album will be released on CD
but not on digital download stores as digital release rights were not available from the
artists concerned. The provisional release date is Monday 24th September 2007 but this may change.
'Disco 4' follows on from 'Disco' (1986), 'Disco 2' (1994) and 'Disco 3' (2003).
Pet Shop Boys would like to thank The Killers, Madonna, David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Rammstein and
Atomizer for allowing their songs to appear on this album.
Reports of 'Integral' being released as a single are inaccurate, although promo copies of
'Integral - PSB Perfect Immaculate Mix' will be made available to club DJs and selected radio
DJs. A politically-inspired video for the track is currently being edited. The song was
originally written as a protest against the proposed introduction of ID cards in the UK and
the gradual erosion of personal freedom taking place in the current political climate, the
video reflects this. Pre-order 'Disco 4':
UK CD.
The track listing is as follows:
CD (?):
Read My Mind - PSB Stars Are Blazing Mix The Killers
Hallo Spaceboy - PSB Extended Mix David Bowie/Pet Shop Boys
Integral - PSB Perfect Immaculate Mix Pet Shop Boys
Walking On Thin Ice - PSB Electro Mix Yoko Ono
Sorry - PSB Maxi-Mix Madonna
Hooked On Radiation - PSB Orange Alert Mix Atomizer
Mein Teil - PSB There Are No Guitars On This Mix Rammstein
I'm With Stupid - PSB Maxi-Mix Pet Shop Boys
9th August 2007 - Last Week Of The World Tour
The Pet Shop Boys world tour is coming to an end. The 'Fundamental World Tour' began in Norway
on Thursday 15th June 2006, and has been been the Pet Shop Boys' most extensive tour ever. The
tour has now entered its final week. This Saturday and Sunday they'll be at the Summer Sonic
Festival in Japan, there will however be a chance to see the 'Fundamental' show one more time
in Barcelona on Friday 12th October 2007. On Thursday 27th September 2007 the Pet Shop Boys
will play a special one-off concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
3rd August 2007 - Ewan Pearson
DJ and producer Ewan Pearson (who recently produced Tracey Thorn's album) will release his own
album called 'Piece Work'. The double-CD is a collection of his own remixes and includes his
mix of Pet Shop Boys' 'Psychological'. It will be released on Monday 24th September 2007.
Pre-order 'Piece Work':
UK CD.
24th July 2007 - Out Today
Don't forget that the 'Cubism' DVD is released in the USA today. 'Cubism' is the film of
the Pet Shop Boys' concert at the Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City on Tuesday
14th November 2006. Buy 'Cubism':
USA DVD.
15th July 2007 - Mad About The Boy
Neil will be narrating 'Mad About The Boy', a three-part documentary on BBC Radio 2
about the songs of Noel Coward. Performers and fans of Coward, including Neil Hannon of The
Divine Comedy, will discuss the enormous range of Coward's work – tender love songs, yearning
melodies, sharp lyrics and skilful wordplay. As well as Coward's own performances, the
programmes will feature more contemporary versions of Noel Coward's songs, including tracks
from 'Twentieth Century Blues', the album which Neil helped to put together in 1998.
The first part of 'Mad About The Boy: The Songs Of Noel Coward' will be broadcast on BBC Radio
2 on Friday 20th July 2007 between 7.00pm and 7.30pm.
12th July 2007 - New Record Deal
Neil and Chris have re-signed to Parlophone/EMI who have released the Pet Shop Boys' records
since 1985. They signed to the label in March 1985 and renegotiated a new deal with the
company in 1990. The Pet Shop Boys most recent album 'Fundamental', was their last under that
contract. Their next studio album will be the first under the new contract.
Neil and Chris commented, "It's over 20 years since we originally signed to EMI and we're very
happy to be continuing our relationship with them."
Miles Leonard, Parlophone's MD says, "What Pet Shop Boys are doing is unique. They continue to
be at the vanguard of pop culture, constantly surprising and thrilling us with their every
move. We are extremely pleased to have them on the label."
10th July 2007 - Happy Birthday Neil!
So Pet Shop Boys and all the many fans online wish Neil
a very warm and happy 53rd birthday!
7th July 2007 - Tickets Still Available
Tickets are still available for the two remaining Pet Shop Boys UK dates this year at the Eden
Project (Eden Sessions) in Cornwall on Sunday 22nd July 2007 and at Newmarket Racecourse
(Newmarket Nights) on Friday 27th July 2007. Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
3rd July 2007 - Sky TV Magazine
In the July 2007 issue of 'The Sky Magazine' you can win tickets and backstage access to the
Pet Shop Boys' Eden Sessions concert at the famous Eden Project in Cornwall on Sunday 22nd
July 2007. Two lucky winners will each win a pair of tickets to the concert, plus special
behind-the-scenes access. Thirteen runners-up will each win a pair of tickets to the concert.
Sky TV will show the Eden Sessions from October 2007 on the Sky Arts channel.
1st July 2007 - Dirty Pretty Things
Dirty Pretty Things, formed by Carl Barat, fomerly of The Libertines will be special guests at
Pet Shop Boys' Eden Sessions concert on Sunday 22nd July 2007. They released their first album
in 2006.
