February 15, 2002 11:26

GO WEST END

The PSBs thrill Hollywood actors - and celebrity shoemakers - in London last night...

RUPERT EVERETT, SIR ELTON JOHN's partner DAVID FURNISH and shoemaker to the stars PATRICK COX were amongst the audience who packed into the ASTORIA in LONDON last night (February 14) to watch the Pet Shop Boys' NME CARLING show, their first major gig in the capital for years.

The duo, with a simple backing band of four, played a stripped-down, minimalist show, previewing songs from forthcoming new album 'Release'. Much of their rich singles catalogue was ignored, with the pop veterans dusting down lesser-known singles, such as 'Being Boring' and 'You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk', and delivering them with an acoustic twist.

The flamboyant stage sets and multiple costume changes of old were replaced with simple, stark lights and sensible jumpers and slacks. Frontman Neil Tennant played an acoustic guitar for much of the show.

"It's certainly a change," one fan told NME.COM, "but it's great to have them in a venue like this."

Amongst the new tracks they played were soon-to-be released single 'Home & Dry', 'Sexy Northerner' and 'Love Is A Catastrophe'. The Johnny Marr-aided album is released on April 1.

The Astoria show was the last on their low-key week-long university tour of the UK.

Support last night came from art-punks ARE Weapons.