ARCHIVE NEWS FROM
JANUARY - DECEMBER 2004

Some of the news items on this page have been reproduced from PetShopBoys.co.uk, with the kind permission of Bill 'Redman' Goodin.

Pet Shop Boys

25th December 2004 - Merry Christmas!

So Pet Shop Boys would like to wish everybody around the world a very merry Christmas.

21st December 2004 - Literally An Apology

Pet Shop Boys would like to apologise to Club members for the non-appearance of Literally Issue 28 this year. This was due to the overwhelming commitments of Chris Heath (who writes the magazine) who this year wrote and had published the best-selling biography of Robbie Williams, 'Feel'. In 2005 Literally will reappear. Pet Shop Boys would like to reassure Club members that they will receive three issues of the magazine for each subscription paid.

20th December 2004 - Season's Greetings From Neil And Chris

Neil and Chris would like to wish all their fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. They would also like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm in 2004.

15th December 2003 - 2004 Christmas Card

It's here, the Pet Shop Boys Club 2004 Christmas card came through my letterbox this morning. It's a DVD featuring highlights from the Pet Shop Boys' performance of their score for 'Battleship Potemkin'. The film is edited to the opening theme of the score 'Comrades!'. North American members have been sent an NTSC version to suit their region DVD players.
To find out what this years Christmas card looks like see my Christmas 2004 page.

13th December 2004 - Top 10 Gig

'The Observer' newspaper in the UK has included the Pet Shop Boys' 'Battleship Potemkin' event in its top ten gigs of the year.

8th December 2004 - DJ Neil

On Monday evening Neil was a DJ at the Yellow Lounge, a classical music club night held on the first Monday of every month at Cookie's club in Berlin, Germany. The night is sponsored by the famous classical label Deutsche Grammophon and Neil was invited to be a guest DJ after he and Chris visited the Yellow Lounge in May. Neil played CDs of some of his favourite music for two hours, including music by Arvo Part, Prokofiev, Harold Budd, Shostakovich, Veljo Tormis, Torsten Rasch, Wagner, Handel and also the opening theme from 'Battleship Potemkin'.

21st November 2004 - Second Best Cover Version

'The Daily Telegraph' newspaper in the UK has published a list of the best cover versions of all time. The Pet Shop Boys' cover version of Elvis Presley's 'Always On My Mind' is at number 2.
For a list of 'The Telegraph's' music critics 50 best cover versions ever recorded visit 'The Telegraph' website.

12th November 2004 - Produced By Trevor Horn

Last night Neil and Chris played two tracks at the 'Produced By Trevor Horn, A Concert For The Prince's Trust' gig at London's Wembley Arena. Other artists to perform were, ABC, Art of Noise, Belle and Sebastian, Buggles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, Lisa Stansfield, Propaganda, Seal, t.A.T.u. and Yes.
Throughout the two hour live extravaganza there were renditions of all of Trevor Horn's massive hits including, 'Left To My Own Devices', 'It's Alright', 'Video Killed The Radio Star', 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart', 'Crazy', 'I'm A Cuckoo', 'Relax', 'Poison Arrow', 'Two Tribes' and 'Kiss From A Rose'.
An estimated £100,000 was raised from the concert, money which will support The Prince's Trust to help young people get their lives working.

9th November 2004 - Back Home

Neil and Chris have now returned from Latin America, having played shows in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.
They were delighted by the fantastic response of the audiences in Latin America and would like to thank them and all local personnel for making the short tour such a success. The tour was basically a continuation of the summer festivals tour. Guitarists Bic Hayes and Mark Refoy, percussionist Dawne Adams and programmer Pete Gleadall joined Neil and Chris on stage for their first concerts for ten years in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil and their first ever concert in the Dominican Republic.

28th October 2004 - Most Valuable UK Records Of All Time

The Pet Shop Boys have two records in the 100 Most Valuable UK Records Of All Time list published in the December 2004 issue of 'Record Collector' magazine which is out today.
At =53 is the 'Compiled' CD-R of five tracks given away as prizes on Radio 1's Pet Shop Boys day in 1993. Only 20 copies were ever made, they feature two exclusive mixes and each copy was signed by both Neil and Chris and it's worth £1,000 in mint condition. The track listing is as follows:

Left To My Own Devices - Frankie Knuckles Royal Piano Version
How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously? - David Morales Ragga Zone Mix
Go West - Mark Stent 7" Version
I Want A Dog - Techno Funk Mix
It's A Sin - Miami Mix

At =34 is the 'Introspective' clear vinyl triple pack from 1988, each with six-inch labels and unigue picture sleeves which snap into a larger picture sleeve folder-style housing. Only 10 known copies were ever made and it's worth £1,500 in mint condition. The track listing is as follows:

Left To My Own Devices
I Want A Dog
Domino Dancing
I'm Not Scared
Always On My Mind/In My House
It's Alright

The number 1 Most Valuable UK Record Of All Time is, 'That'll be The Day/In Spite Of All The Danger' by The Quary Men. The 1958 plain sleeved 10" 78rpm acetate is worth £100,000 in mint condition.

24th October 2004 - Portugal Last Night

Last night Neil and Chris played their first ever show in Portugal at Freeport, Alcochete, just outside Lisbon. The set listing was as follows:

Rent/Flamboyant
West End Girls
Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)
Domino Dancing
Suburbia
Being Boring
New York City Boy
Always On My Mind
Sexy Northerner
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Love Is A Catastrophe
Go West

Encore:
Home And Dry - Extended Version
Left To My Own Devices
It's A Sin

23rd October 2004 - Trevor Horn Compilation

'Left To My Own Devices' and 'It's Alright' will feature on a compilation album of tracks produced by Trevor Horn. The album called 'Produced By Trevor Horn' is released on Monday 22nd November 2004, the week after the 'Produced By Trevor Horn, A Concert For The Prince's Trust' which takes place at London's Wembley Arena on Tuesday 11th November 2004. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster. Pre-order 'Produced By Trevor Horn': UK CD.

7th October 2004 - War Child Music Download

War Child Music's October line-up includes, 'West End Girls - DJ Hell Remix' for you to download. The track cost's 99p to download of which War Child will receive around 70p to continue their work in some of the world's most troubled regions.
For more information visit the War Child Music website.

