Thousands of people walked from the Arsenal Emirates stadium through the streets of Islington, North London, this morning in tribute to Dainton Connell, a.k.a. “The Bear”. In a remarkable scene, more like a state funeral than a private internment, Holloway Road was closed by the police to allow the procession to take place. Then mourners including Chris Lowe, Neil Tennant, ex-Arsenal footballers Ian Wright and Lee Dixon, Little Britain stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams, boxer Frank Bruno, journalist and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, artist Sam Taylor-Wood, singer Sylvia Mason-James, and hundreds of friends and Arsenal supporters joined Dainton’s wife and family for the funeral service at St Mary Magdalane Church conducted by three vicars, including the priest who married Dainton and his wife Mandy 31 years ago. Past and present PSB managers David Dorrell, Mitch Clark and Jill Carrington were also present, along with members of the Lowe and Tennant families. Chris Lowe read from The Bible (Revelation 21: 1–7) as part of the service. The service was broadcast via speakers to a huge crowd standing outside the church in bright sunshine.
We would like, once again, to thank all fans and friends who have sent messages of condolence and flowers. Further reports of the funeral can be found at the links below.
Farewell to The Bear
Neil has been interviewed by Jake Shears on his “Queer The Music” podcast, talking about the lyrics and the making of the PSB song “It’s a sin”, Pet Shop Boys’ creative process, collaborators and much more. The season finale episode is out now and available at the link below.
Recent News
Pet Shop Boys today release the expanded edition of their acclaimed new album, “Nonetheless”.
A new studio recording of the “All the young dudes” / “West End girls” medley, performed by PSB and the Manchester Camerata, and produced by Stuart Price with strings arranged by Anne Dudley, is available to stream now at the link below. The medley was performed at the MTV EMAs last night. It’s accompanied by a different “orchestral” mix by Stuart Price.
Kicking off the weekend which will see Pet Shop Boys performing at the EMAs in Manchester, the official video for their new version of David Bowie’s “All the young dudes” is now available to watch on YouTube at the link below.
Pet Shop Boys’ new double A‑side single, “New London boy / All the young dudes”, and an accompanying remixes single, are out now on CD and digitally at the link below.
Pet Shop Boys are pleased to announce that they will be performing at this year’s MTV EMAs in Manchester, where they will also receive the inaugural “Pop Pioneer Award” celebrating their 40 years in pop music. They will be performing with a local orchestra, the Manchester Camerata.
Pet Shop Boys are happy to reveal a special PSB-themed tea set, which is available to order now at the link below.
The official video for Pet Shop Boys’ new single “Feel”, directed by acclaimed young British artist Corbin Shaw and Rawtape, is now available to watch on YouTube at the link below.