Two new books by our own Geowayne are forthcoming: ‘Pet Shop Boys: Song by Song’ Volumes 1 and 2!

[MikeyC]

From Geowayne himself:

I'm delighted that my publisher has given me the go-ahead to provide details about my upcoming books. I've written two books in Fonthill Media's excellent "Song by Song" popular music series. Past "Song by Song" books have focused on such artists as ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Madonna, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Kate Bush, among others. I'm honored that my books are the first two-volume set in the series: "Pet Shop Boys: Song by Song Vol. 1 (1984-2004)" and "Pet Shop Boys: Song by Song Vol. 2 (2005-2024)." (Their covers haven't yet been designed, so I'm unable to add them to the image here of some of the previous Song by Song books.)

I believe their willingness to devote two books to the Pet Shop Boys is testimony both to the vastness of the PSB catalogue as well as to their tremendous popularity, particularly outside the United States. (For instance, they're the all-time most successful duo in the history of the U.K. charts.) Both books are essentially "finished." Volume 1 is just now entering the typesetting phase, while Volume 2 will soon be starting its editing phase.

Volume 1 is scheduled for publication October 30 in the U.K. and one month later in the U.S. Volume 2 is slated for U.K. publication on March 30, 2026, again followed a month later in the States. They're not yet available to be ordered either through Fonthill Media itself or from Amazon, but I'm sure that will change (at least for Volume 1) as October approaches.


Very exciting!

[NotInvisible]

I got really excited for a moment and then looked at the design for the Fonthill Media Song by Song range. Hard pass, unfortunately.

[leesmapman]

Great news! Looking forward to these

[Gabby]

Exciting! Will definitely buy once available.

[OakeyDokey]

I got really excited for a moment and then looked at the design for the Fonthill Media Song by Song range. Hard pass, unfortunately.

Harsh! Literally judging a book by its cover (not "Literally"). But c'mon, Wayne has proved himself a talented writer. I wonder if he'll use a lot of the existing content on the songs section of his website.

[NotInvisible]

Harsh! Literally judging a book by its cover (not "Literally"). But c'mon, Wayne has proved himself a talented writer. I wonder if he'll use a lot of the existing content on the songs section of his website.

Wayne is great! But ugly books don't have a place in my library. I'd hope for something more fitting the design aesthetic of the band. I know that's judging a book by its cover, but c'est la vie.

I also question the ability to meaningfully cover multiple songs per page, but if anyone can distill analysis like that, Wayne can. The RW one is something like 500 tracks in 160 pages, which is just insanity.

[VRIDD]

Wayne is great! But ugly books don't have a place in my library.

Put them on the night table

[negative_0ne]

cool.

i'll be looking forward to these.
i won't know much from volume 2..

but still interested.

who cares about the cover.

it's not like you see it when its on a shelf.

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ne gative 1

[PSBForTheMasses]

I will proudly have these books even though they will probably cost a small fortune, given the shipment and depreciated valeu of TL against pound (or Euro or US dollar). I do not usually care for collectible items, side projects etc. but I think everyone I know must see how significant and relevant the Boys are in the musical milestones of art.

[Gabby]

I can picture this as somewhat of a companion piece to "100 Lyrics and a Poem"

[Alter Ego]

I have a few of these for other artists (New Order, Depeche Mode, etc) and always mused about who could write one (or two as it turns out) for PSB.

Most of the Song-by-song books I have read are quite good, but The Human League edition is dire and reads like it was written by someone with zero knowledge or interest in the band.

So I'm really pleased it is Geowayne writing these. He's a the perfect choice.

I'm really looking forward to them.

[petshopgrrl]

I can picture this as somewhat of a companion piece to "100 Lyrics and a Poem"

Perhaps they should consider calling it 300-odd Lyrics and No Poem.

Isn't Volume supposed to show up some time in early 2026 too? We will be spoiled for literature. (*sharpens credit card*)

[daveid]

I have to confess I heard about this nearly a year ago but mum was the word

[Ramzy]

Fantastic news and congratulations to Wayne!

[Vintage Youth]

Really looking forward to these. Just back them with wallpaper if you don't like the design, like we had to with our school jotters.