CompuServe On the evening of November 7th, 1996, Neil gave an interview over the Internet, from a laptop computer in the offices of Parlophone records, watched by the Pet Shop Boys press officer Murray Chalmers, two people from the on-line organisation CompuServe, and Literally.

"I enjoyed doing it," he said later. "It's the only interview I've ever done where you type the answers. The best bit was afterwards. You can see all these people talking about you, which is quite funny.

This is what happened

Mark Edwards: Neil, welcome. I'll he filtering the questions through to you tonight

Neil Tennant: Hello, everyone

Mark Edwards: I want to ask you, the Q review for Bilingual said the PSB have finally lost their inverted commas. Fair comment?

Neil Tennant: I thought we lost a lot of our inverted commas a few years ago (assuming we had them in the first place). But it's true that Bilingual is very personal. Which is what I think he meant..

Mark Edwards: You've described the album as 'aggressively not British'. In the sense of a reaction to Britpop - or in a wider sense than that?

Neil Tennant: Our musical interests tend to he contemporary dance/pop or totally outside pep while Britpop is essentially about the late 6Os/early 70s.. On this album we wanted to include some of our musical experiences from other parts of the world, particularly Latin American. In some ways the inspiration for this was a desire to escape from the rather claustrophobically insular British music scene of the moment.

Mark Edwards: Okay, we've got a lot of questions lined up. Here come your fans...

Jake: I am a great Bowie fan and I feel much of your music is revolutionary like hit was and is becoming again. Who has had an influence on your style of music?

Neil Tennant: Most of our influences are contemporary. as I said above. But from the past we've been influenced by early 6Os disco, I've been influenced by the Beatles and Bowie, we've both been influenced by elements of show music. I listen to classical music but I probably am influenced by the sound rather than the theory of it.

Paul Wood: Hi, as a songwriter myself, I'm interested in whether you normally write lyrics to music or the other way around? do you use any format, or does it just depend on the feeling? Thanks

Neil Tennant: Sometimes Chris writes a piece of music or the entire music for a song and I simply put the words to it (not that simple, actually), e.g. "Can You Forgive Her?" Some-times we write music together and I make up the words as we go along. Sometimes I write most of a song on my piano and work on it with Chris. Sometimes I have an idea for a title and we set Out to write the song, e.g. "Shopping".

Mark Edwards: Does Chris write in the studio - i.e.: build a groove and create a song over it? Neil Tennant: Yet. He can build up a track very quickly. On Bilingual the song "Electricity" was done like that.

Mark Edwards: "Electricity" was done by avoiding typical PSB sounds - was that an interesting diversion, or did it actually point the way to new directions for you?

Neil Tennant: We set out to write something totally different: slow, hip hop, more minimal, less strings. I think we would like to do more songs in that vein.

Andy Blaa'dell : I'm so appreciative of your work that I named my company after one of your songs. Aside from this, what's the most unusual act of devotion you've seen or heard about from a PSB fan? (That can be broadcast, anyway)

Mark Edwards: The name of the company is Divide By Zero, by the way

Neil Tennant: Good name! Several proposals of matriage. Many unusual things have happened outside my home which I'd rather not discuss. Stealing my rubbish and decorating their homes with it is one!

Gavin Eagan: Are there any more interesting collaborations imminent for PSB's?

Neil Tennant: We are planning to write a play-with-music (rather than a musical) with the playwright Jonathan Harvey (The Beautiful Thing) next year. No other musical collaborations are planned but then they never are; they just come along.

Mark Edwards: Do you have a wish-list of people you dream of collaborating with - more Dusty's and Liza's?

Neil Tennant: Not really. Although I am embarking as executive producer On an album of songs by Noel Coward (for the Red Hot Aids Trust). So far Paul Mccartney, Damon Albarn, Madness, Dusty and Jarvis Cocker (and the PSB) have expressed interest. But we won't be producing the music, apart from our track. I will just be harassing the artists.

Mark Edwards: What's your favorite Noel Coward song?

Neil Tennant: "If Love Were All" which we recorded for a b-side two years ago.

Mark Edwards: Loads of people want to know when you'll tour next. And where you'll be playing?

Neil Tennant: We were discussing yesterday doing a short European tour early next year. It's just an idea at the moment. We really enjoyed the Discovery tour in 1994 and would like to do something similar in Europe.

Ross Boast: Is making music now harder than in the past?

Neil Tennant: Not at all. In some ways, maybe it's easier. We're more confident than when we started. At the same time, you can't help but get more sophisticated as you go on and sometimes that makes it more difficult to do something as simple and direct as we did ten years ago. That's probably why we did something like AbFab - just for a laugh.

Eleur Piercy : How much do computers influence/help your song writing and performing?