30th June 2007 - Single And Album Rumours
There are rumours circulating that 'Integral' will be released on Monday 20th August 2007,
bonus tracks are 'China' and 'Dirty Tricks'. There are also rumours that 'Disco 4' will be
released on Monday 10th September 2007. We will have to wait and see if these rumours are true.
20th June 2007 - Virtual Music Festival
Secondfest, "a virtual three-day music festival in Second Life", will featuring music from the
Pet Shop Boys, Groove Armada, Simian Mobile Disco and others. Second Life is "the biggest 3D
virtual reality world" with more than seven million "inhabitants". Secondfest will take place
on the weekend of 29th, 30th June and 1st July 2007.
For more information visit the
Secondfest or
Second Life
websites.
18th June 2007 - Barcelona Concert
The Pet Shop Boys will be headlining the Asics Festival in Barcelona at the Palau Sant Jordi
(originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games) on Friday 12th October 2007. This is expected to
be the final concert of Pet Shop Boys' 'Fundamental Tour' which began in Norway in June 2006.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
10th June 2007 - Cubism In The USA
'Cubism' will be release in the USA on Tuesday 24th July 2007. Pre-order 'Cubism':
USA DVD.
7th June 2007 - Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted
Following their acclaimed Australian Premiere Season, the Original Australian Cast of
'Seriously - Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted' will appear at the Roxy Main, Edinburgh Fringe
Festival 2007, from Tuesday 2nd August 2007 to Monday 27th August 2007. This is not an
"official" Pet Shop Boys production but is a very creative reworking of Tennant/Lowe songs in
a theatrical setting. According to the official press release:
This introspective musical production strips back the hi-energy songs of Neil Tennant and
Chris Lowe with dazzling results....Created by writer David Knox and arranger Dean
Lotherington, this daring reinvention of the catalogue musical of over 25 songs lays somewhere
between concert, cabaret and musical theatre. With a stunning string quartet and soaring
vocals, the audience is witness to a compelling evening in an intimate and elegant setting.
For more information, including venue and ticket information visit the
Seriously - Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted website.
5th June 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
After two dates in Denmark the UK 2nd leg of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Fundamental Tour' continues
tonight at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. Then tour takes in dates in Nottingham, Swindon,
and on Saturday 9th they're at Ballinlough Castle, County Meath, Ireland.
Last night Chris and Neil played an exclusive live concert for the BBC to mark the re-opening
of the historic BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House, London. The invitation-only audience
for this concert will be made up of Radio 2 competition winners. The show will be broadcast on
BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 9th June 2007 at 8pm.
2nd June 2007 - Q Magazine CD
The latest issue of 'Q' magazine includes a free CD, 'Live From Glastonbury'. The CD has 14
live tracks recorded over the years at the Glastonbury Festival, including the Pet Shop Boys
performance of 'Young offender' from 2000. Other artists on the CD include, The Killers,
Keane, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party and more.
29th May 2007 - Literally Issue 31
It's here, Literally Issue 31 came through my letterbox this morning.
To find out what's in it see the
Literally page for more details.
29th May 2007 - Manchester Concert
I was at the Manchester Apollo last night, for my mini review of the concert see the
UK Fundamental Tour 2007 page.
You can read a full review on the
'Manchester Evening News' website.
28th May 2007 - Happy Birthday So Pet Shop Boys!
So Pet Shop Boys is 7 years old today!
26th May 2007 - Literally
Literally (Issue 31) has just been dispatched to Pet Shop Boys Club members. It's a
bumber 56 pages.
25th May 2007 - Exclusive BBC Concert
On Monday 4th June 2007, the Pet Shop Boys are playing an exclusive live concert for the BBC
to mark the re-opening of the historic BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House, London.
To have a chance of winning a couple to tickets to the event visit the
BBC Music Club website.
24th May 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
The UK 1st leg of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Fundamental Tour' begins tonight at the Sage in
Gateshead. Then tour takes in dates in Wolverhampton, London, Manchester (I'll be at this one)
and Brighton. Then after two dates in Denmark they're back in the UK for the 2nd leg on Tuesday
5th June 2007 at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham, the tour then moves onto London,
Swindon and on Saturday 9th they're at Ballinlough Castle, County Meath, Ireland.
22nd May 2007 - Spain Date
The Pet Shop Boys will be performing at the Músicos en la Naturaleza series of concerts
at El Mesegosillo de Hoyos del Espino, Avila in Spain, on Saturday 30th June
2007. Tickets will go on sale on Friday 25th May 2007. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates
see the
Tour Dates page.
21st May 2007 - Out Today
Don't forget that the 'Cubism' DVD is released in the UK today. 'Cubism' is the film of
the Pet Shop Boys' concert at the Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City on Tuesday
14th November 2006. The DVD is packaged in a choice of two slip case covers (either Chris or
Neil) and contains a booklet with an essay by Chris Heath. Buy 'Cubism':
UK DVD.
The film is of the complete show and the track listing is as follows:
DVD (2564699652):
Psycho Intro
God Willing
Psychological
Left To My Own Devices
I'm With Stupid
Suburbia
Can You Forgive Her?
