An exhibition opens at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly, London, today on the theme of “Happiness”. Various famous people have donated objects which represent an idea of personal happiness. Neil Tennant has given a signed photograph of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust explaining:
“In June, 1972, I went to see David Bowie perform at the City Hall in Newcastle on his Ziggy Stardust tour. At the climactic moment of the concert when Bowie sang “Wham! Bam! Thank you ma’am!” in the song “Suffragette City”, the audience was showered with these promotional posters of Bowie as Ziggy and I grabbed one. Later my friends and I waited in a crush of fans outside the stage door. Bowie emerged and signed my poster in pencil. The late Mick Ronson, his legendary guitarist and musical arranger, signed it also. I was very happy.”
(Behind the poster is an original vinyl copy of the Ziggy Stardust album.)
The free exhibition continues until December 20th and all items are for sale in aid of the Royal Academy Schools.
Recent Pet Texts
This Saturday 2 August, the independent cinema The Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford will be screening two Jack Bond films, “It Couldn’t Happen Here” featuring Pet Shop Boys and “Separation”. All details on the double feature at the link below.
Last week, the Durham Miners Brass band and fellow street bands delivered two excellent performances of the PSB songs “Suburbia” and “It’s a sin” at the Durham Brass Festival. 🏳️🌈 Pride joined the Durham Miner’s Gala for the very first time this year, alongside Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners (LGSM) and the DMA brass band. Both performances are now available to watch on YouTube at the links below.
Later tonight… Our fourth show this summer in Spain! Back in the UK next week.
Earlier this year, I joined Johnny Marr and his wonderful band on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo to sing “Rebel Rebel” and “Getting away with it”. Both songs are available to stream now and will also feature on Johnny Marr’s new live album, “Look Out Live!”, which is out on 19th September. Neil x
“Self Titled”, the acclaimed new album by poet/rapper/novelist/playwright Kae Tempest, features a collaboration with Neil Tennant. His vocals can be heard on the track “Sunshine on Catford”. Listen now at the YouTube link below.
Last night in Viareggio.
Nice to be back in Italy! Concert in lovely Lucca tomorrow. Neil x