Neil Tennant: Only in that they make it possible. If it weren't for computers, we'd have to have a band, man. Computers don't determine the form or style of our music, with the exception of samplers without which our music would be completely different.

Dany Gagnon: You seem to like very much Russia (for having their singers in many of your song) any particular reasons?

Neil Tennant: Since I was a child (copyright Mark Owen 1996), I've been fascinated by Russian History, particularly the Revolution and its aftermath. This led me to be interested in Russian music, eg: Shostakovich. I think it's the most compelling orchestral music.

Mark Edwards: Is it true that the Russian choir on "A Red Letter Day" told you they didn't like the song?

Neil Tennant: They approached the job as professionals but I don't think it was really their kind of music. I think they thought it was quite funny. Particularly at the end of the track when I asked them to chant "Is there a disco near here?" in Russian. (We didn't use it in the end)

Mark Edwards: "is there a disco near here?" is a bit of a theme on the album - you obviously think it's an important question.

Neil Tennant: As usual, escape from the pressures of life is a theme of some of our songs. On Bilingual, the album starts with that question being asked (in Spanish) and at the end of the album, on "Saturday Night Forever", you get there.

Gerald Kong : Do you think your style of music will change in the next few years and do you both usually agree with the changes?

Neil Tennant: I like to think that our style of music changes all the time: we try to change completely; we also try to do the same things differently - eg "Red letter day". Sometimes I feel that people would prefer if we stuck to the hi-nrg style of "It's a sin" and "Go West" but we get bored with it

Mark Edwards: Speaking of red letter days, a question from Robert Dane...

Robert Dane: What was the best thing that has happened over your career?

Neil Tennant: That it ever happened.

Mark Edwards: Mark Humphries wants to know what's your biggest indulgence - given your no doubt huge wealth?

Neil Tennant: Our wealth is disappointingly not that huge - we spend too much money making records and videos. But my indulgence is buying palntings and eating in good restaurants. Chris likes cars (he has 2).

Mark Edwards: Paintings by whom? and which cars?

Neil Tennant: Mainly British 2Oc art. In some ways I've learned about art by buying it. That must be a kind of indulgence.

Cssper Sims: OASIS have made it clear that they don't have a great deal of respect for awards presented by 'The Industry'. How do you feel about these awards, as opposed to these voted for by the fans?

Neil Tennant: I don't think many musicians really care about awards apart from their promotional value, if any. People find it embarrassing being judged against others. It's great when fans vote for you, particularly if it's most fanciable male (I'm still waiting)

Mark Edwards: Stephen Baines wants to know if there are any of your songs that you wish you had released in a different version or style?

Neil Tennant: Not really.

Mark Edwards: Several people want to know if you have any multimedia projects planned?

Neil Tennant: The play-with-music, I mentioned. Maybe a collaboration with the artist Sam Taylor-Wood (who works in video). Our new video "Single-Bilingual" is a comedy. Does that count as multi-media?

Jason Eden : Now that Chris has appeared in Neighbors, is there any soap you would like to appear in Neil?

Neil Tennant: I was once asked to be in Brookside (Morrissey did it instead). I don't watch any soaps. Roseanne, maybe...?

Mark Edwards: Last couple of questions. What's your favourite disco/club - and where is it?

Neil Tennant: The Groucho Club. Not really a disco. Used to love Area in NY in the dear old 8Os. Now maybe Heaven, the Queen (in Paris).

Mark Edwards: Thanks very much, Neil. Last question - is there a PSB web Site where people can e-mail you and Chris?

Neil Tennant: Yes. On the Padophone/PSB web Site. (www.parlophone.co.uk/psb/)

Mark Edwards: We'll post the address in the UK Music Forum tomorrow. For now, thanks very much to Neil. Bye and thanks to all the fans for some great questions

Neil Tennant: Thanks, Mark. Thanks everyone. charon: Okay, I'll open the floor for chatting now. charon: % The floor is now OPEN

Gavin Kagan: Eh Up!

Dany Gagnon: Thanks ! dust: Phew

Bham boy: weellIllIllIllI

Simon S: hi

Charon: thanks Neil, and everyone for coming, this was agood one

Bham boy: thanks Neil

Beat Sehenker: Hello

Chris Lishman: The PSB E-maoil

Dany Gagnon: Great show

Paul Wood.: thanks!

Gavin Eagan: My phone bill's gonna be huge!

Craig Brown: Greetings

Aeariehthys: Hi

Matthew Lomax: thanks neil

kirk: goad night eyerone

Robert Dane: What a phone bill but it's worth it

Yorek, Arne, Katrin: much to shortv eh#

vGavin Kagan: Was it worth It?! Yep!

