On August 19th, Neil and Chris meet by chance in an electronics shop on the Kings Road. Realizing they have a common interest in dance music, they begin to write together. Initially they call themselves West End; later they come up with the name Pet Shop Boys, a name derived from some friends who work in a pet shop in Ealing. “We thought it sounded like an English rap group”.
While in Houston, Texas, on their Performance tour, Neil goes shopping and buys a Stetson hat and cowboy boots.
The Pet Shop Boys perform in Buenos Aires. Although the concert venue is ‘Luna Park,’ they resist the temptation to perform that particular song there. Afterward Neil describes the show as ‘the loudest we’ve ever had. Felt like we were playing in the Cup Final (and winning).’
The Boys release their tenth studio album, Yes.
The Pandemonium live CD/DVD set is released today in the United States, more than a month after its release in many other countries.
Their extended stay in Los Angeles complete, Neil and Chris catch a flight back to London.
The first part of a new four-part radio documentary about the Pet Shop Boys premiers on BBC Radio 2. Also, the Boys unveil ‘Happiness,’ the opening track on their soon-to-be-released album Super, on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio show today. (Incidentally, the two Lowes are not related.)