40th anniversary

[Dog]

Next month it’s the 40th anniversary of the release of the hit version of West End girls. January will be the 40th anniversary of it hitting number one. And March will be the 40th anniversary of Please.

Might we see some activity to mark these moments? We know PSB don’t traditionally look back, but now they are reunited with Parlophone things maybe look more likely, particularly given we know Parlophone have been working on a project to move their singles catalogue to streaming. Next month would be the ideal time to start setting that live, beginning with West End girls.

The latest online dates also suggest the Volume book is aligned to the Please anniversary. What about a super deluxe style release of Please? We know the Further Listening edition is seen as definitive, but might Parlophone have encouraged them to dig deeper into their vault?

Finally, we know the intention was for the “Pet Shop Boys since 1984” range to bear more fruit. Maybe they’ve been holding off to align to this set of anniversaries.

What do you reckon?

[eastendboy]

I’m surprised we haven’t seen any more since 1984 items so far as I messaged Mark Farrow a while ago and he said there would be more stuff this year. Maybe they are saving it for Christmas this year?

I’d like to think there will be something released for either the anniversary of west end girls or please. I’ve emailed Angela a few times about various things and haven’t had a reply, has anyone?

I’m claiming a small victory as ages ago I emailed her about reissuing old tour t-shirts and a little while later they released the Zara t-shirts.

Maybe someone will ask Neil this on Friday at the q&a session. Having been to a few of these in the past they are never long enough.

I doubt they’d do this but would love them to do a web q&a in the future,

[Gabby]

Was thinking about this myself after Warwick ended.

If they intend to (re)launch the Since 1984 brand it needs to happen as you say, in tandem with the 40th anniversary of West End girls becoming a worldwide hit. Technically "Since 1984" already sounds a bit dated, if you know what I mean.

I'm nervous about it - I feel like I am on the verge of parting with a LOT of hard earned money, but after the CD releases of the 1st 6 albums, would it really make sense to release a new "more definitive" edition of Please?

I think the idea of releasing deeper cuts/mixes to streaming platforms is a good launch point though. To be honest I am getting sick of t-shirts and don't NEED a stitch of clothing for my already overflowing wardrobe.

Maybe the teaset is all we'll get! Wouldn't that be a coup!?

[Dog]

Well don’t forget the single CD reissues are intended for new-to-PSB purchasers. A reasonably-priced way for people to buy into the catalogue. Any deluxe release would be more for the fanbase.

[OakeyDokey]

Hoping all this comes to fruition. I was made and born in '84 so it has particular resonance

[TwizzleUK]

I think the end of this year and into 2026 is the perfect time to digitally re-release each single, starting with the original 1985 'Opportunities'. One digital "album" containing all the mixes and B-sides, each released every week or two. Would take the best part of a year to get through them all, and would keep next year interesting for all of us.

Would also be great if they can finally negotiate the release of the 'Dreamworld' Blu-ray (with 'Go West' included).

Plus maybe get that full version of the 1989 tour released on Blu-ray too later in 2026, as they talked about several years ago.