Minimal/Shopping
Rent
Dreaming Of The Queen
Heart
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)/Integral
Numb
Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)/Domino Dancing
Flamboyant
Home And Dry
Always On My Mind
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
West End Girls
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
So Hard/It's A Sin
Go West
Extras
Pet Shop Boys In Mexico
Commentary By Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe And David Barnard
Photo Gallery
Extras include, 'Pet Shop Boys In Mexico', 'Commentary By Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe And
David Barnard ' and a 'Photo Gallery'.
20th May 2007 - UK Chart
'Release The Stars'
by Rufus Wainwright which Neil is the executive producer of and contributes keyboards and
backing vocals on two of the tracks, 'Tiergarten' and 'I'm Not Ready to Love' entered the
album chart at number 2.
14th May 2007 - Out Today
Don't forget that the new Rufus Wainwright album 'Release The Stars' is released in the UK
today. Neil is the executive producer of the album and contributes keyboards and backing
vocals on two of the tracks, 'Tiergarten' and 'I'm Not Ready to Love'. Buy 'Release The Stars':
UK CD.
9th May 2007 - Spanish Festival
Neil and Chris will be headlining the Freedom 2007 Festival at the Auditorio Municipal,
Malaga, Spain, on Thursday 2nd August 2007. Details about other artists performing at the
festival will be announced soon. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
4th May 2007 - Hollywood Bowl Concert
On Thursday 27th September 2007, Pet Shop Boys plus special guests will be performing at the
legendary Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, USA. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
3rd May 2007 - Neil On The Radio
Neil can be heard on BBC Radio 4 between 11.30am and 12.00pm on Thursday 10th May 2007, in a
programme, 'A Three-Minute Education' about what people have learnt from listening to pop
music.
2nd May 2007 - Berlin Signing
Before their concert at the Tempodrom in Berlin on Monday 7th May 2007, Neil and Chris will be
signing copies of the German edition of 'Catalogue' and CDs from 5pm to 6pm at Kulturkaufhaus
Dussmann, Friedrichstraße 90, 10117 Berlin.
28th April 2007 - Cubism Confirmation
'Cubism', the film of the Pet Shop Boys' concert at the Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City on Tuesday
14th November 2006, will be released by Warner Vision on Monday 21st May 2007. The title is,
of course, inspired by the Es Devlin-designed cube that was at the centre of the staging of
the tour production. The film of the show was directed by David Barnard who has also directed
concert films for Bjork and Gorillaz and the DVD includes a short bonus film, 'Pet Shop Boys
In Mexico', and an audio commentary by Neil, Chris and David Barnard. The DVD is packaged in a
choice of two slip case covers (either Chris or Neil) and contains a booklet with an essay by
Chris Heath. Pre-order 'Cubism':
UK DVD.
The film is of the complete show and the track listing is as follows:
DVD:
God Willing
Psychological
Left To My Own Devices
I'm With Stupid
Suburbia
Can You Forgive Her?
Minimal/Shopping
Rent
Dreaming Of The Queen
Heart
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)/Integral
Numb
Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)/Domino Dancing
Flamboyant
Home And Dry
Always On My Mind
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
West End Girls
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
So Hard/It's A Sin
Go West
Extras include, '13 Minute Behind The Scenes Documentary Filmed In Mexico',
'Photo Gallery' and 'Audio Commentary With Neil, Chris, And The Director - David Barnard'.
27th April 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
The European leg of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Fundamental Tour' begins tonight in Bergen, Norway.
During the next two months they will also play concerts in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, England, Denmark and Sweden. Later in the Summer there
are also concerts in Ireland, Italy and Belgium.
25th April 2007 - Belgium Date
The Pet Shop Boys will be performing at the Lokerse Feesten in Belgium, on Saturday 4th August
2007. Tickets will go on sale on Friday 27th April 2007. The Lokerse Feesten is a series of
concerts in a historic Belgian town from 3rd August to 12th August 2007. For all the
Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
19th April 2007 - Montreux Jazz Festival
The Pet Shop Boys have announced that they will be performing on Thursday 19th July 2007 at
the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Pet Shop Boys will perform in the
Auditorium Stravinski, preceded by The B52s. Tickets go on sale from 1pm today online or from
the box office on 0041 900 101 012 or 0041 900 800 800. For all the
Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
16th April 2007 - Japan Date
The Pet Shop Boys are returning to Japan for their first performances since 2002. Neil and
Chris will be performing in Japan for the first time in five years at the Summer Sonic
Festival in Osaka on Saturday 11th August 2007 and in Tokyo on Sunday 12th August 2007. There
are five stages at the festival and Pet Shop Boys are headlining the Sonic Stage. For all the
Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
16th April 2007 - Italy Date
The Pet Shop Boys are playing at the Festival di Villa Arconati in Milan, Italy on Wednesday
18th July 2007 at the historic and beautiful setting of the Villa Arconati. Situated about
15km from the centre of Milan, this 17th century villa is on the grand estate of the
Castellazzo di Bollate surrounded by Italian and French gardens. Tickets will go on sale on
Thursday 10th May 2007. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
15th April 2007 - Rufus Wainwright
On Monday 14th May 2007 the new Rufus Wainwright album 'Release The Stars' will be released.
Neil is the executive producer of the album and contributes keyboards and backing vocals on
two of the tracks, 'Tiergarten' and 'I'm Not Ready to Love'. Pre-order 'Release The Stars':
UK CD.
