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
1989
Derek Jarman records in his journal the strongly negative reaction he receives in response to the footage filmed from the Pet Shop Boys’ recent Wembley Arena concert. He’s especially upset about Chris’s reaction, which he describes as ‘full of serious anguish.’
2000
The Boys work on the tracks ‘E‑mail’ and ‘Time on My Hands.’
2001
Chris and Neil decide to shorten ‘The Samurai in Autumn’: ‘We edited it right down.’
2003
They perform at the SWR 3 New Pop Festival in Rastatt, Germany. Their set includes the world premiere of ‘Miracles.’ On the same day, a large panoramic portrait of celebrity regulars at London’s fashionable restaurant The Ivy, painted by Rolling Stones guitarist (and accomplished portraitist) Ronnie Wood, goes on display at the Royal Academy of Art. Among the many celebrities depicted in the painting are Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Elton John, and Neil Tennant.
2009
The Pandemonium Tour comes to Seattle.
2011
They work on ‘The Way Through the Woods’ and ‘Thick as Thieves.’
2014
Kicking off the final leg of their lengthy Electric Tour, the Pet Shop Boys appear in concert at the Singapore Grand Prix.
2018
Continuing work on ‘Give Stupidity a Chance,’ they decide to change its arrangement, abandoning its original ‘slightly folky’ sound.
2019
Early this morning, Chris and Neil visit the Joe Orton Archive at the University of Leicester. In the evening they attend the first preview performance of My Beautiful Laundrette at Leicester’s Curve Theatre.
- Facts collated by geowayne.com