5th October 2004 - Q Award Winners

Yesterday Chris and Neil celebrated Chris' birthday at the Q Awards 2004 at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. They were presented with the Q Inspiration award which was chosen by 'Q' magazine. Bernard Sumner of New Order presented them with the award. Previous winners of this award have included The Cure, John Lydon, Joe Strummer, New Order, Patti Smith, U2, David Bowie and Brian Eno.
For a list of all the Q Award winners visit the Q Awards 2004 website.

4th October 2004 - Happy Birthday Chris!

So Pet Shop Boys and all the many fans online wish Chris a very warm and happy 45th birthday!

3rd October 2004 - UK Chart

This week 'Performance' entered the music DVDs and videos chart at number 6.

1st October 2004 - Results Remastered Delayed Reason

Sony/Epic say that the reason Liza Minnelli's remastered 'Results' album which was due for re-release on Monday 27th September 2004, was delayed due to an artwork problem. The release date has now been put back until Monday 17th January 2005.

29th September 2004 - Additional Tour Date

In addition the the tour dates announced last week the Pet Shop Boys will be performing at Freeport, Alochete in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday 23rd October 2004. The tickets to this concert are free with limited availability. Pet Shop Boys fans have a one week exclusive offer to pre-order tickets through the offical Pet Shop Boys website starting today and finishing on Wednesday 6th October 2004.
For more information visit PetShopBoys.co.uk.

27th September 2004 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'Performance' is re-released in the UK today. Buy 'Performance': UK DVD. The track listing is as follows:

DVD (5999619):
This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave
It's A Sin
Losing My Mind
What Have I Done To Deserve This?
My October Symphony
I'm Not Scared
We All Feel Better In The Dark
So Sorry, I Said
Suburbia
So Hard
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)
How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?
Rent
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
West End Girls
Jealousy
Always On My Mind
Your Funny Uncle

Extras include, 'Live Show Commentary In Conversation With Chris Heath', 'Rehearsal Footage', 'Overture' and a 'Stills Gallery'.
Also re-released today is David Bowie's 1995 album 'Outside', which includes 5 versions of 'Hallo Spaceboy' produced by the Pet Shop Boys and featuring Neil. Buy 'Outside (Special Limited Edition)': UK CD.

25th September 2004 - Tour Dates

The tour dates for the short tour in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil have been announced. A concert in Lisbon, Portugal, on Saturday 23rd October 2004 is under discussion but details have not been finalised yet. Further information is expected next week. The dates are as follows:

Saturday 30th October 2004 - Amphitheatre, Altos de Chavon, Dominican Republic
Wednesday 3rd November 2004 - The Sports Palace Theatre, Mexico City, Mexico
Friday 5th November 2004 - Personal Festival, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Saturday 7th November 2004 - TIM Festival, Sao Paulo, Brazil

24th September 2004 - PopArt Music Book

The 'PopArt' music book is being released on Thursday 30th September 2004. All the hits are included arranged for piano, voice and guitar.

23rd September 2004 - Numb

Pet Shop Boys have been reunited with Trevor Horn for the first time since he produced 1988's 'Introspective' album. Trever Horn said, "It's a song called 'Numb', which goes from electronic to acoustic and back again, twice, with a 50-piece orchestra. There's everything on there except electic guitar, Neil Tennant had to remind me "We don't do those."
The track was originally due on 'PopArt', but Trever Horn said, "The Pet Shop Boys wanted to keep it for their next studio album."
Maybe 'Numb' might get it's debut at the 'Produced By Trevor Horn, A Concert For The Prince's Trust' at London's Wembley Arena on Tuesday 11th November 2004.

22nd September 2004 - Results Remastered Delayed

Liza Minnelli's 1989 album 'Results' which was due for re-release on Monday 27th September 2004 has now been delayed. Sony/Epic say it has now been put back until Monday 17th January 2005!

21st September 2004 - Touring Again

Pet Shop Boys will be playing dates in Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in autumn 2004. Full details will be announced soon.

15th September 2004 - A Major Success

'Battleship Potemkin' was a major success for the Pet Shop Boys. They were very pleased with the turnout and how well everything went. The police estimated the crowd who turned out in Trafalgar Square last Sunday to be in the region of 25,000.

13th September 2004 - Battleship Potemkin CD Soundtrack

The soundtrack to 'Battleship Potemkin', which was performed for the first time last night at a free show in Trafalgar Square won't be released until early 2005. The 73-minute work, mainly instruments included two new ballads, 'After All' and 'One For Another' which Neil sang.
Thousands of people saw the performance with the Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra along to a screening of Sergei Eisenstein's 1925 film. There was however some complaints that the screen was too low, preventing many in the audience from reading the Russian film's subtitles.

12th September 2004 - Battleship Potemkin

Neil and Chris will be onstage tonight for their first performance of their music for Sergei Eisenstein's classic film 'The Battleship Potemkin'. The performance in Trafalgar Square, London is a free, unticketed, standing only concert, so get get there early for a good position. The Pet Shop Boys' music is preceded by a stage presentation devised by Simon McBurney of the Complicité theatre company. The order of events is as follows:

8.15pm Bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields church ring
8.30pm Complicité presentation
8.45pm Film projection and live music begins
10.00pm Concert ends

6th September 2004 - Results Remastered

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago Sony/Epic are re-releasing Liza Minnelli's 1989 album 'Results', which Neil and Chris wrote and co-produced. The album will be released on Monday 27th September 2004 as a Digipack CD containing remixes, it also comes with a 3 track bonus DVD. Pre-order 'Results (Expanded Edition)': UK CD/DVD. The track listing is as follows:

CD (5163813):
I Want You Now
Losing My Mind
If There Was Love
So Sorry, I Said
Don't Drop Bombs
Twist In My Sobriety
Rent
Love Pains
Tonight Is Forever
I Can't Say Goodnight
Losing My Mind - Extended Remix
Don't Drop Bombs - Extended Remix
Love Pains - Steve Silk Hurley Remix

DVD:
Losing My Mind
Don't Drop Bombs
So Sorry, I Said

31st August 2004 - Outside Remastered

Columbia are re-releasing David Bowie's 1995 album, 'Outside', which includes 5 versions of 'Hallo Spaceboy' produced by the Pet Shop Boys and featuring Neil. The re-issue of 'Outside' was first mentioned in April 2003 and it is now be released on Monday 27th September 2004 as a DigiBook Style CD with a 14 track bonus CD containing remixes and unreleased tracks. Pre-order 'Outside (Special Limited Edition)': UK CD. The 'Hallo Spaceboy' track listing is as follows:

CD (5119349):
Hallo Spaceboy
Hallo Spaceboy - 12" Remix
Hallo Spaceboy - Double Click Mix
Hallo Spaceboy - Instumental
Hallo Spaceboy - Lost In Space Mix

25th August 2004 - Results Remastered

Columbia/Sony are re-releasing Liza Minnelli's 1989 album 'Results', which Neil and Chris wrote and co-produced. 'Results Remixed And Remastered' will be a Limited Edition CD which is released on Monday 27th September 2004. Pre-order 'Results (Expanded Edition)': UK CD.