You can preview tracks from the album via an
E-card.
You can also pick up a preview CD of 1 minute snippets of all the tracks from UK Borders
stores from the end of this month.
12th April 2007 - Fundamental Nominated
'Fundamental' has been nominated for another award. In the 18th GLAAD Media Awards in the USA,
the Pet Shop Boys have been nominated for Oustanding Music Artist for 'Fundamental'. The Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to "promoting and ensuring fair,
accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of
eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation".
The GLAAD Media Awards "recognize and honor mainstream media for their fair, accurate and
inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the
issues that affect their lives".
11th April 2007 - Two More UK Dates
The Pet Shop Boys have announced two more dates in the UK. On Sunday 22nd July 2007,
Neil and Chris will be performing a concert at the famous Eden Project in Cornwall.
On Friday 27th July 2007, they will be playing at the Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk.
Both venues have a series of concerts over the summer.
Tickets are now on sale for Newmarket either online or by phone on 08707 200 201. Other acts
performing at 'Newmarket Nights' there over the summer include Madness, Sugababes and The
Ordinary Boys. Tickets for the Pet Shop Boys are priced at £32.00 (Premier Enclosure), £22
(Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure) and £12 (Garden Enclosure). There are a limited number of
child admissions priced at £5 each. Once the limited number of child admissions have been
sold, children will be charged at the full adult rate.
For the Eden Project tickets, call 01726 811972. Tickets go will on sale on Tuesday 24th April
2007 priced £35. James Morrison, Rufus Wainwright, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Bright Eyes
are headlining the other 'Eden Sessions' concerts over the summer at the Cornish venue which
was voted the best outside live venue in the UK by 'The Independent'
newspaper. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
7th April 2007 - More Dates Planned
Neil and Chris will soon be announcing concerts in Milan and Cornwall, and festival appearances
in Switzerland and Japan. Also an interesting outdoor concert will be announced next week.
Details will be announced as soon as they are finalised.
6th April 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
After their V Festival dates in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Adelaide, the Pet Shop Boys
have returned to Sydney to perform a concert tonight, at the Hordern Pavilion, Driver Avenue,
Centennial Park. This will be the only full-length show of the Australian tour. They will be
supported by the Australian electronic band, Sparkadia.
5th April 2007 - Neil's Coat Stolen
Neil's stage coat worn at the V Festival concert in Sydney has been stolen. The Christian Doir
tale coat was taken from back stage at the festival. Neil said, "It seems someone took a fancy
to it."
2nd April 2007 - Catalogue Nominated
'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue' by Philip Hoare and Chris Heath has been nominated for Best Research
In Recorded Rock Music in the 2007 ARSC (Association for Recorded Sound Collections) Awards
for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research. The awards will be presented at a
ceremony on Saturday 5th May 2007, during ARSC's annual conference in Milwaukee, USA.
1st April 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the singles chart the Robbie Williams/Pet Shop Boys collaboration
'She's Madonna'
went out of the top 75.
31st March 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
Neil and Chris have now arrived in Sydney, Australia, to play their first concerts there since
the 'Discovery Tour' in 1994. This weekend they are co-headlining the V Festival in Sydney
(Saturday) and Gold Coast (Sunday). Next week they headline the Best of V concerts in
Melbourne (Tuesday) and Adelaide (Wednesday) before performing their own concert next Friday
6th April 2007 back in Sydney at the Hordern Pavilion. The V Festival performances will be
approximately 75 minutes long as the Pet Shop Boys share a stage with The Rapture, Groove
Armada and Gnarls Barkley. The Hordern Pavilion concert will be the full-length show as
performed in New Zealand and South America.
28th March 2007 - PSB Plane 40 Seconds From Air Disaster
The plane carrying the Pet Shop Boys and their entourage from Chile to New Zealand was close
to being hit by Russian satellite wreckage, it has been reported.
'The New Zealand Herald' newspaper today reports that the Lan Chile Airbus A340 flying
from Santiago, Chile, to Auckland, New Zealand, on Tuesday night came close to being hit "by
blazing pieces of a Russian satellite hurtling into New Zealand airspace. The disintegrating
satellite was so close to the aircraft that the pilot could hear the roar it made as it broke
the sound barrier. At the aircraft's cruising speed of 880km/h it was within about 40 seconds
of a potential catastrophe." On board the plane, asleep and unaware of this drama, were Neil
and Chris, and the entire Pet Shop Boys touring party. Lan Chile flight 801 left Santiago late
on Monday evening and, crossing the International Date Line, arrived safely at Auckland at 4am
on Wednesday morning.
For the full report visit
'The New Zealand Herald'.
Meanwhile Neil and Chris perform their debut New Zealand concert tonight at the St James
Theatre in Auckland.
28th March 2007 - Adelaide Venue Moved
The Best of the V Festival show in Adelaide on Wednesday 4th April 2007, featuring
Pet Shop Boys, Gnarls Barkley, Groove Armada and The Rapture, was to have been held open air
at Memorial Drive, but will now be indoors at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Ticketholders will have beeen notified of the change of venue through Ticketek and Venuetix.
