Thousands of people walked from the Arsenal Emirates stadium through the streets of Islington, North London, this morning in tribute to Dainton Connell, a.k.a. "The Bear". In a remarkable scene, more like a state funeral than a private internment, Holloway Road was closed by the police to allow the procession to take place. Then mourners including Chris Lowe, Neil Tennant, ex-Arsenal footballers Ian Wright and Lee Dixon, Little Britain stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams, boxer Frank Bruno, journalist and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, artist Sam Taylor-Wood, singer Sylvia Mason-James, and hundreds of friends and Arsenal supporters joined Dainton's wife and family for the funeral service at St Mary Magdalane Church conducted by three vicars, including the priest who married Dainton and his wife Mandy 31 years ago. Past and present PSB managers David Dorrell, Mitch Clark and Jill Carrington were also present, along with members of the Lowe and Tennant families. Chris Lowe read from The Bible (Revelation 21: 1-7) as part of the service. The service was broadcast via speakers to a huge crowd standing outside the church in bright sunshine. We would like, once again, to thank all fans and friends who have sent messages of condolence and flowers. Further reports of the funeral can be found at the links below.
Recent News
Pet Shop Boys are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their brand-new studio album, “Nonetheless”, on Parlophone Records on April 26.
The Guardian Live and PSB today announce “An evening with Pet Shop Boys”, including an exclusive “Nonetheless” album playback ahead of release day.
Pet Shop Boys are excited to announce the digital release of their new single “Dancing star” on April 3, with a CD release to follow on May 3, all available to pre-save/pre-order now at the link below.
Pet Shop Boys are happy to announce a Blu-ray edition of "Nonetheless", which is now available to pre-order exclusively through the Super Deluxe Edition shop at the link below and includes an SDE exclusive slipcase.
Pet Shop Boys will be releasing a strictly limited edition zoetrope picture disc of “Nonetheless” via Blood Records on Friday, 26 April.
Pet Shop Boys will be headlining this year’s Cruïlla Barcelona Festival on Saturday, 13th July.
“Nonetheless” merchandise, including a cap, a T-shirt and a hoodie, will be shipping along with the new PSB album on 26th April and is available to pre-order now exclusively from the official Pet Shop Boys store.
Following the start of the general ticket sale this morning, Pet Shop Boys’ five Dreamworld shows at the Royal Opera House, London from July 23–27 are now completely sold out.