11th August 2004 - City Of Bilbao Festival

Pet Shop Boys are confirmed to headline the City Of Bilbao Festival this Saturday 14th August 2004 at midnight. This is a free concert in the centre of Bilbao, Spain. Other artists performing at this festival this year include Asian Dub Foundation, Earth Wind and Fire, Fermin Muguraza and Big Soul.

10th August 2004 - Performance To Be Released On DVD

'Performance' originally only release on video in September 1992 it will now get a DVD release on Monday 27th September 2004. Pre-order 'Performance': UK DVD. The track listing is as follows:

DVD (5999619):
This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave
It's A Sin
Losing My Mind
What Have I Done To Deserve This?
My October Symphony
I'm Not Scared
We All Feel Better In The Dark
So Sorry, I Said
Suburbia
So Hard
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)
How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?
Rent
Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
West End Girls
Jealousy
Always On My Mind
Your Funny Uncle

Extras include, 'Live Show Commentary In Conversation With Chris Heath', 'Rehearsal Footage', 'Overture' and a 'Stills Gallery'.

28th July 2004 - Battleship Potemkin CD Soundtrack

Neil, Chris and the Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra have now completed the recording of 'Battleship Potemkin' in London and Berlin. Neil and Chris were in Berlin last week while the orchestral arrangements by Torsten Rasch were recorded. Mixing of the music will begin in two weeks time in London. Dates have yet to be decided, but discussions concerning this are taking place with Parlophone/EMI.

26th July 2004 - Out Today In Germany

German group Rammstein are releasing their new single 'Mein Teil' today in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, which includes two Pet Shop Boys remixes. It is available available on four formats including a a limited edition 12" of 1,000 copies. Buy 'Mein Teil': German CD1 and/or German CD2 and/or German CD3 and/or German 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (9867586):
Mein Teil
Mein Teil - You Are What You Eat Edit (Mix By Pet Shop Boys)

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (9867521) and
CD Single 3 - Digipak Maxi CD Limited Edition (9866978)
Mein Teil
Mein Teil - You Are What You Eat Edit (Mix By Pet Shop Boys)
Mein Teil - The Return To New York Buffet Mix (Mix By Arthur Baker)
Mein Teil - There Are No Guitars On This Mix (Mix by Pet Shop Boys)
Enhanced Section

12" Single Limited Edition (9867555):
Mein Teil - You Are What You Eat Remix (Mix By Pet Shop Boys)
Mein Teil - You Are What You Eat Instrumental (Mix By Pet Shop Boys)
Mein Teil - The Return To New York Buffet Mix (Mix By Arthur Baker)
Mein Teil - The Return To New York Instrumental (Mix By Arthur Baker)

'Mein Teil' will be released in the UK on Monday 6th September 2004. For all the other international released dates, visit the 'Mein Teil' info page at the official Rammstein website.

20th July 2004 - Battleship Potemkin CD Soundtrack

At the moment Neil and Chris are busy recording the 'Battleship Potemkin' music for future release. Details and dates have yet to be anounced.

18th July 2004 - Love Comes Quickly Covered

'Love Comes Quickly' has been covered by American indie-pop band Memphis. It is released on their new album 'I Dreamed We Fell Apart', which is released in the USA on Tuesday 31st August 2004.

16th July 2004 - A Concert For The Prince's Trust

'Produced By Trevor Horn, A Concert For The Prince's Trust' will take place at London's Wembley Arena on Tuesday 11th November 2004. Pet Shop Boys, along with ABC, Art of Noise, Belle and Sebastian, Lisa Stansfield, Seal and Yes, will be performing in a concert to celebrate Trevor Horn's 25 years as one of the world's most successful and influential music producers. Neil and Chris are expected to perform a couple of the songs that Trevor produced for them.
For more information visit Trevor Horn's website and to buy tickets visit Ticketmaster.

15th July 2004 - Hungary Festival

Pet Shop Boys have just confirmed that they will headline the opening night of the Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary. They'll be onstage at 9.30pm on Wednesday 4th August 2004.
The eight-day festival is held on an island in the centre of the city. Other confirmed artists are, Faithless, Basement Jaxx, The Rasmus, Scissor Sisters, Soft Cell and Sugababes.
For more information visit the Sziget Festival website.

12th July 2004 - Rammstein Track Listing

Rammstein's fourthcoming single 'Mein Teil', which Neil and Chris have remixed, will be released on Monday 26th July 2004 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The international release will follow on Monday 30th August 2004. 'Mein Teil' will be available on three formats, two CD singles (both will include the same tracks, but one will be a digipak) and there will also be a 12" vinyl release. The track listing hasn't been confirmed as yet for the 12" but it will include at least one Pet Shop Boys remix. Pre-order 'Mein Teil': German CD. The track listing is as follows:

CD Maxi Single (9867521):
Mein Teil
Mein Teil - You Are What You Eat Edit (Mix By Pet Shop Boys)
Mein Teil - Return To New York Buffet Mix (Mix By Arthur Baker)
Mein Teil - There Are No Guitars On This Mix (Mix by Pet Shop Boys)
Enhanced Section

CD Digipak Maxi Single Limited Edition (9866978):
Mein Teil
Mein Teil - You Are What You Eat Edit (Mix By Pet Shop Boys)
Mein Teil - Return To New York Buffet Mix (Mix By Arthur Baker)
Mein Teil - There Are No Guitars On This Mix (Mix by Pet Shop Boys)
Enhanced Section

11th July 2004 - Birthday Message From Neil

Neil left a message on PetShopBoys.co.uk, it said:

I'd like to thank everyone for all their beautiful birthday wishes. It gives me a very warm feeling to receive all this affection on my half-century. Love and respect to you all. Neil x

10th July 2004 - Happy Birthday Neil!