Redlum: great!!!

Alexis Dardare: Neil is late for Ab Fab on BBC1!!!!!!!

BryanMac: where will a transcript of this be?

Jason [UKMUSIC]: The full transcript of the conference will be available in the UKMUSIC forum in about 24 hours time (in the Pop section).

Jason Eden: Can we get a transcript - I missed the first 20 minutes

Semmy H. Stumpp: much too short sure...

Robert Dane: bye!

Jason Eden: Oh - thanks

Martin Watkins: hi anyone sing?

Tony Piper: Neil, you were on top form, daaaarrrrullling..

Chris Lishman: The web page is at www.parlophone.co.uk/psb/

Gerald Kong: Bye

Neil Mike Field: gjkhh

Johannes Sienkneeht: hi

BryanMac: Rock on Neil!

Gavin Kagan: Thanks Neil!

Jason Eden: Anyone else in the Fan Club having problems getting Literally?

Aehim Loobea: hHi Neil/exit

bham boy: lets all go to next concert together

Alan (GLASGOW): great music neil keep it up

Jay: How do we join the fan club???

Gavin Kagan: I never got issue 15, but 16 came in OK

Yorek, Ame, Katrin: we love him we love him all

Andy Blardell: Thanks Neil!

Neil Tennant: Alexis, I'm videoing AbFab!

Jason Eden: Gavin: Same here ??? Perhaps it was a misprint ?

Marelan: Wu tang, tiger style shaolin

Simon S: cheers neil

Yann Bagot: Bye everyone. See you later on another PSB conference?

Redlum: thanks for a poor french guy who is very haapy:)

Bliam boy: do we get discount on tickets?

Gavin Kagan: Neil any comment about issue 15 of Literally?

Clare: what about the Mind Traveller you don't want to miss that Neil!

Mark Edwards: So it's all round to Neil's to watch Ah Fab later

Craig Brown: Cheers Neil!

Yorck, Arne, Katrin: we didn't get literally also

PHILIPPE: Here i am!!!

Maria Lux I Stuttgart: Neil, when Thankit was worth it!! !Hey, i missed the whole thing

Gavin Kagan: Uh oh, hornet nest opened here!

Neil Tennant: Like what (about Literally 15). Chris Heath is here, BTW

Jason [UKMUSIC]: The full transcript of this conference will be available in about 24 hours in the UKMUSIC forum on CompuServe (in the Pop area).

Karen Howard: Neil, what ever happened to Cicero?

Gavin Kagan: Does Literally 15 exist? Toness of us never got it!

Bham boy: yep cicero,sex on legs

Neil Tennant: He's making records in Scotland.

Maria Lux I Stnffgart: Hey, I missed the whole thing - when will come the next???

Craig Brown: Hope you didn't mind me uploading lots of PSB's stuff to the UK MUSIC FORUM Neil.

bobpal: Nei(D(D[D[D

Abmed: Hi Neil

Martin Watkini: remember me Neil?

Tony Piper: Mr Heath - your books on PSB antics are soooooooo funny - how much did Neil & Chris censor them?

BryanMac: Neil, do you ever read Introspective Digest?

Neil Tennant: Literally 15 is a bumper 36-page issue, mailed weeks ago. Didn't u get it? (He means issue 16)

Andy BIa:adell: Neil, are you into the Internet at all? Or is this something new for you?

Gavin Kagan: Discoteca (new version) - great song!

Fleur Piercy: Chris, I don't think Neil said what cars you had?

Neil Tennant: Chris Heath: not that much

Laurent de Vargas: Hi Neil, do you plan to rerecord Falling yourselves?

Jason Eden: No - we got issue 16 ! and it's been yonks since issue 14

Neil Tennant: Ferrari and Jeep

Semmy H. Stumpp: hey neil still in here.. nice

Semmy H. Stumpp: well maybe to private, but...

Semmy H. Stumpp: do you remember me - we met at wetten dass and we have spoke behind the scenes

bobpal: Neil, please tour the US soon!

Karen Howard: Are these rumours of a collabora-tion between yourselves and Ant & Dec true?

Semmy H. Stumpp: i offered you some drinks and you signed my baseball hat...

Neotronie: Thanks Neil!?

PHILIPPE: Move on neilSS

Neil Tennant: Is this a cock-up with Literally numbers?

Bliam boy: he sold his porsche then?

Jason [UKMUSIC]: Hi Neil, any chance of you looking at that new generative music Brian Eno has been playing with recently. He swears by it!

Tony Piper: Neil - you got a major credit for the Stonewall show at RAH. What did you do above all othe others?

BryanMac: NEIIL YOU'RE A SEX GOD!!

Anton Allen: Will you be touring in the Uk again and if so when?

