As the Pet Shop Boys celebrate their 40th anniversary, they unveil a comprehensive visual anthology, “Pet Shop Boys: Volume,” capturing the essence of their groundbreaking artistry. This 600-page tome showcases their innovative costumes, music videos, and record sleeves, revealing how integral these elements have been to their enduring appeal. In a candid conversation, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe reflect on their unique artistic journey, their refusal to conform, and their unwavering commitment to creativity.
A Visual and Musical Legacy
In 1988, Wolfgang Tillmans, then just 20, was captivated by a striking poster for the Pet Shop Boys’ album *Introspective*, which he subsequently immortalised in his Hamburg flat. “It was just so cool in the context of the time,” Tillmans recalls, admiring the duo’s ability to elevate pop aesthetics into something more abstract and profound. The artistic impact of the Pet Shop Boys reached beyond music; it inspired a generation, including renowned fashion photographer Alasdair McLellan, who admired the impeccable style of keyboardist Chris Lowe. “I always thought he was the best-dressed man of the 80s,” McLellan fondly reminisces.
Their collaboration with visual artists has been a hallmark of their career. Tillmans directed the video for “Home and Dry” in 2002, while McLellan took the reins for “Loneliness” in 2022. Their works, alongside early visual inspirations, feature prominently in the newly released book, which is heralded as a “complete visual record” of the duo’s remarkable career spanning over four decades.
Creativity Unbound
Seated in the London restaurant Toklas, Tennant and Lowe discuss their ambitious new project under a Tillmans photograph. They have always viewed packaging as part of their creative expression. Tennant proposes the idea of a *Gesamtkunstwerk*—a total work of art where sound and visuals unite. This philosophy has shaped their career since the mid-1980s, a period characterised by the music industry’s lavish spending due to the CD boom. Mark Farrow, who has overseen much of their visual output, recalls, “Record companies were making money hand over fist and they had budgets to throw around.”
The Pet Shop Boys’ singles were released in multiple formats, allowing for creative variations. Lowe fondly remembers the vibrant designs of the era, particularly their memorable remixes. “Minimalism in colour,” Farrow describes their aesthetic, while Tennant reflects on the simplicity that contrasted the often gaudy designs of the time.
Challenging Conventions
The duo’s artistic journey has been marked by a deliberate choice to sidestep typical pop star behaviour. During their early performances, they were often labelled as aloof for their restrained stage presence. “We were trying not to look showbiz,” Tennant explains, recalling their first television appearance where they ignored the spectacle surrounding them. Their refusal to conform would lead to memorable moments, such as their infamous snub of the royal family during a live performance at the Royal Variety Performance in 1987.
This ethos extended to their music and visuals, which often challenged industry norms. The video for “Being Boring,” directed by Bruce Weber, opened with a naked man on a trampoline, much to the dismay of their record label. “We were basically told off,” Tennant recounts. “But we were adamant about our vision.” Despite censorship, the video remains a testament to their boldness.
A Celebration of the Unconventional
As they continue their *Dreamworld* tour, Tennant and Lowe are set to perform a series of unique shows titled *Obscure* at the Electric Ballroom in London, featuring only B-sides and album tracks. This decision is a nod to their devoted fanbase and serves to promote their new visual anthology. “One of the motivations behind it was we didn’t have to do book signings,” Tennant admits, acknowledging his discomfort with such events.
The pair has rehearsed an impressive 35 songs, showcasing their deep catalogue while maintaining an air of spontaneity. “There’s a tendency to assume that everything with us is thought-out and plotted,” Tennant reflects. “But actually, the reality is it’s much more improvised and instinctive.”
Why it Matters
The Pet Shop Boys’ journey epitomises the power of artistic integrity in the music industry. Their refusal to succumb to conventional expectations—whether in music, fashion, or performance—has not only defined their career but has also inspired countless artists. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge norms, they reinforce the idea that true artistry is often found in the unconventional. Their legacy, now captured in this expansive visual anthology, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of creativity and individual expression in a world that often seeks conformity.
