Keep your distance
We all need to practise “social distancing” these days. Link below.
Books reviewed
The reissues of Chris Heath’s books, “Pet Shop Boys, Literally” and “Pet Shop Boys Versus America” are discussed and reviewed by BBC News. Link below.
Tom Watkins
Chris and I were sad to learn that our first manager Tom Watkins has died after being ill for several years. I first met Tom in 1975 and then a decade later he became our manager. He was a genuine larger-than-life personality – his company was called Massive Management – and we learned a lot together about the music business and had many good times. After Tom ceased to be our manager, I remained his friend for several years but for various reasons long-term friendship with Tom wasn’t possible. However Chris and I will always be grateful for his efforts on our behalf in the early days of our career and we have many memories of fun times with him back then. Today we sent flowers to his funeral with the message: “Thanks for five Massive years”. Neil x
New boy
I have a box of cassettes of demos Chris and I made in Camden in the early 80s. This is one from 1984. The song "New boy in town", written around the same time as "Rent", was finished and recorded by us in 2018 and will be included on the next single package. (It's now called "New boy".) Full release details soon. Neil x
Prospect Cottage
Visiting Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, Kent, the former home and garden of Derek Jarman. I have many happy memories of visiting Derek here in the late 80s and early 90s. One sunny spring afternoon in 1989 we sat outside drinking tea and discussing ideas for our first tour production which Derek directed. Go to the link below to read about plans to ensure the future of Prospect Cottage.
First, Last and Everything
Neil today shared his 'First, Last and Everything' with Stuart Maconie on BBC 6 Music: the first record he owned, the most recent one he's been enjoying and the record that means 'everything' to him. Link below.
Rock's Backpages podcast
Link below to a new interview with Neil in the "Rock's Backpages" podcast where he discusses PSB but also his career as a journalist: interviewing Marc Bolan for Marvel UK and his three years at Smash Hits magazine.
Signing books
Signing copies of the new editions of "Pet Shop Boys, Literally" and "Pet Shop Boys Versus America" this morning. Full details of where you can find them at the link below.
Number one
“Monkey business” is currently number one in both the UK Physical Singles and Vinyl Singles chart. Link below.
The Most Incredible Thing returns
Charlotte Ballet’s acclaimed production of "The Most Incredible Thing", the ballet by Javier De Frutos with music by PSB based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, returns to Charlotte NC this autumn. Details at the links below.
Musik nomination
Congratulations to Frances Barber who has just been nominated for BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL in the Annual Off-West End Theatre Awards (the “Offies”) for her performance in "Musik" at the Leicester Square Theatre. The show runs until March 1st. Link below.
Podcast
Pet Shop Boys recently discussed the making of “Hotspot” on hmv’s “My Inspiration” podcast series. Neil and Chris also picked 10 favourite albums for the show, which is now available at the link below.
Last night
We really enjoyed seeing Frances Barber return to "Musik" at the Leicester Square Theatre! Last night was the first preview and the show continues for the rest of the month. Neil x (Photo: Marc Brenner)
Australia
“Hotspot” has entered the Australian albums chart at number 8 – Pet Shop Boys’ highest chart entry there since “Bilingual” in 1996.
German albums chart
“Hotspot” has entered the albums chart in Germany at number 3. Danke, Deutschland!
UK radio interviews
Neil and Chris have been interviewed on several UK radio shows recently about their new album “Hotspot”. A selection of interviews is available at the links below. Photo credit: BBC Radio 2