Neil Tennant: Gave it to his brother

Italiano: Are you going to radio one again for us all??

Neil Tennant: Dunno

Gerald Kong: Neil, is this your first internet chat with your fans?

Neotronic: Neil when will it be time 2 step aside?

PHILIPPE: I think so

Abmed: Neil, are you planning to release new songs with Electronic?

Yorek, Arne, Katrin: Neil is the real neil?

Jason Eden: I'd also like to say I have no other problems with the fan club which I think is great and literally is ALWAYS a good read!

Osiris: Neil do you think I should buy your last record Bilingual ?

Paul Wood.: ******* hey Neil good luck and good health!

Neil Tennant: We've checked. Issue 15 came out in March.

Bliam boy: stupud question osiris

Martin Watkins: do you like Stockhausen Neil?

Aearichthys: what is your next single ? "Single-Bilingual" ? Who are the remixe's of the 12" ? Thanks Neil

Gavin Kagan: No problem with Literally as a mag - great stuff - but no.15 does not exist!

Sian: Did anyone else sit outside the hacienda for hours in 1992 waiting for Neil to come out after the gig?

Italiano: where is Chris tonight??

eharon: hang on guys, let Neil answer the questions!!

Neil Tennant: Yes, Osiris, I bloody well do!

l'obpal: Neil, where is the sample of the woman speaking on "electrietly" from? mtv-maga"

ine germany: NEIL: Hi this is Armin. We're Ikaunching the mtv-mag in germany. Have you got a special message for our readers here?

Chris Lishman: Neil what do you think of kurt cobains music

Gerald Kong: Neil, what happened to Patsy Kensit?

Jason Eden: Thanks for clarifying that it came out - hut most of never received it?????

Neil Tennant: Don't like Stockhausen. Do like Schnitkke

Maria Lu" I Stuttgart: Neil , when do you come to Germany

Gavin Kagan: Poor Neil - barraged with questions!

Neil Tennant: Chris is on his way to Manchester to see the Prince Naseem fight.

Alsened: Neil what is your next song with Electronic?

Laurent de Vasgas: Yes, Neil, have you got news from Patsy Kensit?

Maria Lux I Stuttgart: When do you come to Germany?

Craig Brown: Neil what's you're favourite record in the chants at the moment ?????

Semmy H. Stumpp: hey guys - give HIM a chance

Semmy H. Stumpp: smile

Jenny: Did you like worl'ing with Blur?

Jason Eden: Hey that's a good song title "Barraged with Questions !"

Neil Tennant: No plans re Electronic.

Fleur Ilercy: Bye,

Neil Gavin Kagan: Can I have the royalties please!

Neil Tennant: Fave record recently was Born Slippy

Susanne Hofmann: did you like working with Boy George (crying game)

Semmy H. Stumpp: i would like to know wheter you are want to make it possible to meet you personally

Semmy H. Stumpp: in a lets say a private chat for lets say 10 people.. i would he very interested in that

Semmy H. Stumpp: at would even pay for that talk

Semmy H. Stumpp: SMILE...

PHILIPPE: Hy neil!

Italiano: Thankyou Neil,We met outside radio one last august 1995,you may not remember me but that's fine.

Bham boy: neil,chris evena,ia he really a wanker re tfi friday?

Stephane RAGAZZI: First, congratulations for Bilingual (and for all your wonderful songs) Stephane RAGAZZI: Which song will he released after Sc A Vida E?

Maria Lux I Stuttgart: Neil, when do you come to Germany?

Neotronic: Neil what is your favorite PSB song and why?

Neil Tennant: Got to go now. It's heen fun.

Jason Eden: Yes I loved BiLingual also

Semmy H. Stumpp: italiano some with me i met him too smile i just meets to many guys Paul Wood.: Ok bye!

Groucho: Bye

Sian: bye

Neil Redlum: see u

Gavin Kagan: Bye Neil! Take care!

Ahmed: Thanks Neil

Ahmed: Bye

Semmy H. Stunspp: bye Neil

Italiano: Cheers,Neil! !!!

Jason Eden: Thanks Neil for your answers

Maria Luxi Stuttgart: Neil, how is the weather in London?Neil, when do you come to Germany?

Neotronic: hi

Laurent de Vargas: Bye Neil

Keith: Bye Neil

Maria Lux I Stuttgart: Neil, how is the weather in London? Neil, when do you come to Germany?

Jason Eden: and also for clarifving issue 15 does exist

Andy Blaxdell: Bye Neil

Craig Brown: Thanks Neil, all the very best for the future.!!!!!

Gerald Kong: Love you always Neil!!

Neil Tennant: We're coming to Germany at the end of this month to do a TV show. Bye