So Pet Shop Boys and all the many fans online wish Neil a very warm and happy 50th birthday!

7th July 2004 - Rammstein Remix Update

Rammstein's fourthcoming single 'Mein Teil', which Neil and Chris have remixed, will be released on Monday 26th July 2004 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The international release will follow on Monday 30th August 2004.

2nd July 2004 - Blockhead

Last year Chris wrote a piece of music to advertise a range of sun care products by Blockhead for his brother Tim's sun-block company. The track was primarily an instrumental track over which a Lebanese woman speaks. A remix of the track is available on a React compilation CD 'Cafe Mambo - Evissa'. On the album the track is credited to the vocalist Nicole Moudaber. Buy 'Cafe Mambo: Evissa': UK CD.
For more information on the compilation CD and to get a free download of 'Blockhead - John Bright Remix', visit the React Music website.

1st July 2004 - Battleship Potemkin CD Soundtrack

There are plans to release a CD of the 'Battleship Potemkin' soundtrack. Details and dates have yet to be anounced.

30th June 2004 - More Battleship Potemkin Concert Details

At the free concert which takes place on Sunday 12th September 2004 at about 8.30pm in London's Trafalgar Square, Chris will be playing keyboards (there may be another keyboard player, also), Neil will sing and maybe play some keyboards, the Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra will play alongside them and the film will be projected above them.

29th June 2004 - New Project And Free Concert

Neil and Chris have released details of their latest project, a soundtrack to Sergei Eisenstein's magisterial 1925 film 'Battleship Potemkin'. The film is one of the acknowledged masterpieces of twentieth century culture, a cinematically revolutionary account of a revolt by sailors in 1904. It has clearly been a major influence on film-makers but has also shaped the work of visual artists.
In a work of extraordinary re-imagining, Neil and Chris have written a soundtrack that gives the film a new life for Britain in 2004, and takes account of the powerful symbolism of Trafalgar Square, a place simultaneously of dissent and celebration. The soundtrack gathers together some of Neil and Chris's past work and moves it on in unexpected ways. This soundtrack confirms their status as innovators, it's a characteristic leap into the unknown. Neil and Chris said, "It's wonderful to be given the opportunity to write a complete soundtrack to this classic film and then to perform it as a free concert in the heart of London. The music is a combination of electronics and strings and, although mainly instrumental, includes three new songs."
The free concert will take place on Sunday 12th September 2004 at about 8.30pm in London's Trafalgar Square where they will perform the world premiere of the soundtrack, accompanied by the 26-strong Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra with the film being shown on a giant screen.
The concert is one of more than twenty events being organised as part of the Trafalgar Square Summer 2004 programme. It is the fourth annual programme of free events organised by the Mayor of London, which is aimed at Londoners and visitors to the capital. Following the square's award-winning refurbishment, the 2003 programme attracted over 100,000 people.
For more information on Trafalgar Square Summer 2004, visit the London website.

20th June 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart the Pet Shop Boys/Pete Burns collaboration 'Jack And Jill Party' went out of the top 75.

17th June 2004 - More About Rammstein

Rammstein are no strangers to controversy and their new single 'Mein Teil', which Neil and Chris have remixed is about the recent case of the German cannibal who advertised on the internet for people to eat.
The lyrics are in German but Neil and Chris have added a couple of lines in English.

13th June 2004 - UK Chart

This week the Pet Shop Boys/Pete Burns collaboration 'Jack And Jill Party' entered the singles chart at number 75 even though it isn't available in the shops and is only on sale from PetShopBoys.co.uk.

11th June 2004 - Remixing For Rammstein

Neil and Chris have been secretly working on some remixes for German group Rammstein's fourthcoming single, 'Mein Teil'. The single will be released in early August 2004.
The Pet Shop Boys have created a main mix, a 7" mix and an electro mix for 'Mein Teil'. The remixes are as follows:

Mein Teil - PSB You Are What You Eat 7" Mix
Mein Teil - PSB You Are What You Eat Mix
Mein Teil - PSB There Are No Guitars On This Mix

At the moment, Rammstein has not decided which versions will be included on the single release.
For more information on Rammstein, visit the official Rammstein website.

7th June 2004 - Out Today

Don't forget that the Pet Shop Boys/Pete Burns collaboration 'Jack And Jill Party' is officially released today (although I got mine on Saturday) on the Pet Shop Boys' Olde English Vinyl label. It is on sale from PetShopBoys.co.uk. Buy 'Jack And Jill Party': UK CD and/or UK 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single (No 2):
Jack And Jill Party - Extended Dance Mix
Jack And Jill Party - Single Mix
Jack And Jill Party - Instrumental

12" Single (No 2):
Jack And Jill Party - Extended Dance Mix
Jack And Jill Party - Single Mix
Jack And Jill Party - Instrumental

1st June 2004 - 50 Best British Album Ever

'Very' was voted 50th in the 50 Best British Albums Ever in the June 2004 issue of 'Q' magazine.

29th May 2004 - Archive TV Appearance

Neil and Chris will be on 'The Best Of The Tube Night' tonight from 9.00pm on the satellite channel, UKTV Documentary in the UK.

28th May 2004 - Happy Birthday So Pet Shop Boys!

So Pet Shop Boys is four years old today!

25th May 2004 - Archive TV Appearance

Neil and Chris will be on 'TOTP2' performing 'Absolutely Fabulous' from a 1994 edition of 'Top Of The Pops' tomorrow at 7.00pm on BBC2 in the UK.

21st May 2004 - Jack And Jill Party

The Pet Shop Boys/Pete Burns collaboration, 'Jack And Jill Party' will be on sale on Monday 7th June 2004 from PetShopBoys.co.uk.

15th May 2004 - Keane Get Excited

Richard Hughes of British rock trio Keane says, "I get excited when Pet Shop Boys have a new single, their B-sides are superb. I want people to view Keane like that."

