We are very sad to hear that the legendary Frankie Knuckles has died. The word “legendary” is rather overused these days, but Frankie Knuckles was a true dance legend and a pioneer of house music. We were honoured to work with him in 1988 when he did his brilliant dark mix of “I want a dog”. It was so exciting to drive out to Jersey City to hear this mix for the first time in his studio and then drive back to New York with the mix on repeat. We were thrilled with it and included it on our album, Introspective. In 1990 Frankie came over to London to play at Chris’s birthday party at Brixton Academy and enthralled the crowd with his brilliant set. In the early days, House music was referred to as “Chicago House” after the city where it was invented — it was great to visit the city last year and see that a street had been named after the music’s inventor: Frankie Knuckles Way. Love and respect forever. xx
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
