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”.
‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’ rises to #39 in its third week on the U.S. singles chart, where it will ultimately peak at #2.
Neil and Chris are saddened to learn of the sudden death the day before of George Michael. On their website they write, ‘Dear George, gone too soon. It’s so sad. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.’
In response to the death two days before of Allee Willis, who co-wrote ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’ with the Boys, they write today on their website, ‘Very sad to hear that the songwriter Allee Willis has passed away. Our then manager, Tom Watkins, introduced us to her in 1985… [She was] so much fun to be around. She will be much missed.’
Neil and Chris ‘take over’ BBC Radio 2 this evening between 9 p.m. and midnight to play their own choice of music by various artists. They conclude their set with Shirley Bassey’s recording of their song ‘The Performance of My Life.’