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”.
The Boys work on two songs: ‘Searching for the Face of Jesus’ and ‘It’s Just My Little Tribute to Caligula, Darling!’ Neil describes it as ‘a day of musical contrasts.’
Their official website announces the pending November 1 release of Ultimate Pet Shop Boys, a single-CD hits collection. Its ‘special edition’ will include a bonus DVD featuring live TV appearances spanning their entire career.
It’s Friday the 13th, but nonetheless it’s a lucky day for PSB fans in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Boys perform their Electric Tour show there this evening.