Memorial Drive tickets are valid for entry into the new venue on the original date, without
the need of exchange. If ticket holders are no longer able to attend the event, a refund can
be obtained from the point of purchase prior before 5pm on Monday 3rd April 2007. The promoter
regrets any inconvenience this may cause.
26th March 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
The latest leg of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Fundamental Tour' (South America) is now over and the
Pet Shop Boys are flying to New Zealand. They finished their two-week tour of Brazil,
Argentina and Chile last night in front of 9,000 people in the Estacion Mapocho in Santiago.
Chris and Neil would like to thank all their Latin American fans for a fantastic response at
all the cncerts. Today they are flying to New Zealand for their first-ever concert there which
will take place on Thursday evening at the St James Theatre in Auckland.
25th March 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the singles chart the Robbie Williams/Pet Shop Boys collaboration
'She's Madonna'
went down 22 places to number 53.
24th March 2007 - Garden Concert In Ireland
The Pet Shop Boys will be headlining The Garden Party at Ballinlough Castle, Athboy,
County Meath, Ireland, on Saturday 9th June 2007. Described as "Ireland's most exclusive, most
intimate festival", this is a music event in a beautiful 18th century walled garden. Also on
the bill are Burning Spear, Carl Cox and Donnacha Costello Live and the event runs from 2pm
until 2am. Tickets go on sale at 9am today. Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
23rd March 2007 - Live DVD
A DVD of Pet Shop Boys in concert in Mexico City on Tuesday 14th November 2006 will be
released in May 2007. The production of the live DVD is approaching completion.
'Pet Shop Boys - Cubism. In concert/November 14th 2006/Auditorio Nacional/Mexico City' has a
provisional international release date of Monday 14th May 2007, but this may slip back by a
week or two depending on the delivery date by director David Barnard of the final film and DVD
extras which include a short film of the Pet Shop Boys in Mexico City and a commentary by them.
Chris and Neil chose the title 'Cubism' because the ingenious staging of the 2006 show,
designed by Es Devlin, revolved around a cube which formed the backdrop to the show.
The concert was filmed in High Definition and the sound for the film has now been mixed by
long-standing Pet Shop Boys engineer Bob Kraushaar in both stereo and 5:1 surround sound.
The DVD is released by Warner Vision. The track listing is as follows (tbc):
DVD (tbc):
Psycho Intro
God Willing/Psychological/Left To My Own Devices
I'm With Stupid
Suburbia
Can You Forgive Her?
Minimal/Shopping
Rent
Dreaming Of The Queen
Heart
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)/Integral
Numb
Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)/Domino Dancing
Flamboyant
Home And Dry
Always On My Mind
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
West End Girls
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
So Hard/It's A Sin
Go West
Extras include, '13 Minute Behind The Scenes Documentary Filmed In Mexico',
'Photo Gallery' and 'Audio Commentary With Neil, Chris, And The Director - David Barnard'.
22nd March 2007 - Additional Australian Date Update
The Pet Shop Boys will be performing a concert at the Hordern Pavilion, Driver Avenue,
Centennial Park, Sydney, on Friday 6th April 2007.
22nd March 2007 - Rufus Wainwright
On Monday 14th May 2007 the new Rufus Wainwright album 'Release The Stars' will be released.
Neil is the executive producer of the album and contributes keyboards and backing vocals on
two of the tracks, 'Tiergarten' and 'I'm Not Ready to Love'. Pre-order 'Release The Stars':
UK CD.
21st March 2007 - Additional Australian Date
After their V Festival dates in Australia, the Pet Shop Boys will be performing a concert in a
Sydney theatre on Friday 6th April 2007. Full details will be announced as soon as they are
finalised.
20th March 2007 - Hultsfred Festival
It has just been confirmed that the Pet Shop Boys will headline the Hultsfred Festival in
Sweden on Saturday 16th June 2007. Hultsfred is the premier rock festival in Sweden. According
to their official website, "The promoter of the Hultsfred Festival is the non-profit
organisation Rockparty, and it's 5.000 volunteers each year. Rockparty is based in the small
village of Hultsfred (less than 10,000 inhabitants) all year and has founded a national
development- and resource-center for pop-culture in close connection to the festival-office."
Tickets are now on sale.
18th March 2007 - UK Chart
This week in the singles chart the Robbie Williams/Pet Shop Boys collaboration
'She's Madonna'
went down 15 places to number 31.
16th March 2007 - Additional UK Tour Tickets On Sale Today
Tickets for the three additional 'Fundamental Tour' UK concerts in Nottingham, London and
Swindon in June 2007 go on sale to the general public at 9am today. Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
15th March 2007 - Fundamental Tour Update
The latest leg of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Fundamental Tour' which takes in Brazil, Argentina,
Chile, New Zealand and Australia, kicked off last night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A new stage
design was premiered. The concert began with 'We're The Pet Shop Boys' and Chris performed
'Paninaro'.
Last year Neil and Chris played over 50 dates and expect to match that total this year.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
11th March 2007 - UK Chart
This week the Robbie Williams/Pet Shop Boys collaboration
'She's Madonna'
entered the singles chart at number 16.
