Pet Shop Boys: A Journey Through Queerness
Pet Shop Boys, the iconic duo comprising vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe, have been a fundamental part of the music scene since their formation in London in 1981.
Exploring Queerness in Music
- With over 50 million records sold worldwide, three Brit awards, and six Grammy nominations, Pet Shop Boys have made a significant mark on the industry.
- Their upcoming 15th album, Nonetheless, is a departure from their previous work, described by the duo as their ‘queer album.’
- Neil Tennant, who publicly came out as gay in 1994, emphasized that this album overtly celebrates the queerness that has always been subtly present in their music.
Tracks with Queer Inspirations
- The album features tracks like “Love Is The Law,” inspired by Oscar Wilde’s time in France, and “A New Bohemia,” influenced by the queer conceptual art troupe Les Petitis Bon-Bons.
- References to gay culture, such as a glory hole in the video for “Loneliness” and the story of ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s escape in “Dancing Star,” further solidify the album’s queer themes.
Navigating Changing Perspectives
- Tennant reflects on the evolving acceptance of gay culture in mainstream media and the challenges faced by modern gay artists in avoiding stereotypes.
- Despite concerns about being pigeonholed, Pet Shop Boys continue to embrace their unique identity and remain relevant in today’s music landscape.
Staying Timeless in the Era of Now
- While acknowledging shifts in pop music trends, Tennant emphasizes the importance of storytelling and character development in songwriting.
- With their album Nonetheless set for release on April 26, Pet Shop Boys continue to defy expectations and stay true to their artistic vision.