21 Comments

This piece moved me so much that I had to cross-post it to my own Substack. Every article I write focuses on the erasure of queer joy and rebellion in rock history. Thank goodness I haven't gotten to the Pet Shop Boys yet because you've already written about them so perfectly. What a loving tribute Bernard.

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Loved going to Heaven in the 90s! Some of my best nights out ever. Even got to meet legendary 60s icon Alan Ginsberg while pilled up! Havent found a vibe like it since.

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Sep 12Liked by Bernard O'Leary

I had the great good fortune of seeing the Pet Shop Boys in concert in 1988 or ‘89 (I was fourteen at the time). It was in a medium-size theater in Minneapolis (The Orpheum) and it was like a Broadway musical. There were dancers! Costumes! Costume changes! Dancers.... on skates!!!

A highlight was Tennant singing “You Are Always on My Mind” from high on a platform while wearing angel wings.

The whole thing was just so memorable (although honestly my memories from that period are a little spotty, but I can remember the *feeling* of it) and full of wonder.

I loved pop music in the ‘80s so much. What a great time to be a kid listening to the Top 40.

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Sep 12Liked by Bernard O'Leary

Stereolab is one of my favorite bands ever ever. I’ve seen them live 3, maybe 4 times? Thrice at First Avenue and once on the University of Minnesota campus (it was a long time ago!)

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The Perfecto Mix might be my favorite of all. Gonna have to dig that one out after work today.

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