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”.
‘Opportunities’ is re-released as a single, this time proving successful.
Electronic’s ‘Getting Away with It’ (co-written by Neil) peaks at #38 on the U.S. singles chart.
The Boys begin work on ‘Casanova in Hell.’
Fundamental is released in Germany and various other countries in continental Europe—a few days ahead of its U.K. release.
Continuing the Fundamental Tour, Neil and Chris arrive in Stuttgart, Germany, for their concert there the following evening.
As they note today on their official website, the Pet Shop Boys are in the midst of rehearsals for their upcoming world tour, which they have dubbed ‘The Pandemonium Tour.’
Chris and Neil reportedly put in an appearance this evening at the London club Room Service.
Frances Barber comes back into the studio to re-record vocals for ‘For Every Moment’ and ‘Friendly Fire.’ Neil then works with Pete Gleadall to edit a prospective single version of ‘Ich bin Musik’ (though it’s never released as a single).