Next time you’re in a bookshop, look out for “Mighty Real” by Barry Walters, an excellent history of LGBTQ music, its artists and audiences, which includes a chapter on Pet Shop Boys, Dusty Springfield and Liza Minnelli. It was published this week. Neil x

Some signed copies of Pet Shop Boys’ recently published retrospective book, Volume, are available today at Dover Street Market as part of Photo London.

Photography by Jack Ashley

In the latest issue of “Annually”, there’s a history of PSB in 20 objects found in the basement of our studio. Here are three that didn’t make it! Ivor Novello Awards for International Hit of the Year in both 1986 (“West End girls”) and 1987 (“It’s a sin”) and for Outstanding Contribution to British Music (presented in 2000). The awards are presented every year to recognise excellence in songwriting. 

Stormzy’s 2019 Glastonbury vest is just one item in the excellent new exhibition, “The Music is Black: A British Story”, at the V&A East museum which has just opened in Stratford, London. Definitely worth a visit! More information at the link below. Neil x

50 years ago today, I went with my friend Eric Watson to see a gig by a new rock group called the Sex Pistols at the Nashville pub in West Kensington. The Pistols were impressive — they reminded me a little of The Ramones whose first album I had heard — but then a member of the audience was beaten up by one of the group’s friends in a horrifying incident. Eric and I left the gig stunned and I wrote a letter to the NME about it. To my surprise, the NME printed my letter as a little news piece with a photo by Joe Stevens. Later in 1976, the Pistols achieved notoriety in a controversial TV interview. A series of brilliant and subversive singles and an album followed which resonate to this day. Neil x

Pet Shop Boys Volume has officially entered the Sunday Times bestseller list at number two. Earlier last week, the book went straight to number one in the UK Independent Bookshop Top 20. Thanks to everyone who has bought a copy of “Volume” so far. xx

If you weren’t able to go to any of last week’s five PSB shows in London, or you just want a memento of those special concerts, “Obscure Pet Shop Boys” merchandise, including a sweatshirt and three different T‑shirts, is now available in the official PSB store at the link below.

It has just been reported in “The Bookseller” magazine that “Pet Shop Boys Volume”, has gone straight to number one in the latest Independent Bookshop Top 20 in the UK. The book, written by Chris Heath and Philip Hoare, was published last week by Thames & Hudson.