Over the years the Pet Shop Boys ( PSB ) fans have aged gracefully, much like the duo itself.
After visiting 28 countries on the "Electric" tour the show finally landed in Chicago Sept. 29 in support of PSB's latest album ( which has the same title as the tour ), and people were anxious to see what they would do with the historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University space.
PSB began with "One More Chance" behind projected images, then moved into the more recent single "A Face Like That," blending the two together. "West End Girls" was placed fairly early in the set list followed by the West Side Story cover of "Somewhere."
"It's a Sin," "Rent" and "Go West" all covered gay topics, slipping in a pop sensibility while playing with tongue-in-cheek references.
The Boys switched costumes for each complete segment, with Neil Tennant looking like a porcupine at one point and Chris Lowe impersonating a disco ball the next.
The two back-up dancers followed suit, creating strong moves, their faces always covered as to not distract from the main focus.
Lowe's beats did almost overpower Tennant's vocals at one point but the words won out in the end. Tennant's range is still able to hit the highs and lows required for this large catalogue of work.
Some young people may say PSB is a little shopworn; however, this night the act proved it is better live than ever and deserves the following it continues to enjoy to this day.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn