We are very sad to report that Pet Shop Boys' friend and collaborator, Eric Watson, has died. Eric was a brilliant photographer who worked extensively for "Smash Hits" magazine in the first half of the 80s and took the first shots of Pet Shop Boys in 1983. Over the next few years he photographed Neil and Chris many times, including the covers for the single releases of "Opportunities", "West End girls", "Love comes quickly", "Please", "Suburbia", "It's a sin", "What have I done to deserve this?", "Rent", "Heart", "It's alright", "So hard", "Jealousy" and "DJ culture" and the album covers of "Please" and "Behaviour". In 1999 he returned to photograph Neil and Chris for the cover of the single, "I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore" and the CD booklet of the "Nightlife" album. Eric also directed many classic PSB videos, including "West End girls", "Suburbia", "Domino dancing" and "DJ culture". When Pet Shop Boys first recorded "West End girls" with Bobby 'O' in 1983, Eric played it to an A&R man at Epic Records who then signed it, resulting in Pet Shop Boys' first single being released. Aside from his work with Pet Shop Boys, Eric created images and videos for many other pop artists and his landscape photographs were exhibited at the Blue Gallery in London in 1997. His work was also included in the exhibition "Icons Of Pop" at the National Portrait Gallery in London and a selection of his photographs of Pet Shop Boys was exhibited in the same gallery to coincide with the publication of the book, "Catalogue". Originating from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Eric moved to London in the early 70s and studied at Hornsey College of Art. In recent years he taught photography. He will be much missed by his family, friends, students and all those who appreciated his work
Recent News
Pet Shop Boys are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their brand-new studio album, “Nonetheless”, on Parlophone Records on April 26.
The Guardian Live and PSB today announce “An evening with Pet Shop Boys”, including an exclusive “Nonetheless” album playback ahead of release day.
Pet Shop Boys are excited to announce the digital release of their new single “Dancing star” on April 3, with a CD release to follow on May 3, all available to pre-save/pre-order now at the link below.
Pet Shop Boys are happy to announce a Blu-ray edition of "Nonetheless", which is now available to pre-order exclusively through the Super Deluxe Edition shop at the link below and includes an SDE exclusive slipcase.
Pet Shop Boys will be releasing a strictly limited edition zoetrope picture disc of “Nonetheless” via Blood Records on Friday, 26 April.
Pet Shop Boys will be headlining this year’s Cruïlla Barcelona Festival on Saturday, 13th July.
“Nonetheless” merchandise, including a cap, a T-shirt and a hoodie, will be shipping along with the new PSB album on 26th April and is available to pre-order now exclusively from the official Pet Shop Boys store.
Following the start of the general ticket sale this morning, Pet Shop Boys’ five Dreamworld shows at the Royal Opera House, London from July 23–27 are now completely sold out.