Dress to impress

[ZiggyPSB]

Question for all you concert-goers here.

You go to a concert of an artist that at some points in their career they famously dressed up in a particular costume that everyone will associate that artist with. Robbie Williams most famous example is his Let Me Entertain You video for example. We're all familier of the various Pet Shop Boys appearances that stood out, particularly the Very and Nightlife era.

You get those outlandish costumes these artists have worn in their time, some really mad fans would go to these concerts dressed in the same costumes to fully emerse themselves in the fun.

So how often have you been to a Pet Shop Boys concert and seen someone in the crowd dressed up in jumpsuits with the dunce caps of Can You Forgive Her, the dome hats from Go West, or in tank tops with wigs from I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing? Or are we too mature and sensible for that it looks stupid and may get in the way of people's view?

Just wondering. Fancy dress as Very-era or Nightlife-era etc. Pet Shop Boys is not an opportunity one gets at a mass gathering of other Petheads very often. Its more suited to conventions but of course there is no Pet Shop Boys Conventionally sadly. Concerts is the next best thing.

[tottenhammattspurs]

One night at Wembley in 1991 , i remember seeing a guy turn up in the Issey Miaki "blow up" being boring jacket.

What a prick.

[Drico One]

That's harsh on Chris, Tottenhammattspurs.

As for the costumed minority you used to see at PSB gigs, I always felt a sense of overwhelming pity when I saw them clog up the front row with their pointy hats and fright wigs.

Strange as it seems, I sort of miss them now. We're all far too mature for that these days.

That said, I'm still fond of the Mexico City audience members of the Cubism DVD with their Minimal placards and unabashed enthusiasm. There was something endearing and witty about their enjoyment.

Drico.

[Ralph]

I went to Berlin Pandemonium Tour concert fully dressed in Nightlife outfit. Wig, striped skirt and everything. I remember the feling of walking through the city before and after the gig

There were also guys from Russia with pointy hats near in front rows as I recall.
Funny tough as we talk about as something special. In Depeche Mode fans world looking as much as Dave Gahan and imitating his moves at DM parties is just regular part of being Depeche Mode fan

[TallThinMan]

The blow-up Being Boring jacket was actually from Michiko Koshino rather than Issey Miyake. Chris also wore is during the So Hard performance on Wogan when he famously stormed off at the end. And no, I wasn't the prick wearing it at that concert (sadly, I wasn't there), although I do remember seeing it for sale in Covent Garden and wanting it.

[bohemians.]

"Dress to impress" I have to laugh how I bought "little black dress" to impress Neil at Sadlers/ ..well several little black dresses -incl even little PVC dress..now I remembere buying even long black dress (but at the end I ended up with jeans and shirt(black shinny
I remember how I wanted to impress Neil wearing that russian hat
..I am afraid Neil was already bit overimpressed from me..
Anyway I don t think I would appear in Memory of future wig -who might Patrick Bateman or Drico One/btw how is he doing?

[Oznerol]

The blow-up Being Boring jacket was actually from Michiko Koshino rather than Issey Miyake...

Michiko Koshino??? Haha!! Oh well...in spanish the pronunciation of this name sounds like the words 'Mi Chico Cochino'...or traslated: 'My piggy boy'..

[agent doris]

Someone wore it at Birmingham too, Chris saw him and just rolled his eyes!!

[ZiggyPSB]

I've been wanting to do a PSB cosplay for ages. The closest I've gotten to making something what those huge glasses from the Can You Forgive Her? video.

Those costumes would be to obstructive though. I've been thinking someone perhaps a little more generic but a favourite look of Neil Tennant's. The suit and bowler hat look. I might just go as Bowler Hat Tennant this June. Might be somewhat effortless but there's no room for effort at a tightly packed crowd.

[ivan1r]

ZiggyPSB, great question! I've been to a few Pet Shop Boys concerts, and I have to say, while I haven't seen tons of people in full costume, I've definitely seen a few nods to their iconic looks. A few "Go West" dome hats here and there, maybe a "Can You Forgive Her?" jumpsuit (though usually just the hat!). It's always fun to see, and it definitely adds to the atmosphere. I think it's a balance – a few people dressing up is cool, but a whole crowd might be a bit much. I personally haven't dressed up myself, but I appreciate those who do it tastefully. It's a fun way to show your love for the band. It's true, a PSB convention would be amazing for this kind of thing!

[jules]

I remember seeing the pointy hats at forest national for the nightlife tour.
During the yes tour at the O2 there was a girl with the hat and long coat Neil wore for the brit award medley and it looked crazy.. not sure it was the real coat but very funny to see.
At the roh a guy was in a Super inflatable suit but wasn't allowed to attend the show with it.

[Vintage Youth]

It's my worst nightmare to get stuck behind the pointy hat people. Or anyone tall, really.
Have seen a few long silver jackets on the recent run.

[Gabby]

It's my worst nightmare to get stuck behind the pointy hat people. Or anyone tall, really.
Have seen a few long silver jackets on the recent run.

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[OakeyDokey]

Could you forgive her/him/them/they ?

[leesmapman]

It's my worst nightmare to get stuck behind the pointy hat people. Or anyone tall, really.
Have seen a few long silver jackets on the recent run.

Hat.png

That would make a great PSB live album cover.