Interviews NME - The Pyramid Stage...
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PET SHOP BOYS

By LAJackson and Steve Jenner
This was certainly new and different - the original electro-twins on the Pyramid Stage, sandwiched between rock stalwarts Ocean Colour Scene and Travis.

Perhaps this was a well meaning gesture on Michael Eavis' part - ie.

a refreshing interlude between the droning. Neil Tennant wins the prize for most glamorous act of the festival, above Macy Gray, even. He strides out in a pristeen black suit, with a big matching stetson - a big contrast to the drab white trash rockers that have been populating this stage all day. There has been no expense spared on the stage set, which adds a compulsive element to the disco-charged beats.

We get dazzling projected visuals, explosive light-show and the stage itself is decked out as an ultra-modern Soho-style gay bar. The tunes sound more or less exactly as they do on the record, but it is difficult not to tap your feet and sing along.

It is a hit-rich set, including 'Suburbia', an acoustic 'Rent', 'It's a Sin' and 'Can You Forgive Her' - which features a pair of tap-dancing Mario Brothers! Mid way through, the Boys obviously decide they've broken the ice sufficiently to revert to the classic imagery, and re-emerge in customary all-white.

Tennant outclasses himself in the new attire - a sharp white suit with a sleazy black bow-tie hanging draped around his collar. 'What Have I Done to Deserve This' even includes a celebrity guest appearance by none other than a smiley Ms.

Cerys Mathews from Catatonia. The pounding 'West End Girls' takes on a completely new euphoria. 'Go West', with it's bulky singing workmen 'worked' beautifully, as a surreal early evening camp-anthem and set-closer.

Tonight it seemed Pet Shop Boys could be forgiven for any involvement they had in the 1980's. I'd say they deserve that kind of respect, at least once in a while. --

Thank you to mary
 
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