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”.
Christopher Sean Lowe is born in Blackpool, Lancashire, U.K.
The Boys perform ‘So Hard’ on Top of the Pops.
It’s the second day of rehearsals for their upcoming DiscoVery Tour. After an interview with journalist Chris Heath for the tour program, Neil and Chris head off to celebrate the latter’s birthday with an evening performance by Shirley Bassey.
They finish their recording work on their next album, Release.
The Pet Shop Boys receive Q Magazine’s annual Inspiration Award, given to ‘acts that have inspired new generations of musicians, songs, and music lovers in general.’
Chris, in Moscow for a DJ’ing gig at a club opening, celebrates his birthday with a dinner at a restaurant with several friends and acquaintances, including Dainton Connell. It will be the last time Chris sees him before the automobile accident several hours later that claims Dainton’s life.
The Boys are in Santiago, Chile, having arrived a day or two beforehand so that they can enjoy several days off before their concert there on the 7th. Neil notes on their official website that this afternoon he is ‘recovering from Chris’s birthday party.’
Chris spends his birthday working with Neil on their upcoming musical tribute to Alan Turing, after which he enjoys dinner with friends. On the Boys’ official website he describes it as ‘a wonderful day.’
The Pet Shop Boys perform in Portland, Oregon.