Pet Shop Boys Facts
Pet Shop Boys: Facts About the Iconic Electro-Pop Duo
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Are you a fan of the 80s electro-pop era or still find yourself humming to “West End Girls”? Then you must have heard of Pet Shop Boys, the British music duo that dominated the music scene in that decade. Comprised of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, the Pet Shop Boys achieved global success with their unique sound and catchy lyrics. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Pet Shop Boys and reveal some interesting facts about their personal lives, careers, and legacy.
Singer’s Bio, Age, Relationships, Children, Height, and Net Worth
Neil Tennant was born on July 10, 1954, in North Shields, England. Chris Lowe was born on October 4, 1959, in Blackpool, England. Neil met Chris in an electronics store in London in 1981, and the two quickly bonded over their mutual love of dance music and synthesizers. They formed Pet Shop Boys a year later and released their first single, “West End Girls,” in 1984.
Neil is openly gay and has been with his partner, Tom Hatch, since 1998. They tied the knot in 2014 in a private civil ceremony in London. Chris, on the other hand, is notoriously private and rarely talks about his personal life. He was rumored to have been in a relationship with the late fashion designer, Wolfgang Joop, in the 90s, but has never confirmed it.
Neither Neil nor Chris have children, but they both are godparents to some of their friends’ kids. Neil is a godfather to Frances Bean Cobain, the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.
Neil Tennant is 6 feet tall, while Chris Lowe is just under 5’8″.
Pet Shop Boys have an estimated net worth of $200 million as of 2021.
Career
Pet Shop Boys have been making music for over three decades and have released a whopping 14 studio albums to date. Their music is known for combining catchy pop hooks with a love of electronic dance music and clever lyrics.
Their debut album, “Please,” was released in 1986 and was a massive commercial success thanks to the hit singles “West End Girls” and “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money).” They continued to release hit after hit throughout the 80s and 90s, including “It’s a Sin,” “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” (featuring Dusty Springfield), and “Always on My Mind” (a cover of the Elvis Presley classic).
In 2009, Pet Shop Boys were honored with the BRIT Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, acknowledging the duo’s influence on British music scene.
Pet Shop Boys continue to tour and release new music to this day, with their latest album, “Hotspot,” released in 2020.
Top Songs:
1. “West End Girls”
2. “It’s a Sin”
3. “Always on My Mind”
4. “Domino Dancing”
5. “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)”
6. “Being Boring”
7. “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” (with Dusty Springfield)
8. “Go West”
9. “Can You Forgive Her?”
10. “Love Comes Quickly”
FAQs:
1. Are Pet Shop Boys brothers?
No, Pet Shop Boys are not brothers. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe met in a music store in London in 1981 and formed a musical partnership that would later become the Pet Shop Boys.
2. What was Pet Shop Boys’ first hit song?
Pet Shop Boys’ first hit song was “West End Girls,” released in 1984. It went on to become a global hit and even won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 1987.
3. What genre is Pet Shop Boys’ music?
Pet Shop Boys’ music is a blend of pop, dance, and electronic music. Their unique sound and clever lyrics have made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
4. What is Pet Shop Boys’ biggest hit?
Pet Shop Boys’ biggest hit was “West End Girls,” which topped the charts in the UK, US, Canada, and many other countries.
5. How many albums have Pet Shop Boys released?
Pet Shop Boys have released 14 studio albums to date. They continue to tour and release new music.
6. Have Pet Shop Boys won any awards?
Yes, Pet Shop Boys have won numerous awards throughout their career, including Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards, and Grammy Awards.
7. What is Pet Shop Boys’ net worth?
Pet Shop Boys’ net worth is estimated to be around $200 million.
8. Are Pet Shop Boys still making music?
Yes, Pet Shop Boys are still making music and touring. Their latest album, “Hotspot,” was released in 2020.
9. Do Pet Shop Boys write their own songs?
Yes, Pet Shop Boys write their own songs. Neil Tennant is the band’s primary lyricist, while Chris Lowe is responsible for most of the music.
10. Is Chris Lowe the singer of Pet Shop Boys?
No, Chris Lowe is not the lead singer of Pet Shop Boys. Neil Tennant is the band’s lead vocalist, while Chris Lowe plays keyboards and contributes backing vocals.
11. What inspired Pet Shop Boys’ name?
The name “Pet Shop Boys” was inspired by some friends who worked in a pet shop. They thought it sounded ironic and playful, and the name stuck.
12. What is Pet Shop Boys’ most political song?
Pet Shop Boys have written several political songs, including “It Couldn’t Happen Here,” “King of Rome,” and “Building a Wall.” But perhaps their most overtly political song is “Go West,” which was adopted as an anthem for the gay community and inspired by the Soviet Union’s slogan “Workers of the world, unite!”
13. What is Neil Tennant’s background?
Neil Tennant was born in North Shields, England, and grew up in a middle-class family. He studied history at the University of North London before beginning his career in music journalism.
14. What do critics say about Pet Shop Boys’ music?
Critics have generally praised Pet Shop Boys’ music for its catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and unique blend of pop and electronic dance music. They have been called “one of the most influential bands of all time” and “masters of mixing pop and politics.”
15. Are Pet Shop Boys considered to be gay icons?
Yes, Pet Shop Boys are often considered to be gay icons. They have been openly gay since the 80s and have written several songs that deal with LGBT themes and issues.
