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{{Short description|English musician (born 1954)}}
{{Short description|English singer, songwriter and music journalist (born 1954)}}
{{About|the singer, songwriter and music journalist|the American philosopher|Neil Tennant (philosopher)}}
{{About|the singer, songwriter and music journalist|the American philosopher|Neil Tennant (philosopher)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2011}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2011}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = Neil Tennant
| name = Neil Tennant
| image = Neil Tennant Hyde Park 2019 (cropped).jpg
| image = Neil Tennant Hyde Park 2019 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Tennant performing with [[Pet Shop Boys]] at [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]] in 2019
| caption = Tennant performing with [[Pet Shop Boys]] at Hyde Park in 2019
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Neil Francis Tennant
| birth_name = Neil Francis Tennant
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1954|7|10|}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1954|7|10|}}
| birth_place = {{nowrap|[[North Shields]], [[Tyne and Wear]],<br />England}}
| birth_place = {{nowrap|[[North Shields]], Northumberland, England}}
| origin = [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], England
| origin = [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], England
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|keyboards|synthesizer|guitar}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|keyboards|synthesizer|guitar}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Synth-pop]]|[[Dance music|dance]]|[[electropop]]|[[disco]]|[[alternative dance]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Synth-pop]]|dance|[[electropop]]|[[disco]]|[[alternative dance]]}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|music journalist}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|music journalist}}
| years_active = 1970–present
| years_active = 1970–present
| label = {{hlist|[[Parlophone]]|[[Spaghetti Records|Spaghetti]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Parlophone]]|[[Spaghetti Records|Spaghetti]]}}
| current_member_of = [[Pet Shop Boys]]
| current_member_of = [[Pet Shop Boys]]
| website = {{URL|http://www.petshopboys.co.uk}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.petshopboys.co.uk/}}
}}
}}
'''Neil Francis Tennant''' (born 10 July 1954) is an English singer, songwriter and music journalist, and co-founder of the [[synth-pop]] duo [[Pet Shop Boys]], which he formed with [[Chris Lowe]] in 1981. He was a journalist for ''[[Smash Hits]]'', and assistant editor for the magazine in the mid-1980s.
'''Neil Francis Tennant''' (born 10 July 1954) is an English singer, songwriter and music journalist, and co-founder of the [[synth-pop]] duo the [[Pet Shop Boys]], which he formed with [[Chris Lowe]] in 1981. He was a journalist for ''[[Smash Hits]]'', and assistant editor for the magazine in the mid-1980s.


Tennant coined the phrase [[imperial phase]] to describe the period in which a musical artist is regarded to be at their commercial and creative peak simultaneously. This observation was initially self-referential, made as the [[Pet Shop Boys]] had achieved commercial success with three British number one hits ("[[It's a Sin]]", "[[Heart (Pet Shop Boys song)|Heart]]", and "[[Always on My Mind#Pet Shop Boys version|Always on My Mind]]"), had received unanimous critical praise for their first three albums, and had expanded their creative horizons through innovative collaborations in the visual and performing arts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/poptimist/7811-poptimist-29/ |title=Imperial |last=Ewing |first=Tom |date=May 28, 2010 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=October 21, 2022 |quote=I felt at this time that we had the secret of contemporary pop music, that we knew what was required. We entered our imperial phase.}}</ref>
Tennant coined the phrase [[imperial phase]] to describe the period in which a musical artist is regarded to be at their commercial and creative peak simultaneously. This observation was initially self-referential, made as the [[Pet Shop Boys]] had achieved commercial success with four British number one hits ("[[West End Girls]]", "[[It's a Sin]]", "[[Heart (Pet Shop Boys song)|Heart]]", and "[[Always on My Mind#Pet Shop Boys version|Always on My Mind]]"), had received unanimous critical praise for their first three albums and had expanded their creative horizons through innovative collaborations in the visual and performing arts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/poptimist/7811-poptimist-29/ |title=Imperial |last=Ewing |first=Tom |date=28 May 2010 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=21 October 2022 |quote=I felt at this time that we had the secret of contemporary pop music, that we knew what was required. We entered our imperial phase.}}</ref>


==Biography==
==Biography==

===Early life===
===Early life===
Neil Francis Tennant was born in [[North Shields]], a fishing port near [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], to William W. Tennant (1923–2009), a sales representative, and Sheila M. (Watson) Tennant (1923–2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=bA50vdYN8eUeyzPu%2Fv7AWw&scan=1|title=Index entry|access-date=22 August 2014|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref> He has an older sister, Susan, and two younger brothers, Simon and Philip.<ref>"Literally" by Chris Heath, published 1990</ref> The family moved to a semi-detached house in Greenfield Road (opposite the corner of South Bend), Brunton Park, a relatively affluent suburb in Newcastle, shortly after Neil was born.
Neil Francis Tennant was born in the town of North Shields (approx 8 miles) east of Newcastle upon Tyne, to William W. Tennant (1923–2009), a sales representative, and Sheila M. (Watson) Tennant (1923–2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=bA50vdYN8eUeyzPu%2Fv7AWw&scan=1|title=Index entry|access-date=22 August 2014|work=FreeBMD|publisher=ONS}}</ref> He has an older sister, Susan, and two younger brothers, Simon and Philip.<ref>"Literally" by Chris Heath, published 1990</ref> The family moved to Greenfield Road (opposite the corner of South Bend), Brunton Park, shortly after Neil was born.


