Pet Texts

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. 

A huge thank you to Princess Julia for opening the Obscure shows last week (and on her birthday) with her excellent DJ sets, which you can relive at the Spotify playlist link below.

Photo: Eva Pentel

The 2026 issue of Annually is shipping this week to all who have pre-ordered it. It is the tenth issue of the book which every year explores PSB’s recent activities and dives into their history. You can still order a copy from our online store. 

What an unforgettable week! We loved each of the five “Obscure” nights at the Electric Ballroom. Thanks to everyone who made it happen, our musicians and musical guests (Sylvia Mason-James, Johnny Marr and Mark Refoy) and all the Petheads who came along. 

Friday night’s set list: Positive role model, Will-o-the-wisp, After the event, Two divided by zero, Jack the lad, To face the truth, Hit and miss, Bet she’s not your girlfriend, One in a million/Mr Vain (with Sylvia), Happiness is an option (with Sylvia), Sexy northerner, In his imagination, It couldn’t happen here, Miserablism, King of Rome, Kings Cross, Love is the law, Why don’t we live together?, Requiem in denim and leopardskin, Your funny uncle, The way it used to be, Later tonight, I dream of a better tomorrow.

Photo: Eva Pentel 

We had a fantastic night at the Electric Ballroom yesterday with a special guest appearance from Johnny Marr on guitar! Thanks to Johnny for playing with us and to all the wonderful Petheads. xx

Photo: Eva Pentel

Five-star review of last night’s “Obscure” show!

Pet Shop Boys Volume is now available at Resident Music in Brighton, at John Sandoe in London and at Waterstones Deansgate, Manchester.