On Wednesday and Thursday this week, BBC Radio 2 broadcast episodes one and two of a four-part documentary, produced by Malcolm Prince and introduced by Graham Norton, charting the career of the Pet Shop Boys.
In episode one Neil and Chris discuss the origins of Pet Shop Boys and their early influential albums released on Parlophone, from 1986’s Please to 1996’s Bilingual. Plus, they choose their favourite tracks from each release.
In episode two, Neil and Chris discuss the final five studio albums released on Parlophone – Nightlife, Release, Fundamental, Yes and Elysium – and again they choose their favourite tracks from each record.
Episodes three and four will explore how the twosome have contrasted their success in mainstream music with acclaimed works for ballet, film and musical theatre. And as they prepare to release their new album, Super, the programmes will ask “how they’ve continued to walk a tightrope between pop and art, and silliness and profundity”. Part three will be narrated by Frances Barber and part four by Miranda Sawyer.
The programmes will be broadcast at 10 pm and thereafter on the BBC iPlayer. Link below.
Radio documentary
We are sad to hear that the distinguished British photographer Martin Parr, famous for his wryly distinctive images of everyday life, has died. In 2002 we asked him to direct the video for our song “London” and he made a short film which, in its combination of urban pathos and quirky London street life, was instantly recognisable as his work. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Neil and Chris xx
Photo: New York Times
Recent News
Pet Shop Boys are pleased to announce that they will be headlining the 65th anniversary edition of the Viña Del Mar International Song Festival in Chile with a “Dreamworld” show at Quinta Vergara Amphitheatre on Monday, 23rd February 2026.
40 years after the release of their 1986 debut album “Please”, Pet Shop Boys will perform five intimate live shows in April 2026 at London’s Electric Ballroom.
Pet Shop Boys today announce the forthcoming publication of “Volume”, a 592-page hardback book published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the release of their 1986 debut album, “Please”.
Pet Shop Boys today release the Carroll Thompson song “Let the Music Play”, which is now available to stream at the link below.
Soundtrack composer Bryce Miller has created a stunning new mix of “It’s a sin” for the trailer of “Monster: The Ed Gein Story”.
Pet Shop Boys are pleased to announce two more “Dreamworld” 2026 dates in Japan. On Tuesday, 6th January, they will perform at the Tokyo Garden Theater, and on Friday, 9th January, at Kobe’s World Memorial Hall.