13th May 2004 - Jack And Jill Party

The long-awaited Pet Shop Boys/Pete Burns collaboration, 'Jack And Jill Party' will soon be released on the Pet Shop Boys' Olde English Vinyl label on vinyl and CD which will be on sale from PetShopBoys.co.uk.
The track was written and produced by Neil and Chris with additional lyrics by Pete Burns and comes in three different versions:

Jack And Jill Party - Extended Dance Mix
Jack And Jill Party - Single Mix
Jack And Jill Party - Instrumental

An exclusive sample of 'Jack And Jill Party - Extended Dance Mix' can be heard on PetShopBoys.co.uk. 'Jack And Jill Party' is the second release on the Olde English Vinyl label, the first being Pet Shop Boys' mix of 'Hooked On Radiation' by Atomizer.

2nd May 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Flamboyant' went out of the top 75.

29th April 2004 - Another Festival Date

Neil and Chris will be one of the headline artists at the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim. The event takes place from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th August 2004 near Valencia in Spain. Neil and Chris will be performing on Friday 6th August 2004. Other confirmed artists are, Kraftwerk, Brian Wilson, Lou Reed, The Chemical Brothers, Paul Weller, Air, Franz Ferdinand and Scissor Sisters.

28th April 2004 - Chris's Hair

Chris hasn't got long hair any more. He had much of it cut off on Monday. His flowing locks are no more.

26th April 2004 - Tour Cancelled

Unfortunately the short 'In Concert' tour will not be going ahead in May and June 2004 due to the promoters in Japan suddenly being unable to meet their financial commitment previously agreed with the Pet Shop Boys. This also means that the shows in Dubai, Brazil and Mexico cannot go ahead at the present time as they are no longer economically practical. It is hoped, however, that they can be rescheduled for later in the year.
Neil and Chris would like to apologise to fans in these countries for any disappointment, they are also disappointed, as they were looking forward to these dates and had already done a considerable amount of work on the tour. Luckily, the Japanese promoters financial problems became evident before any tickets had gone on sale.
The festival dates in the summer are unaffected and will be going ahead as already planned.
For all the details of the festival dates see the Tour Dates page.

25th April 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Flamboyant' went down 18 places to number 70 and in the album chart 'PopArt' went out of the top 75.

19th April 2004 - More Re-issues

Following on from the six re-issues in 2001 ('Please', 'Actually', 'Introspective, 'Behaviour', 'Very' and 'Bilingual'), Parlophone are planning to release 'Nightlife' with a bonus 'Further Listening' CD of tracks recorded during the same period as the album.
Parlophone are also planning to release the 'Performance' film on DVD, probably this autumn. The 'Performance' film was made by Eric Watson in 1991. It records the show, directed by David Alden and designed by David Fielding, which Pet Shop Boys toured that year and which has become legendary for its ground-breaking theatricality.
The release dates of both the 'Performance' DVD and the 'Nightlife & Further Listening 1998-2000' album will depend on the amount of time it takes to compile and remix the album and to remaster and add extra features to the DVD.

18th April 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Flamboyant' went down 18 places to number 52 and in the album chart 'PopArt' went down 14 places to number 68.

17th April 2004 - Jonty Skrufff

The latest issue of 'Jonty Skrufff', the internet magazine, has an interview with Chris.
To read the interview visit the 'Jonty Skrufff' website.

11th April 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Flamboyant' went down 22 places to number 34 and 'PopArt' re-entered the album chart top 75 again at number 54.

8th April 2004 - Per Shop Boys Vs Eminem

Eminem seems to have got back at Neil and Chris by getting them knocked down by a car in one of his new tracks. 'Can I Bitch' which is apparently set to be released on his next album has the lyrics,

Plus he raps with his regular voice [BOOSH! BOOSH!]
[BOOSH! BOOSH!] (What was that?) Pet Shop Boys.

On the 'Release' album, 'The Night I Fell In Love' is the story of a schoolboy fan of a homophobic white American rapper. The two of them meet, and have a night of passion. Neil denied at the time that the track was an attack on Eminem, "were big fans" he said, "I wrote the song using Eminem's methods of playing a character in the song." It seems as though Eminem may have thought otherwise and he has now got his revenge.

4th April 2004 - Another Top 20 Hit

'Flamboyant' was a new entry in the UK singles chart this evening at number 12. It's the Pet Shop Boys 35th top 20 hit single.

4th April 2004 - UK Chart

This week 'Flamboyant' entered the singles chart at number 12.

3rd April 2004 - The Big Issue

The latest issue of 'The Big Issue', the street magazine published on behalf of and sold by homeless people in the UK, has Pet Shop Boys on the cover and an interview with Neil and Chris inside.
If you are unable to buy a copy, you can e-mail 'The Big Issue'. For more information visit the 'The Big Issue' website.

3rd April 2004 - More UK TV And Radio Appearances

Neil and Chris will be:

2nd April 2004 - Remixing Scissor Sisters

In 'City Life' (the Manchester listings magazine), Scissor Sisters are interviewed, it says that Pet Shop Boys are working on a remix for them. It seems that Chris and Neil or returning the favour for the 'Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix'.
Jake from the Scissor Sisters answer to the question, And what of the Pet Shop Boys?, was "They're working on a remix for us. I met Neil Tennant in New York and he's so very very awesome. So very, very sweet."

1st April 2004 - April Fool!