9th March 2007 - More UK Tour Dates
The Pet Shop Boys have announced three more dates to the UK 'Fundamental Tour'. Following the
sell-out of their Hammersmith Apollo concert on Sunday 27th May 2007, Neil and Chris will be
returning to the venue on Wednesday 6th June 2007. They will also be playing two extra
concerts at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham on Tuesday 5th June 2007 and the Oasis
Leisure Centre in Swindon on Thursday 7th June 2007. Tickets go on sale next week. Search for
tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
5th March 2007 - Out Today
Don't forget that Robbie Williams with Pet Shop Boys new single 'She's Madonna' is released in
the UK today. It is also available on major digital download stores where for a limited time
only you can get the exclusive 'She's Madonna - Dark Horse Remix'. Buy 'She's Madonna':
UK CD1,
UK CD2,
UK DVD.
The track listing is as follows:
CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDCHS5163):
She's Madonna
Never Touch That Switch - Switch Remix
CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDCHSS5163):
She's Madonna
She's Madonna - Chris Lake Remix
She's Madonna - Kris Menace Vocal Re-Interpretation
She's Madonna - Kris Menace Dub
DVD Single (DVDCHS5163):
She's Madonna - Video
Never Touch That Switch - Nightmoves' Liars Club Remix
ever Touch That Switch - Dark Horse Dub Mix
Robbie Williams Drag Interview
She's Madonna Photo Gallery
Digital Download Exclusive:
She's Madonna - Dark Horse Remix
2nd March 2007 - UK Tour Tickets On Sale Today
Tickets for the Pet Shop Boys UK 'Fundamental Tour' concerts in Gateshead, Wolverhampton,
London, Manchester and Brighton in May 2007 go on sale to the general public at 9am today.
Buy tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
26th February 2007 - Out Today
Don't forget that the PSB mixes of The Killlers new single 'Read My Mind' are released in the
UK today. The mixes feature additionl vocals by both Neil and (briefly) Chris.
Buy 'Read My Mind':
UK CD.
The track listing is as follows:
CD Single - 2 Track CD (1724567):
Read My Mind - Album Version
Read My Mind - Pet Shop Boys Stars Are Blazing Mix
Digital Download Exclusive:
Read My Mind - Pet Shop Boys Radio Edit
25th February 2007 - Andy Warhol
On Tuesday 27th February 2007 at 8.30pm, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast a documentary about the
legendary American artist, Andy Warhol, to mark the 20th anniversary of his death. Featuring
contributions from many of Warhol's collaborators. The programme is narrated by Neil.
24th February 2007 - UK Tour Dates
The Pet Shop Boys have announced a UK tour. The first of five dates of the 'Fundamental Tour'
begins in Gateshead on Thursday 24th May 2007 and ends in Brighton on Wednesday 30th May 2007.
Tickets go on sale next week. Search for tickets at
Ticketmaster.
For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
23rd February 2007 - Danish Dates
The Pet Shop Boys have announced two dates in Denmark. On Friday 1st June 2007 they will be
perfoming a concert at the world famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and on Saturday 2nd June
2007 they will be headlining the Skive Beach Party. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
22nd February 2007 - USA Chart
This week in the Billboard 'Hot Dance Club Play' chart
'Minimal'
went up 1 place to number 3.
19th February 2007 - Scissor Sisters
Last night Neil joined the Scissor Sisters onstage for one song at an exclusive charity gig at
London's Koko in aid of the charity Body & Soul which supports children, teenagers and
families in the UK living with or closely affected by HIV. Jake Shears and Neil performed a
medley of 'Love Comes Quickly' (by the Pet Shop Boys) and 'It Can't Come Quickly Enough' (by
ehe Scissor Sisters).
18th February 2007 - Rufus Wainwright
As well as being executive producer on Rufus Wainwright's album 'Release The Stars', Neil
features on backing vocals on two of the tracks, 'Tiergarten' and 'I'm Not Ready to Love'.
'Release The Stars' released on Monday 14th May 2007.
17th February 2007 - Killer Comment
The Killers say they're amazed that Neil and Chris have remixed their new single 'Read My
Mind'. Dave Keuning told ITV's Planet Sound, "It's not so long ago I listened to the Pet Shop
Boys and U2 in my room. Now the Pet Shop Boys are working on our single and we've toured with
U2. PSB are still so great. 'Fundamental' is my favourite since 'Very'."
'Read My Mind' was remixed by the Pet Shop Boys towards the end of last year.
15th February 2007 - USA Chart
This week in the Billboard 'Hot Dance Club Play' chart
'Minimal'
stayed at number 4.
12th February 2007 - European Tour Announced
The Pet Shop Boys have announced a European tour which begins in Norway on Friday 27th April
2007 and ends in Holland on Tuesday 22nd May 2007, including concerts in the Baltic States,
Germany, Switzerland and France. They will soon be announcing a series of British concerts
which will follow the European dates. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
Information about Latin American dates has also been updated.
10th February 2007 - Robbie Williams Track Listing
Robbie Williams with Pet Shop Boys new single 'She's Madonna' is released on Monday 5th March
2007. Pre-order 'She's Madonna':
UK CD1,
UK CD2,
UK DVD.
