Neil Tennant, the iconic frontman of the Pet Shop Boys, recently revealed an unexpected source of inspiration behind his venture into classical music: an old issue of Smash Hits magazine.
A Pop Moment with a Classical Twist
In a candid interview, Tennant shared that while revisiting a vintage copy of Smash Hits—the beloved pop culture magazine where he once worked as a writer—he came across a feature that sparked something unexpected. “It reminded me of how wide my musical tastes really were back then,” he said. “It wasn’t just about synth-pop. I was listening to classical pieces too, and suddenly I thought, ‘Why not go back to that?’”
From Synths to Strings
Known for his witty lyrics and electronic soundscapes, Tennant’s exploration of classical music might seem like a surprising move—but fans familiar with the Pet Shop Boys’ orchestral arrangements and cinematic flair know it’s a natural evolution. “I’m not giving up pop,” he assured. “I’m expanding it.”
A Full-Circle Moment
The fact that Smash Hits—a magazine that played a big role in shaping Tennant’s early career—continues to influence him decades later is both nostalgic and poetic. “That magazine introduced me to so much music,” he said. “It feels like it’s still guiding me.”
From pop pioneer to classical explorer, Neil Tennant continues to prove that great music knows no boundaries—and sometimes, all it takes is a magazine from the past to spark a bold new direction.
