Pandemonium

What an appropriate title for my return to My Life As A Pethead.

I've had much sorrow and pain in my life since my last post in 2007. I'm praying the next decade will bring better times. As long as I have my friends and my remaining family, I will survive.

September 2009 was a highly anticipated month since I had two Pet Shop Boys concerts on the agenda. The first being in Chicago on September 14 and the second was in Milwaukee on September 15. I was thrilled to be able to spend time with my dear, sweet friend Lynn and this makes 3 Pet Shop Boys shows that we've been able to go crazy together. But most importantly I was able to see and spend time with my dearest Mark and his sweetie. Mark is the perfect definition of the word "Friend." I'd like to thank all my friends that put up with my aches and pains for 3 days. I regret that my sweetheart and fellow Erasure fan as well as Pet Shop Boy fan, Barbra was unable to attend the the Chicago show due to illness. It's not good to travel by air when being under the weather.

But the Pandemonium On Tour went quite well. We all had VIP seating at both shows which included an exclusive meet n' greet with Neil and Chris. They were gracious enough to sign a bunch of items that we brought with us. We were fortunate to talk with them. I'm not sure what everyone asked but I asked a few questions as well as had them sign a copy of Catalogue which I had signed for my friend and neighbor who couldn't go to the concert. I also had the latest Literally that I received in the post 3 weeks prior to the concert. Neil and Chris both signed it and Chris made a remark to Neil that this was the latest issue that was just sent out. I think they were really impressed that I had it with me. I might be wrong but I believe Neil recognized me from past concerts. One in particular was in St. Louis in October 2006 when I met them after the show. Neil said he loved the theatre and the city of St. Louis. He said the name of the theatre slipped his mind. But when I told him it was the Pageant, he said, "ahhh I that's right! We just loved the theatre and the audience. I wanted so badly to get a picture with Neil and Chris. But photography was prohibited at the meet n' greet and I respect their request considering there were so many fans waiting to meet them.

I did ask Neil and Chris if they had plans to release the Further Listening versions of Nightlife, Release and Fundamental. They said those plans are the decision of the record label. I then asked if they had plans to release an Alternative 2. Neil and Chris said, "absolutely, it's planned for release early 2010. That was all I had to hear is that there will actually be another Alternative release. I hope they continue to have the artwork and album design by Farrow.

One other thing I mentioned to Neil is that My October Symphony fits perfectly with the Instrumental of King of Rome. I can't take credit for this discovery. I do have the instrumentals from my Limited Black Lexan numbered box set. My Friend Mark brought the lyrics of My October Symphony to my attention how well they fit with the instrumental version of King of Rome. When I told Neil about Mark's discovery, he said, "we're going to have to give it a listen and maybe we'll do a medley of My October Symphony and King of Rome. I almost peed my pants when I saw his reaction to the news. Since My October Symphony is known to be Neil's favourite song. Now we only have to sit back and wait and see if they perform the medley in a future show.

So much more to say, but I'm about to poop out. One more thing, if you haven't pre-ordered your copy of the Christmas EP, you may want to order it through www.petshopboys.co.uk It's more reasonable there and they were sending the first 200 customers a signed copy or 200 promos. But you can only get one or the other and you cannot choose which you prefer. I imagine they may all be taken since this was posted 3 weeks ago on their website. I want the promo and hope I get it. I can get the EP signed by them on their return to the US in the future.

I'll have more to say later. Gotta go, Sidney's telling me to go to bed.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in the US and across the pond. Heck, I don't even think they celebrate Thanksgiving across the pond. Oh well, G'nite y'all!