Chris and I were sad to learn that our first manager Tom Watkins has died after being ill for several years. I first met Tom in 1975 and then a decade later he became our manager. He was a genuine larger-than-life personality — his company was called Massive Management — and we learned a lot together about the music business and had many good times. After Tom ceased to be our manager, I remained his friend for several years but for various reasons long-term friendship with Tom wasn’t possible. However Chris and I will always be grateful for his efforts on our behalf in the early days of our career and we have many memories of fun times with him back then. Today we sent flowers to his funeral with the message: “Thanks for five Massive years”. Neil x
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
