We are very sad to learn that the composer and arranger Angelo Badalamenti has died. We first worked with him in 1987 when he made the orchestral arrangement for “It couldn’t happen here” on our “Actually” album. He subsequently arranged songs we produced for Dusty Springfield (“Nothing has been proved”) and Liza Minnelli (“Rent”), also two songs on our “Behaviour” album (“This must be the place…” and “Only the wind”), and in 2013 arranged our “Four songs in A minor” which Chrissie Hynde sang at the BBC Proms. He became famous for his collaborations with film director David Lynch including “Blue Velvet” and “Twin Peaks”. Angelo had a uniquely eerie orchestral style and was a joy to work with. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Pet Shop Boys are pleased to announce a series of Dreamworld shows across Europe this summer.
Recent Pet Texts
A brand new “West End girls” T‑shirt designed by Farrow is now shipping as part of Pet Shop Boys’ “Since 1984” range. Available to order exclusively through the official PSB store.
David Bowie died ten years ago today. In a special BBC 6 Music programme, Neil discusses Bowie including PSB’s collaboration with him on “Hallo Spaceboy”. The show is part of a series called “Bowie Forever”. Listen to it now on BBC Sounds.
Day off in Osaka before tomorrow’s show at the World Theatre in Kobe.
40 years ago, on Tuesday, January 7, 1986, “West End girls” hit number one in the UK singles chart and stayed there for two weeks. Neil and Chris performed the song in the number one slot on “Top of the Pops” two days later. It went on to hit the top spot in Canada, the USA, Finland, Norway and New Zealand and was the first of four PSB UK number one singles. In 2020 The Guardian newspaper elected it the greatest UK Number One single of all time.
Two new exclusive PSB “Dreamworld” Japan T‑shirts are now available online and in-store through Dover Street Market Ginza in Tokyo. All details at the link below. Pet Shop Boys perform in Tokyo tonight and in Kobe on Friday.
Neil is recovering well from the virus that led to PSB cancelling their festival show in Tokyo on Sunday. He and Chris are looking forward to tonight’s Dreamworld concert at the Tokyo Garden Theatre and to their show on Friday in Kobe.