The track listing is as follows:
CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDCHS5163):
She's Madonna
Never Touch That Switch - Switch Remix
CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDCHSS5163):
She's Madonna
She's Madonna - Chris Lake Remix
She's Madonna - Kris Menace Vocal Re-Interpretation
She's Madonna - Kris Menace Dub
DVD Single (DVDCHS5163):
She's Madonna - Video
Never Touch That Switch - Nightmoves' Liars Club Remix
ever Touch That Switch - Dark Horse Dub Mix
Robbie Williams Drag Interview
She's Madonna Photo Gallery
Digital Download Exclusive:
She's Madonna - Dark Horse Remix
9th February 2007 - The Killers Track Listing
The Killers new single 'Read My Mind' which has been remixed by the Pet Shop Boys is released
on Monday 26th February 2006. The mixes feature additionl vocals by both Neil and (briefly)
Chris. Pre-order 'Read My Mind':
UK CD.
The track listing is as follows:
CD Single - 2 Track CD (1724567):
Read My Mind - Album Version
Read My Mind - Pet Shop Boys Stars Are Blazing Mix
Digital Download Exclusive:
Read My Mind - Pet Shop Boys Radio Edit
8th February 2007 - USA Chart
This week in the Billboard 'Hot Dance Club Play' chart
'Minimal'
went up 2 places to number 4.
'I'm With Stupid'
reached number 7 in the same chart last year.
5th February 2007 - New Live DVD
The Pet Shop Boys' concert in Mexico City on Tuesday 14th November 2006 was filmed and is
currently being edited for DVD release by Warner Vision probably in June 2007. The sound for
the film has now been mixed by long-standing PSB engineer, Bob Kraushaar, in both stereo and
5:1. The director is David Brennan whose previous credits include live concert films of Bjork
and Gorillaz.
4th February 2007 - Neil's Desert Island Discs
Earlier on today Neil was the guest on 'Desert Island Discs' on BBC Radio 4.
'Desert Island Discs' is one of the BBC Radio's most popular and enduring programmes. Created
by Roy Plomley in 1942, the format is simple, each week a guest is invited by Kirsty Young to
choose the eight records they would take with them to a desert island.If you missed the
programme it will be repeated on Friday 9th February 2007 between 9am and 9.45am.
Neil's Desert Island Discs are:
1. Why Can't The English? Performer: Rex Harrison
2. She Loves You. Performer: The Beatles
3. Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis. Performer: Sinfonia of London conducted by Sir John Barbirolli
4. Changes. Performer: David Bowie
5. Give Me Tonight. Performer: Shannon
6. Good Morning Heartache. Performer: Billie Holiday
7. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore. Performer: Dusty Springfield
8. The 1st Movement Of Symphony No 5 In D Minor. Performer: New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein
Record: I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore by Dusty Springfield
Book: The Human Comedy by Honore De Balzac
Luxury: DVD projector and DVDs
31st January 2007 - Britney Spears
The Entertainment Wise website says, "Britney Spears To Work With The Pet Shop Boys!".
After hearing their Madonna remixes Britney Spears' musical comeback is gathering pace with
the news that she has tapped up the Pet Shop Boys to work on her new album.
After months of controversy surrounding her divorce from Kevin Federline, Britney has
reportedly vowed to concentrate on her return to pop.
A source close to the star has been reported as saying, "She heard the remixes they (the Pet
Shop Boys) did for Madonna and was blown away. She hopes they can weave some of their magic on
her tracks too"
The PetShopBoys.co.uk website says, "Setting The Record Straight". The story isn't true.
28th January 2007 - European Tour
The Pet Shop Boys will shortly be announcing details of a European tour starting at the end of
April 2007 and continuing through May 2007. It is anticipated that this will include concerts
in Scandanavia, Germany, France and the UK as well as other countries. Details will be
announced as soon as they are finalised.
24th January 2007 - Desert Island Discs
Neil will be the guest on 'Desert Island Discs' on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 4th February 2007
between 11.15am and 12.00pm. If you miss the programme it will be repeated on Friday 9th
February 2007 between 9am and 9.45am.
'Desert Island Discs' is one of the BBC Radio's most popular and enduring programmes. Created
by Roy Plomley in 1942, the format is simple, each week a guest is invited by Kirsty Young to
choose the eight records they would take with them to a desert island.
22nd January 2007 - On The Road Again
The Pet Shop Boys have announced some new concert dates which will take place before the
Australian V Festival. For all the Pet Shop Boys' tour dates see the
Tour Dates page.
21st January 2007 - Neil And Rufus
Neil is executive producer for Rufus Wainwright's new album 'Release The Stars'. The album is
produced by Rufus and he asked Neil to be executive producer. It's released on Monday 7th May
2007. Neil said, "I spent a few days with Rufus, told him it all sounded great and left again."
20th January 2007 - Robbie, PSB And Madonna
'She's Madonna', Robbie Williams and the Pet Shop Boys' collaboration will be the third single
to be released from Robbie's 'Rudebox' album on Monday 5th March 2007. It's backed by remixes
from Kris Menace, Chris Lake and Switch.
19th January 2007 - West End Scissor Sister
The Scissor Sisters have invited Neil to perform with them at a London charity concert. He
will join the Scissor Sisters onstage for one song at an exclusive charity gig at London's
Koko on Sunday 18th February 2007 in aid of the charity Body & Soul which supports children,
teenagers and families in the UK living with or closely affected by HIV.