This was posted on Pet Shop Boys Community this morning:

Pet Shop Boys, who are set to achieve their 21st top ten hit with their brand new single 'Flamboyant', have announced details of their next project, to be issued throughout the UK and Europe by Parlophone in late June 2004.
'Barry' is the original film soundtrack to the forthcoming British film 'Barry Hunter', a Palace Gates/Channel 4 production directed by Stephen Poliakof. As befits the inner city theme of the movie, the album has been recorded on and off in various central London locations in the past year, and also features sterling grand piano cameos from Elton John on two pieces of music. "For Chris and I, it was a complete revelation to actually sit and watch the raw rushes of the film and then to think about what music to create to compliment the scene," comments Neil Tennant. "We've never really worked like that before, but it's been immensely gratifying in putting together our first proper attempt at soundtrack." "It was especially challenging for Neil, as it's essentially an instrumental album in all but name," adds Chris Lowe. "There's only four tracks with anything that could be described as vocals, which were actually old songs we had discarded, but listening back to the lyrics they seemed to work within the context of the movie. So Neil had plenty of time in the studio to read 'Country Life'," he laughs. "Not only that," says Tennant, "but 'Vacancy' is also a piece of music one could describe as being in the can. In fact, we originally demoed it when we thought we were going to be asked to write the theme song for a James Bond movie in the 80s but nothing ever came of it. 'A Powerful Friend' goes back even further than that. It's one of the earliest things Chris and I ever wrote, and listening to it again, it sounds almost like it could have been written for the character of Darren, who seems to have some mysterious hold over Barry." The full track listing of 'Barry' is as follows:

Introducing The Hand
What A Morning
Motoring
Salon 'La Coiffure'
Fordwych Road Mary
Scenting Roses
The Rotweiller Jeweller
A New Boy In Town
Gnocci And Chips
Vacancy
Kilburn Jumble Sale
A Powerful Friend
Barry Hunter
Private Places
Only Love

The album was co-produced by Pet Shop Boys and legendary sonicmeister extraordinaire Brian Eno, with string arrangements by Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley.
Prior to the album, 'Jack And Jill Party', described as a "uncompromising hard edged electronic dance track", which the boys have recorded with Dead Or Alive front man Pete Burns, will be released on their own Ye Olde English Vinyl label in May 2004. Remixes of 'Jack And Jill Party' are being currently completed by Punx Soundcheck vs Princess Julia, Scissor Sisters and, most intriguingly, The Twin; the avant-electro brainchild of Burns's legendary glamour pop rival, Boy George.

31st March 2004 - EMI Cuts 20% Of Artists And 1,500 Jobs

British music giant EMI Group PLC has announced it is to drop 20% of its artists in a bid to cut costs. The world's third-biggest music group is also cutting 1,500 jobs as it contracts out CD production and ditches a number of artists from its roster.
EMI's artist roster, which includes Robbie Williams, Radiohead and Coldplay, will be reduced by about 20%, mostly "niche and under-performing" acts in Europe. EMI will shut plants making CDs and DVDs in Uden in the Netherlands (were some Pet Shop Boys CDs are made) and in Jacksonville, Illinois in the USA and outsource its manufacturing in Europe and the USA. That will result in about 900 jobs being cut. The company didn't specify where the other 600 job cuts were being made. It expected the cuts to yield savings of 50 million pounds (US$91.5 million) a year. EMI is maintaining its joint-venture manufacturing facilities in Japan and Australia, and a small facility in Canada. The company also said that in several smaller countries it was consolidating its marketing through a single department. It will merge several smaller labels, the new age label Higher Octave was being combined with Narada, while the Christian music labels Sparrow and Forefront were being merged.
The news signals a change of heart from the most artist-friendly of the major labels. EMI, especially the Pet Shop Boys' label Parlophone is known for nurturing new British talent from The Beatles to the Pet Shop Boys. Chairmen Alain Levy said "We believe that, by concentrating our efforts on a tightened roster, we will increase our revenue-generating potential while reducing our costs."

31st March 2004 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'Flamboyant' is set to enter the top 10 in the singles chart. It's currently at number 7.

29th March 2004 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'Flamboyant' is released in the UK today. Buy 'Flamboyant': UK CD1 and/or UK CD2 and/or UK 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6629):
Flamboyant
I Didn't Get Where I Am Today

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6629):
Flamboyant - Tomcraft Extended Mix
Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix
Flamboyant - DJ Hell Remix
Flamboyant - Original Demo
Flamboyant - Enhanced Video

12" Single (12R 6629):
Flamboyant - DJ Hell Remix
Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix
West End Girls - DJ Hell Remix

26th March 2004 - More Tour Dates Announced

Some more tour dates have been announced, the Japanese dates were announced last month, but they have changed. The new dates are for the United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Mexico. This will be the first time Neil and Chris have performed in Dubai. The last time they toured Japan was in 2000 as part of the 'Nightlife' tour and Brazil and Mexico were last visited in 1994 on the 'Discovery' tour. The 'In Concert' shows are expected to combine elements of the recent Barfly show and the 'Release' tour production. Contact venues or see local press for ticket details.
For all the details of the tour dates see the Tour Dates page.

24th March 2004 - Possible Collaboration

Stephin Merritt of the band Magnetic Fields is reviving one of his other bands, The 6ths. He is already thinking about his next album which will be duets with other musicians. He said, "It's a film soundtrack, I may ask the Pet Shop Boys to be on it."

23rd March 2004 - USA TV Appearances

The film of the 'Somewhere' performance from the 1997 residency at the Savoy theatre will be featured on the TRIO TV network. Scheduled dates and times are as follows:

22nd March 2004 - More UK TV Appearances

Neil and Chris will be:

14th March 2004 - UK TV And Radio Appearances

Neil and Chris will be:

13th March 2004 - On Demand

'Flamboyant' was the ninth most requested video this week on the UK satellite television music channel, The Hits.

12th March 2004 - Pet Shop Boys Release Party

An unofficial Pet Shop Boys party is being held in Berlin in Germany on Saturday 27th March 2004. Neil and Chris will not be attending, but it still sounds like it might be fun.
For more information visit the Pet Shop Boys Release Party website.

11th March 2004 - Flamboyant Details

The single version of 'Flamboyant' is a different mix from that which features on the album 'PopArt'. Neil and Chris went back into the studio at the end of last year and added extra vocals and keyboards with producer Stuart Crichton.
'Flamboyant' will be available on two CDs and 12" vinyl. The bonus track 'I Didn't Get Where I Am Today' features Johnny Marr on guitar and was originally intended to be included on the 'Release' album but was thought to be too "up" for that album. The song features a sample of the mid-60s beat classic 'Father's Name Was Dad' by Fire. Remixes of 'Flamboyant' are by Scissor Sisters and DJ Hell. There is also an extended mix by Tomcraft. The 'Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix' was described by Jake of the Scissor Sisters to Neil as "very 'Station To Station'" (a reference to David Bowie's 1976 album). There is also new mix of 'West End Girls' by DJ Hell. The enhanced CD also has the original demo for 'Flamboyant' plus the extraordinary video for the track. 'Flamboyant' will be released on Parlophone in the UK on Monday 29th March 2004. Pre-order 'Flamboyant': UK CD1 and/or UK CD2 and/or UK 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6629):
Flamboyant
I Didn't Get Where I Am Today

