It’s been off air for more than a decade but Pet Shop Boys are still smarting at the loss of Top Of The Pops. As regulars on the BBC programme, the duo believe there remains a televisual void for a chart show. “I still think it’s weird the BBC doesn’t have a weekly pop programme, because the chart now is pretty interesting”, said Neil Tennant. He believes that streaming has actually made the charts more intriguing. He said it’s now: “More volatile, [and] records hang around for ages like they did in the 60s.
“A generation has now missed out on the archival thing of a Top Of The Pops performance – from Arctic Monkeys to One Direction and Justin Bieber. And that’s a shame.” They also miss the competition that TOTP encouraged between rival acts. Tenant told the Telegraph: “Chris used to always dream that he’d heard George Michael’s new single on the radio, and I’d be really annoyed. Nowadays, the way to feel creative competition with people is [being] on Pharrell’s album or on Eminem’s album.”
Pet Shop Boys will be back on stage at London’s Royal Opera House for four Inner Sanctum shows this summer. Following the success of their Super Tour the duo play the iconic venue between 25-28 July. “We were thrilled to bring electronic music into the grandest musical space in London for four memorable nights in 2016. We’re excited to confirm that we’ll be back in July.”