As part of Body & Soul's 'A Smile Is A Gift' campaign, the concert at will highlight the fact
that HIV is an issue affecting the UK, as well as raising vital funds for Body & Soul's brand
new, state-of-the-art centre in London.
Hosted by Ben Elton, the event will also feature Pete Tong and DJ Sammy Jo. Tickets are being
sold for £100 each of which will include noodles, a complimentary drink, and a goody bag.
17th January 2007 - 2006 Digital Download Chart
The UK digital music store 7digital has just announced it's top-selling downloads and artists
of 2006. The Pet Shop Boys were the 3rd most-downloaded artist of 2006, Depeche Mode were
1st and Gnarls Barkley 2nd. 'Fundamental' was the 10th most-downloaded album of 2006,
'Black Holes And Revelations' by Muse was the most-downloaded album.
16th January 2007 - Classical Remix
The Pet Shop Boys are to be remixed by classical cellist Nick Squires at the National Portrait
Gallery on Friday 26th January at 6.30pm. Entry is free.
14th January 2007 - West End Ballet Boys
Neil and Chris are planning to write a ballet. Speaking at the National Portrait Gallery Neil
said, "We're talking about writing a ballet with a friend. We'll see if it happens."
13th January 2007 - Brian Eno
Neil and Chris once tried to make an album with musician, artist, producer and cultural
theorist Brian Eno. They hoped that he would produce the musical soundtrack of
'Closer To Heaven' in 2001, but he only spent a day on 'Something Special'. Speaking at the
National Portrait Gallery Neil said, "Eno has a method of getting people to think of
strategies for writing songs. But we went to him with 12 finished songs. I do like Eno."
12th January 2007 - 2007 Tour Plans
The Pet Shop Boys will soon be announcing new tour dates for 2007. Details of concert plans
for the first half of this year will be announced in the next week or so.
Meanwhile, last Friday the Pet Shop Boys performed their first concert of 2007 at the Palacio
de Deportes in Madrid. The set listing was as follows:
God Willing/Left To My Own Devices
Suburbia
Can You Forgive Her?
Minimal/Shopping
Rent
Heart
Opportunities/Integral
Paninaro
Numb
Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)/Domino Dancing
Flamboyant
Always On My Mind
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
West End Girls
The Sodom And Gomorrah Show
So Hard/It's A Sin
Go West
For the next few weeks, Neil and Chris will be in their studio working on new songs. In his
capacity as consultant producer, Neil is also "nipping into the studio" to hear tracks from
Rufus Wainwright's new album 'Release the Stars', which is being mixed in London by Marius de
Vries and is due for release in May 2007.
11th January 2007 - Neil At The NPG Tonight
Neil will be talking at the National Portrait Gallery at 7pm tonight. He will be talking about
the Pet Shop Boys' approach to image and design at a special event at the National Portrait
Gallery in London. He will be joined onstage by Philip Hoare and Chris Heath, the authors of
'Pet Shop Boys Catalogue', in a discussion chaired by Michael Bracewell. The event is sold out.
The display of photographs of Pet Shop Boys continues at the National Portrait Gallery until
March 2007.
3rd January 2007 - UK Chart Revamp
A chart revamp puts downloads first. Album tracks, B-sides and golden oldies could now enter
the top 40 since chart rules were changed on Monday 1st January 2007. The shake-up means that
any download will count towards the top 75, even if it is not available on the high street.
Test charts show that Christmas songs by Wham and Mariah Carey would have been in the
Christmas festive top 40 under the new rules. CD singles will also be allowed extra tracks and
extended running times to help them compete with downloads. Steve Redmond, director of the UK
Official Charts Company said, "This new ruling changes the nature of a single and puts the
consumer in the driving seat. Literally any track can be a hit - as long as it sells enough."
Previously, downloads only counted towards the chart in the week before a song was released on
CD, and until two weeks after the CD was deleted. The first revamped top 40 will be revealed
on Sunday 7th January 2007.
2nd January 2007 - Hogmany Hits Extravagaza Cancelled
Everything was ready for Pet Shop Boys' Hogmamany Hits Extravanganza in Edinburgh on New Year's
Eve, the set list was drawn up and rehearsed, the soundcheck took place in the early afternoon
and Neil and Chris were in their hotel rooms waiting to go to the concert site. At 8.40pm, the
sad news came through that the show could not go ahead because of the bad weather with rain
and winds of up to 70mph causing damage to the concert site and stage and potential injury to
the audience. Up to 100,000 people were expected to celebrate on the streets in Edinburgh.
Similar celebrations in Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Newcastle and Stirling were
cancelled for the same reason.
Neil commented, "We are very disappointed that the Edinburgh New Year's celebrations have been
cancelled because of high winds and the danger of people getting injured. And we are sorry for
everyone who has travelled to see us and also for the organisers who have spent months putting
together what should have been one amazing night."
Instead of playing the concert, Chris and Neil and their singers, dancers, crew and friends
went to a club to welcome in a somewhat muted New Year. Ironically, the worldwide New Year
celebrations began with Pet Shop Music: the fireworks display in Sydney, Australia, which was
broadcast around the world, began with the introduction to 'Numb'.
1st January 2007 - Happy New Year!
What will the Pet Shop Boys be up to in 2007? Keep up to date by regularly checking back here.
All the best for 2007.