Pet Shop Boys (translated into Russian as "Boys from the Zoo") is a duet that was created in 1981 in London. The team is considered one of the most successful in the dance music environment of modern Britain. The permanent leaders of the group are Chris Lowe (b. 1959) and Neil Tennant (b. 1954).
Youth and personal life of the group members
Neal grew up in North Shields. His childhood hobbies are art and history. He was educated at Newcastle Catholic School.
In his youth, he created the first musical group Dust. He acquired his higher education in the capital of Great Britain with a degree in history.
Tennant was not only involved in music, but in the 1970s he worked at the notorious Marvel Studios, drawing comics. He wrote about music, worked in the Smash Hits magazine until 1985 (at the same time, together with a partner, he created the Pet Shop Boys group).
Neil spoke about intimate relationships with other people for the first time in 1994, Attitude, he confirmed that he was gay. Tennant did not reveal more about his personal life. The two musicians are connected only by friendly and working relations.
Chris Low
Chris Lowe is a child from a large family, he has a sister and two brothers. Born in Blackpool (UK). In his youth he was in a jazz team, they performed together at weddings and city streets.
He began his studies at a private gymnasium, and received his higher education as an architect at the University of Liverpool.
The thesis of this training consisted in the design and construction of a staircase, this creation can still be observed in London (the structure is located next to the music store, where, by a lucky chance, Lowe and Neil met).
Chris often appears in public in sunglasses, so he maintains the image of a mysterious man of art. His inconspicuous style, which presented the world celebrity, was written by The Guardian magazine in the mid-1990s of the last century.
The fact that Low did nothing on stage gave him more popularity than those artists who sacrificed themselves completely on stage.
Acquaintance and joint work Pet Shop Boys
The participants met in 1981 in a music store, which immediately brought the artists together on the basis of art. Tennant could not make out some aspects of the synthesizer, and Lowe promised to help him.
For several years, the musicians only worked on music, it was important for them to hone their skills, and only after that go on the big stage. One of the first independent compositions was recorded only in 1990.
The direction of development was determined immediately, both participants saw a promising development in electronic music. They played keyboards.
The musicians played in different styles, the main styles were: synth-pop, disco and techno. Neil is the vocalist in the team, his singing voice is tenor.
Tennant met producer Bobby Orlando while working as a music columnist. He liked the work of the young group, and he took them under his patronage. Recording with him began earlier than independent.
Already in 1984-1985. the first joint compositions were released, but they did not receive the desired response from the audience. A year later, the duo broke off the agreement with Orlando, went on an independent musical path, while hiring Stephen Haig.
With the help of the latter, they immediately took the leading positions in the music tops of Great Britain and America.
Achievements of the Pet Shop Boys
The group has 14 studio albums on its account, and all of them have taken the leading positions in the music tops not only in their native country, but also abroad. Interestingly, all albums have only one word in their title.
The group's arsenal includes multiple collaborations with such famous artists as: Liza Minnelli, David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Rammstein, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Robbie Williams.
The duet Pet Shop Boys is rightfully considered one of the most aesthetic on the world stage, the participants paid considerable attention to detail and did not sacrifice their image for momentary glory. You can always observe the influence of modern fashion in their behavior and costumes.
The members of the group created 10 films in collaboration with other people of art (music-biographical, collection of albums, concert recordings, documentaries and feature films).
In 2008, the duet was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest number of songs that were awarded to visit the English hit parade.
1988 began with another collaboration. The Pet Shop Boys wrote and produced the song I'm Not Scared for Patsy Kensit's.
The song became her biggest hit and the Pet Shop Boys contributed their own extended version of the track to their introspective album.
It is distinguished by piercing cover versions, the performance of Elvis Presley's song is recognized as the best among all existing in the world.
At various times, the group was awarded the highest awards at awards: BPI Awards Ivor Novello Awards, Music Week's Awards, RSH Gold Awards, East Award, etc.
The musicians of the Pet Shop Boys kept their promise. In 2020, a presentation of a new LP took place, which was called Hotspot. The collection was topped by 10 songs. The authors of the songs included in the new disc are Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. In support of the novelty, the musicians will go on a large-scale tour.
The Pet Shop Boys in 2021
In May 2021, the musicians delighted fans with the release of the track Cricket Wife. The guys noted that they mixed the track online.
