On August 19th, Neil and Chris meet by chance in an electronics shop on the Kings Road. Realizing they have a common interest in dance music, they begin to write together. Initially they call themselves West End; later they come up with the name Pet Shop Boys, a name derived from some friends who work in a pet shop in Ealing. “We thought it sounded like an English rap group”.
‘West End Girls’ hits #1 in the U.S.
Chris and Neil are interviewed live on BBC1 Breakfast TV.
The Pet Shop Boys make a surprise appearance performing at London’s Kensington Palace Gardens at a gala for the Absolute Return for Kids charity. Also performing are the band Mumford & Sons.
Neil attends the Sunday matinee performance of the Closer to Heaven revival at London’s Union Theatre.
A big day in the ‘PSB world.’ Their official website unveils a substantial redesign, along with several major announcements, including the premiere of the new music video ‘Twenty-something,’ the long-rumored but now officially confirmed second single from Super. It’s also announced that the Super Tour will begin in the autumn, including a first round of dates and news that tickets will begin going on sale later in the week.
The Dreamworld ‘Greatest Hits’ Tour, delayed for two years on account of the COVID pandemic, finally begins with its first show in Milan.
Annually 2024 is published and begins shipping today.