March 1995
On March 6th, ‘Various’, a collection of the Pet Shop Boys’ most recent videos, is released.
History
July 1995
On July 31st, the Pet Shop Boys release ‘Paninaro ‘95’, a new version of the song they first recorded in 1986. It is based upon the new arrangement Chris performed on the ‘Discovery’ tour, and Chris’ new, updated lyrics.
August 1995
On August 7th an album of Pet Shop Boys B‑sides is released. It is called ‘Alternative’ (a last minute change from the title which had always been saved for this record: ‘Besides’). It contains thirty songs in chronological order from ‘In the night’ to ‘Some speculation’, and the first copies of the CD and album have a hologram on the cover which shifts between two photographs, one of Neil, one of Chris, both in fencing masks. “They’re some of our favourite songs”, Neil explains, “and it just seemed like a nice idea to have them in one place”. On the same day, ‘Discovery’, a video of the Pet Shop Boys performing live in Rio de Janeiro, is released.
December 1995
On December 19th the Pet Shop Boys record a two hour radio programme, Merry Pet Shop Boys, for Radio One to broadcast on Christmas Eve. They play their favourite records from the previous year, beginning with Livin’ Joy’s ‘Dreamer’ and ending with the Sleaze Sisters with Vicki’s ‘Let’s Whip It Up’, and including songs by Edwyn Collins, Grace, The Original, The Passengers, Dubstar, Gusto, Billie Ray Martin, and two by Oasis. During the recording they drink champagne, and eat twiglets and crisps. Neil leaves the band once, and Chris explains to a Radio One producer why he likes the records that he likes: “It’s like art. You like it because you like it. You don’t know why. I I like any song with the word ‘love’ in it. I like any record with love in it because, as far as I’m concerned, right, love’s the only thing that matters”.
On this day
1954
Neil Francis Tennant is born in North Shields, Northumberland, U.K.
1989
They celebrate Neil’s 35th birthday as airline passengers flying over Siberia on the way home from tour dates in Japan. Not only do they have champagne, but the stewardess presents Neil with two birthday cakes.
1995
After working on ‘Se A Vida E,’ the Boys celebrate Neil’s birthday with a barbeque.
2006
In the wee morning hours shortly after midnight, following the earlier (July 9) PSB performance at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, the Scissor Sisters sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for Neil, who briefly reappears onstage with them mid-song.
2007
The Boys spend much of the day in their studio working with Pete Gleadall. Meanwhile, the Interactive Media Council awards the web development firm Airside an Interactive Media Award for Outstanding Achievement for their work on the official PSB website.
2009
The Pet Shop Boys are the headline act at a special concert at London’s O2 Arena complex titled ‘Smirnoff Experience: U.R. The Night.’ Their performance—a greatly abbreviated form of their Pandemonium Tour setlist—lasts about a half-hour.
2010
Neil spends his birthday in Munich, Germany, where the Boys perform this evening at the Tollwood Festival.
2013
The PSB Electric Tour comes to Munich.
2014
The Boys top off Neil’s 60th birthday with their appearance at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia.
2017
They perform at the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) in Madrid.
2022
In the Canary Islands for their upcoming shows there, Neil celebrates his birthday by having dinner and drinks in Tenerife with Chris, Pete Gleadall, and their touring band.
- Facts collated by geowayne.com