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
‘It’s Alright’ is released as a single.
1993
Chris and Neil are among the celebrity guests attending a lavish private party in Hertfordshire celebrating George Michael’s 30th birthday.
1995
The Boys work with Danny Tenaglia on a new song, ‘Before.’
2002
They bring their Release Tour to Brussels, Belgium.
2006
Chris and Neil take a break from the European leg of the Fundamental Tour to do some sightseeing in Bilbao, Spain, including the Guggenheim Museum there.
2009
They perform in Leipzig.
2010
Ten years (plus two days) after their first appearance at the Glastonbury Festival, the Pet Shop Boys perform there once again. Their set is broadcast live on BBC3 TV.
2014
While Neil is out taking a morning walk, Chris begins working on a track that will eventually become ‘Pazzo!’
2017
The Super Tour comes to Baden-Baden, Germany.
2020
Neil records vocals for ‘The Schlager Hit Parade.’
2022
Exactly twelve years to the day since their previous appearance at the Glastonbury Festival, the Pet Shop Boys perform there an abbreviated version of their Dreamworld Tour setlist. A technical glitch, however, results in Chris not appearing at the beginning of their performance, leaving Neil at first the only Pet Shop Boy onstage and causing many fans to wonder ‘Where’s Chris?’ Chris soon makes his appearance, however. Later, special guest Olly Alexander joins them for the song ‘Dreamland,’ and the Boys dedicate their closing song, ‘Being Boring,’ to the victims of the preceding day’s terrorist attack on a gay club in Oslo, Norway.
2023
The PSB Dreamworld Tour comes to Brighton.
2024
Pet Shop Boys perform in Amsterdam.
- Facts collated by geowayne.com