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”.
Neil re-records the vocals for ‘Hit and Miss’—a song that Chris apparently dislikes, resulting in its being relegated to b‑side status.
The Boys announce the pending release of Disco 3 the following February.
The Pet Shop Boys are nomininated for two Grammy Awards: Best Dance Recording for ‘I’m with Stupid’ and Best Electronic/Dance Album for Fundamental.
Having arrived in Moscow the day before, they appear tonight on the Russian TV show Вечерний Ургант (Evening Urgant). They’re interviewed by the host, Ivan Urgant, and perform ‘Burn’ (plus one additional song, ‘It’s a Sin,’ available online).
The Boys perform in San Miguel, Peru, part of the greater Lima metropolitan area.