After completing a degree in history at the Polytechnic of North London, Neil takes a job at Marvel Comics, anglicizing spellings and indicating where over-risque woman needed to be redrawn decently. While there he interviews comic fan Marc Bolan, who politely points out that his tape recorder wasn’t working. In 1977 he works at Macdonald Educational Publishing, later moving to ITV Books. In June 1982, he joins Smash Hits.
The Pet Shop Boys perform in Brighton, U.K.
Following the civil union ceremony in London of Little Britain star Matt Lucas with his longtime partner Kevin McGee, a lavish reception is held at the Whitehall Banqueting House, for which guests have been asked to dress in costume. Neil attends dressed as Captain Hook from Peter Pan. It proves an extremely popular choice of costume, with numerous others, including Sir Elton John, appearing in similar garb.
The Pandemonium Tour returns to the U.K. with the Boys’ concert tonight in Glasgow.
Neil’s October interview with Philip Dodd airs in its entirety this evening on BBC Radio 3’s Night Waves program.