March 1995
On March 6th, ‘Various’, a collection of the Pet Shop Boys’ most recent videos, is released.
History
July 1995
On July 31st, the Pet Shop Boys release ‘Paninaro ‘95’, a new version of the song they first recorded in 1986. It is based upon the new arrangement Chris performed on the ‘Discovery’ tour, and Chris’ new, updated lyrics.
August 1995
On August 7th an album of Pet Shop Boys B‑sides is released. It is called ‘Alternative’ (a last minute change from the title which had always been saved for this record: ‘Besides’). It contains thirty songs in chronological order from ‘In the night’ to ‘Some speculation’, and the first copies of the CD and album have a hologram on the cover which shifts between two photographs, one of Neil, one of Chris, both in fencing masks. “They’re some of our favourite songs”, Neil explains, “and it just seemed like a nice idea to have them in one place”. On the same day, ‘Discovery’, a video of the Pet Shop Boys performing live in Rio de Janeiro, is released.
December 1995
On December 19th the Pet Shop Boys record a two hour radio programme, Merry Pet Shop Boys, for Radio One to broadcast on Christmas Eve. They play their favourite records from the previous year, beginning with Livin’ Joy’s ‘Dreamer’ and ending with the Sleaze Sisters with Vicki’s ‘Let’s Whip It Up’, and including songs by Edwyn Collins, Grace, The Original, The Passengers, Dubstar, Gusto, Billie Ray Martin, and two by Oasis. During the recording they drink champagne, and eat twiglets and crisps. Neil leaves the band once, and Chris explains to a Radio One producer why he likes the records that he likes: “It’s like art. You like it because you like it. You don’t know why. I I like any song with the word ‘love’ in it. I like any record with love in it because, as far as I’m concerned, right, love’s the only thing that matters”.
On this day
1991
Derek Jarman records in his diary, ‘Neil Tennant and his friend Jay arrive for tea.’
1995
Chris and Neil take part in shooting the video for ‘Paninaro ’95.’
1997
‘Somewhere’ is released as a single.
2002
The Boys perform in Leipzig, Germany.
2011
They begin work on two brand new songs, ‘Shouting in the Evening’ and ‘Give It a Go.’
2013
Despite an earlier attempt to persuade them to cancel the show in protest of Israel’s policies with regard to Palestinians, the Pet Shop Boys bring their Electric Tour show to Tel Aviv this evening.
2014
They work on a new song titled ‘Will You Love Me?’
2015
They complete work on their wedding-present track, ‘Wedding in Berlin.’
2018
Neil is among an estimated 50,000 people from across the U.K. political spectrum who march in London today to protest ‘Brexit’ – Britain’s pending exit from the European Union. This same evening, Dusty, a new ‘jukebox musical’ based on the life of Dusty Springfield, makes its world debut at Theatre Royal in the city of Bath. Written by Jonathan Harvey (who had previously collaborated with PSB on their own musical Closer to Heaven) and starring Katherine Kingsley, it includes a climactic rendition of ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’
2019
Neil, playwright Jonathan Harvey, and singer-actress Frances Barber tape their appearance as guests on Graham Norton’s BBC Radio 2 show to talk about the Boys’ new cabaret stage show Musik starring Ms. Barber. (It will air the following Saturday.)
2023
Neil visits the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. When evening comes, he and Chris perform their Dreamworld Tour show at that city’s M&S Bank Arena.
- Facts collated by geowayne.com