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6629):
Flamboyant - Tomcraft Extended Mix
Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix
Flamboyant - DJ Hell Remix
Flamboyant - Original Demo
Flamboyant - Enhanced Video

12" Single (12R 6629):
Flamboyant - DJ Hell Remix
Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix
West End Girls - DJ Hell Remix

10th March 2004 - Flamboyant Video

The video for 'Flamboyant' has been acclaimed as one of the Pet Shop Boys best ever. Directed by Nico Beyer, a German commercials director based in Paris, it is based on an eccentric Japanese TV show called 'Kaso Taisho' which contestants have to come up with a "flamboyant" creative idea to make themselves famous. The video juxtaposes Pet Shop Boys in fake commercials endorsing a variety of incredible invented products with real footage taken from the game show (one of the most popular in Japan) and narrative footage of a prospective contestant on the show. In typical Japanese game show style, our hero goes through a variety of situations in preparation for his becoming a game of billiards (it all makes sense when you see the video).
The video is available for selection on two UK satellite music television channels, The Hits and The Box. The selection number is 225 on each channel.

8th March 2004 - United Arab Emirates Concert

A concert in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates prior to the Japanese tour is looking likely. Full details will shortly be announced, as soon as the date is confirmed.

7th March 2004 - Two Men And A Powerbook

Last night the Pet Shop Boys played their show for the Shelter and Warchild charities at the London Camden Barfly. The show lasted just over an hour, the set listing was as follows:

Try It (I'm In Love With A Married Man)
Tonight Is Forever
We're The Pet Shop Boys
Jealousy
I'm Not Scared
Being Boring
In Private
Nervously
It's A Sin
Love Is A Catastrophe

Medley:
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)
Rent
Flamboyant
West End Girls

All the songs were performed in new versions reprogrammed by Chris and Neil on Chris's Apple Powerbook. The medley at the end consisted of the versions performed on XFM Radio last year. Several of the songs were being played in concert for the first time. It was the first full show they have ever played as a duo with no other musicians.
The show was part of a series which has seen David Gray, Craig David, The Cure and The Darkness also perform at the same venue in the last week.

5th March 2004 - Lowe Working On Tenant

A new Swedish band called Lowe are currently in the studio recording their debut album due out in April/May 2004. Its working title is called 'Tenant'. Spooky hey! Their style has been described as "Somewhere between David Bowie and New Order."
For more information on Lowe visit the official Lowe website.

4th March 2004 - Questions Answered

Neil has been answering questions on PetShopBoys.co.uk:

Q. Can we expect a few surprises at the Barfly concert?
A. Well there's a few songs we've never played live before

Q. Hi Neil and Chris! Have you ever considered writing an autobiography of yourself?
A. I've been asked to by several publishers but it's too early

Q. I would like to know if you plan to release one day, a complete box set with every single you've released so far, with every mix, white labels, b-sides, unreleased tracks and live tracks
A. We've talked about it often enough so it'll probably happen some day

1st March 2004 - Up For Selection

The video for 'Flamboyant' is now available for selection on the UK satellite music television channel, The Hits. The selection number is 225.

28th February 2004 - Norway Promotion

Pet Shop Boys have just returned from Oslo in Norway, where they were doing press, TV and radio interviews to promote 'PopArt'. Last night they were interviewed on Norway's most popular chat show, 'Forst & Sist', alongside Booker Prize-winning author, DBC Pierre ('Vernon God Little').
They also had a drink with the up-and-coming Norwegian singer-songwriter, Sondre Lerche, and a quick chat with the British boy band, Blue, who were in the same TV studio.
Next week Neil and Chris will be rehearsing for next Saturday's Barfly show which, they say will be "two men and a Powerbook."

25th February 2004 - Festival And Japanese Tour Dates

Neil and Chris will be performing at the Storsjoyran Festival in Ostersund, Sweden on Saturday 31st July 2004. They will also be headlining the Smukkeste Festival in Skanderborg, Denmark on Saturday 7th August 2004.
The concert dates in Japan for May 2004 have been confirmed. For all the details see the Tour Dates page.

23rd February 2004 - The Ultimate Pop Star

The Pet Shop Boys are at number 38 out of the top 50 biggest-selling artists of all time in 'The Ultimate Pop Star', which was shown last night/early this morning on Channel 4 in the UK. Cliff Richard is at number 1.
Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield revived Smashy and Nicey for the one-off show which claims the results were based purely on sales from the UK official singles chart since they began in 1952. The top ten biggest-selling artists of all time are:

1. Cliff Richard (20,969,006 singles sold)
2. The Beatles (20,799,632)
3. Elvis Presley (19,293,118)
4. Madonna (14,562,856)
5. Elton John (13,475,063)
6. Michael Jackson (11,310,958)
7. Queen (10,334,713)
8. ABBA (10,004,039)
9. Paul McCartney (9,781,603)
10. David Bowie (9,392,410)

38. Pet Shop Boys (4,913,655)

22nd February 2004 - Short Tour And Festival Appearances

Details of some Japanese live dates in May 2004 will shortly be announced. Neil and Chris didn't tour there on the 'Release' tour, apart from one performance at the Fuji Rock Festival, and so will be bringing a show similar to the 'Release' tour.
It is hoped that the Japanese dates will be followed by concerts in Mexico and Brazil. Neil and Chris are keen to perform there after an absence of almost ten years.
Festival appearances in Denmark and Sweden this summer are also looking likely.

16th February 2004 - Flamboyant Demo

When 'Flamboyant' is released at the end of March 2004, the second CD single will include Chris and Neil's original demo version of the song. They felt that the demo included elements that never made it to the finished version of the song but were, nevertheless, worth hearing. Neil said, "It's just a different version of the song, and one we feel proud of."
The second CD single will also include the video for 'Flamboyant', which is still not completed but, having seen a rough cut, Neil and Chris think it's going to be "one of our best."

14th February 2004 - Pete Burns Update

Neil and Chris were in the studio yesterday with Pete Burns recording his vocals for 'Jack And Jill Party', which is written and produced by Chris and Neil.
The track will be the second release on the new Pet Shop Boys label, Olde English Vinyl and is described as "a hard electronic dance track."

