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”.
‘Domino Dancing’ debuts on the U.S. singles chart.
Disco 2 debuts on the U.S. album chart at its #75 peak.
Diana, Princess of Wales, visits the London Lighthouse, a center and hospice for people affected by HIV and AIDS, for the launch of a fundraising drive. Neil also attends this event, during which he meets Diana, apparently for the first and only time.
The Pet Shop Boys perform ‘New York City Boy’ on Top of the Pops.
The Closer to Heaven cast album is released.
Disco 4 is released.
The Electric Tour comes to San Diego. Before the show, Neil and Chris meet Victor Willis, the original ‘cop’ and lead vocalist of the Village People as well as co-writer of their mutual hit ‘Go West.’
This evening the Pet Shop Boys and New Order perform for a second night at the Hollywood Bowl.