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”.
‘Left to My Own Devices’ debuts on the U.S. singles chart, where it will peak at #84.
Using a melody that Chris had made up and sung into his mobile phone the night before, the Boys begin writing ‘I Made My Excuses and Left.’
They write a new song titled ‘The Dead Can Dance.’
The Pet Shop Boys perform their latest single ‘Monkey Business’ live on the U.K. National Television Awards show this evening.
They announce on their website the release of their remix of German DJ/producer Claptone’s new single ‘Queen of Ice.’