13th February 2004 - Poptastic Mate

Neil and Chris will be interviewed, amongst others on 'The Ultimate Pop Star' which will be shown on Sunday 22nd February 2004 at 9.00pm on Channel 4 in the UK.
Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield are reviving Smashy and Nicey for the one-off show which has fifty artists and claims the results will be based purely on sales from the UK official singles chart since they began in 1952.

12th February 2004 - Flamboyant Single Mix

The single version of 'Flamboyant' is a different mix than the version on 'PopArt'. Neil and Chris went back into the studio just before Christmas with Stuart Crichton and added extra vocals and keyboard parts to produce a new mix, based on the original Tomcraft mix.

11th February 2004 - I Didn't Get Where I Am Today

The long-awaited song, 'I Didn't Get Where I Am Today', will be released as a bonus track on the 'Flamboyant' single at the end of March 2004.
Originally included on the 'Release' album, the track was removed by Chris and Neil because they didn't feel it fitted with the mood of the album. It was, however, later considered for release as a single.
The track features a sample from an obscure mid-sixties pop record. 'Father's Name Was Dad' by Fire, along with guitars played by Johnny Marr and percussion by Jodie Linscott. It is described by Chris as "Very jangly pop."

10th February 2004 - Questions Answered

Neil has been answering questions on PetShopBoys.co.uk:

Q. Will the USA PopArt differ in any way the UK PopArt?
A. The correct mixes of 'I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Any More' and 'Heart' will be on!

Q. You've had Disco 1, 2 and 3, any chance of 'Relentless 2' or a similar very instrumental album?
A. We've been working on an instrumental project recently

Q. What do you prefer: Joy Division or New Order?
A. New Order

Neil also said, "Wait 'til you see the video for 'Flamboyant' - it's very Japanese."

6th February 2004 - DJ Hell

DJ Hell, the legendary Electro DJ and force behind International DJ Gigolo Records, has recently remixed the classic single 'West End Girls', as well as the forthcoming single 'Flamboyant'. Both remixes will be serviced to clubs in the near future and released on vinyl at the end of March 2004.

5th February 2004 - Pre-order Flamboyant

You can now pre-order 'Flamboyant': UK CD1 and/or UK CD2. Amazon.co.uk have the release date as Monday 29th March 2004.

4th February 2004 - Flamboyant Rumoured Track Listing

CD Single 1 - 2 Track CD (CDR 6629):
Flamboyant - Single Mix
I Didn't Get Where I Am Today

CD Single 2 - Maxi CD (CDRS 6629):
Flamboyant - Tomcraft Extended Mix
Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix
Flamboyant - DJ Hell Remix
Flamboyant
Miracles - Enhanced Video

12" Single (12R 6629):
Flamboyant - DJ Hell Remix
Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes And Shadows Mix
West End Girls - DJ Hell Remix

1st February 2004 - West End Girls New Mix

There is a new remix of 'West End Girls'. It's by DJ Hell and it was played last night at The Fan Club in London. Apparently it's very good.
During the web chat on BBC Radio 2's 'The Album Show' in November 2003 Chris said, "Somebody really good is making a version of a really good Pet Shop Boys song at the moment. But we don't want to spoil the surprise!" I wonder if this is what he was referring to.

31st January 2004 - Getting Away With It

If you live in or close to London why don't you pop in to The Fan Club (The Verge, 147 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1) tonight as they are holding a 'Getting Away With It' night. It's a celebration of three related bands (Pet Shop Boys, The Smiths and New Order). There will be live bands (Ex-Rental, The Reflections And Subculture), DJs and a very special secret guest, playing a world exclusive remix of 'West End Girls', courtesy of Neil Tennant. Doors open at 8.00pm and admission is only £5 or £4 with a flyer from The Fan Club website.

27th January 2004 - Back To The Bar

On Saturday 6th March 2004 the Pet Shop Boys are playing a small live show in the London Camden Barfly as part of a series of shows benefiting the Shelter and Warchild charities. Neil and Chris will be performing as a duo, similar to their session on XFM at the end of last year.
Other artists performing in the series include, The Darkness, Sugababes, Starsailer, Gary Numan and David Gray.
For more information and how to get hold of a ticket visit the Music Passport website.

22nd January 2004 - Flamboyant Update

'Flamboyant' will be released towards the end of March 2004. The track has been remixed for single release by Pet Shop Boys and Stuart Crichton. There will also be dance mixes by Scissor Sisters, DJ Hell and Tomcraft. Neil and Chris are shooting the video this week.

21st January 2004 - A Small, Exclusive Concert

There will be an announcement early next week of an exclusive Pet Shop Boys concert in London in March 2004 and how you can get tickets!

18th January 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'PopArt' went out of the top 75.

12th January 2004 - Questions Answered

Neil has been answering questions on PetShopBoys.co.uk:

Q. What we can expect this year?
A. This year releasing 'Flamboyant' as a single, writing and recording new songs for the next album, and there's another project...

Q. When will the next studio album be released and can you tell us any song titles?
A. 2005 and 'Casanova In Hell'

Q. Have you and Chris thought about remastering Liza Minnelli's 'Results' with bonus tracks etc?
A. It's happening this year. I believe Epic/Sony are reissuing it remastered with extra mixes

11th January 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'PopArt' stayed at number 75. 'Style' by Mis-Teeq which samples 'West End Girls' went out of the top 75 in the singles chart again.

10th January 2004 - They're Keane

British rock trio Keane have been voted the most promising new music act by a panel of UK music critics, DJs and playlisters in BBC News Online's Sound Of 2004 survey. The band mention Pet Shop Boys, The Smiths and Queen as influences. Their style has been described as "Radiohead covering A-ha."

4th January 2004 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'PopArt' went down 11 places to number 75. 'Style' by Mis-Teeq which samples 'West End Girls' re-entered the singles chart top 75 at number 68.

1st January 2004 - UK End Of Year Chart

'PopArt' was the 174th biggest selling album of 2003.

1st January 2004 - Happy New Year!

What will the Pet Shop Boys be up to in 2004? Keep up to date by regularly checking back here.
All the best for 2004.