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
1991
While staying at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles, Neil happens upon Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan having lunch. They chat briefly. That same evening the Boys perform the second of two consecutive nights’ shows at L.A.‘s Universal Amphitheater.
2001
Chris and Neil begin work on a track called ‘Diddly Squat,’ which later becomes ‘All or Nothing.’
2011
They start working on a remix of the Hidden Cameras track ‘Colour of a Man.’
2015
They note on their website that today they spoke with their manager, Angela Becker, ‘via computer’ about ‘reissues, the new album, etc.’
2016
Pre-recorded segments featuring Neil and Chris have been airing every weekday afternoon this week on the ‘This Is the Day’ segment of Richard Blade’s SiriusXM 1st Wave satellite radio show.
2017
Chris attends this evening’s performance by The Who at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where the Pet Shop Boys are scheduled to perform three nights later. (Both shows are to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust.)
2023
Their official website announces the pending June release of Smash, the Pet Shop Boys’ fourth hits collection, which will be available in several formats, including a three-CD/two-Blu-ray set.
- Facts collated by geowayne.com