A new film, “Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped” will be broadcast on Saturday evening, December 14, on BBC2 TV in the UK. The film includes an interview with Neil who interviewed George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley when he worked for Smash Hits magazine in the early 80s. More information at the link below.

Pet Shop Boys’ “ICONS mix”, which Neil and Chris recorded earlier this year as part of BBC 6 Music’s “Loud and Proud” celebration, has been shortlisted for “ICONS Mix of the Year” by Mary Anne Hobbs. The exclusive 30-minute mix will be played out again on her 6Music show this Friday, 13^th December at 12pm GMT, and afterwards will also be made available on BBC Sounds for 30 days.

The “Pet Shop Boys since 1984” tea set which is already available in our online store can, from tomorrow, be bought in person at Dover Street Market, 18–22 Haymarket, London SW1. It will also be available from DSM at the online link below.

The collection commemorates 40 years since the release of PSB’s debut single. Designed in partnership with their long-term collaborators Farrow, Tennant and Lowe present this limited-edition set featuring a teapot, cups and saucers, a milk jug and a sugar bowl. The pieces are manufactured by Duchess China in Stoke-on-Trent.

Photo: Kirby Koh/DSM

Neil has been interviewed by Jake Shears on his “Queer The Music” podcast, talking about the lyrics and the making of the PSB song “It’s a sin”, Pet Shop Boys’ creative process, collaborators and much more. The season finale episode is out now and available at the link below.

Alexei Gorinov, the first Russian citizen to be imprisoned for protesting against Russia’s war on Ukraine, has now been sentenced to three more years in prison on trumped-up charges. In court he made a heartfelt statement against the war. Read it at the link below. We salute his courage.

Very sad to learn that this renowned music shop is closing in Newcastle. As a teenager I used to visit after school and ask to listen to David Bowie in one of their stereo listening booths and then browse through the records and sheet music and wish I could afford a posh guitar. It will be much missed. Neil x 

In the latest Official Physical Singles Chart in the UK, CD singles by Pet Shop Boys are at numbers 1, 4, 13, 20, 41 and 60! Link to chart below.

Last night, Pet Shop Boys and their long-term manager, Angela Becker, received the Artist & Manager Partnership Award “in recognition of their shared impact on music and culture” at the culmination of the Artist & Manager Awards in London. Thanks to the Featured Artists Coalition and the Music Managers Forum for the award and the nice evening! xx

Photo: Paul Hampartsoumian