As a child, Tennant attended [[St Cuthbert's High School|St Cuthbert's Grammar School]], an all-boys' Catholic school in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]. His songs "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave" and "[[It's a Sin]]" refer to his early life in Catholic school and the strict upbringing there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.culledculture.com/its-a-sin-a-song-about-shame-that-more-people-should-take-to-heart/|title="It's A Sin": A Song About Shame That More People Should Take to Heart|first=Genna|last=Rivieccio|date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
As a child, Tennant attended [[St Cuthbert's Grammar School]], an all-boys' Catholic school in Newcastle upon Tyne. His songs "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave" and "[[It's a Sin]]" refer to his early life in Catholic school and the strict upbringing there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.culledculture.com/its-a-sin-a-song-about-shame-that-more-people-should-take-to-heart/|title="It's A Sin": A Song About Shame That More People Should Take to Heart|first=Genna|last=Rivieccio|website=Culledculture.com|date=17 June 2015}}</ref>


While at school, Tennant played guitar and [[cello]]. At age 16, he played in a [[folk music]] group called Dust, whose most popular song was called "Can You Hear the Dawn Break?". They were heavily influenced by [[The Incredible String Band]]. During his teenage years, he was a member of the youth theatre at the [[People's Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne|People's Theatre]], Newcastle upon Tyne.
While at school, Tennant played guitar and cello. At age 16, he played in a [[folk music]] group named Dust, whose most popular song was called "Can You Hear the Dawn Break?". They were heavily influenced by [[The Incredible String Band]]. During his teenage years, he was a member of the youth theatre at the [[People's Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne|People's Theatre]], Newcastle upon Tyne.


===Early career===
===Early career===
In 1975, having completed a [[Academic degree|degree]] in history at [[University of North London|North London Polytechnic]] (now part of [[London Metropolitan University]]), Tennant worked for two years as the production editor for [[Marvel UK]], the UK branch of [[Marvel Comics]]. He was responsible for [[Anglicisation|anglicising]] the dialogue of Marvel's catalogue to suit British readers, and for indicating where women needed to be redrawn for the British editions.<ref>{{cite book | title= 'Pet Shop Boys, annually (1989) | year=1989| id= {{ASIN|0723568421|country=uk}} }}</ref> He also wrote occasional features for the comics, including interviews with pop stars [[Marc Bolan]] and [[Alex Harvey (musician)|Alex Harvey]]. In 1977, he moved to Macdonald Educational Publishing, where he edited ''The Dairy Book of Home Management'' and various illustrated books about cookery, playing the guitar and other home interests. Then he moved to ITV Books, where he edited TV tie-in books. After having commissioned Steve Bush, then the designer of ''[[Smash Hits]]'' and ''[[The Face (magazine)|The Face]]'', to design a book about the group [[Madness (band)|Madness]], he was offered a job at ''Smash Hits'' as news editor of the British teen pop magazine in 1982. The following year, he became assistant editor. He also edited ''The Smash Hits Yearbook'' from 1982 to 1985.
In 1975, having completed a degree in history at North London Polytechnic (now part of London Metropolitan University), Tennant worked for two years as the production editor for [[Marvel UK]], the UK branch of [[Marvel Comics]]. He was responsible for anglicising the dialogue of Marvel's catalogue to suit British readers and for indicating where women needed to be redrawn for the British editions.<ref>{{cite book | title= 'Pet Shop Boys, annually (1989) | year=1989| id= {{ASIN|0723568421|country=uk}} }}</ref> He also wrote occasional features for the comics, including interviews with pop stars [[Marc Bolan]] and [[Alex Harvey (musician)|Alex Harvey]]. In 1977, he moved to Macdonald Educational Publishing, where he edited ''The Dairy Book of Home Management'' and various illustrated books about cookery, playing the guitar and other home interests. Then he moved to ITV Books, where he edited TV tie-in books. After having commissioned Steve Bush, then the designer of ''[[Smash Hits]]'' and ''[[The Face (magazine)|The Face]]'', to design a book about the group [[Madness (band)|Madness]], he was offered a job at ''Smash Hits'' as news editor of the British teen pop magazine in 1982. The following year, he became assistant editor. He also edited ''The Smash Hits Yearbook'' from 1982 to 1985.


At ''Smash Hits'', an opportunity arose for him to go to New York to interview [[The Police (band)|The Police]]. While there, Tennant arranged to meet [[Bobby Orlando]], a producer whom he and Lowe admired. Tennant mentioned he was writing songs in his spare time, and Orlando agreed to record some tracks with him and Lowe at a later date. Orlando subsequently produced the Pet Shop Boys' first single, "[[West End Girls]]".
At ''Smash Hits'', an opportunity arose for him to go to New York to interview [[The Police]]. While there, Tennant arranged to meet [[Bobby Orlando]], a producer whom he and Lowe admired. Tennant mentioned he was writing songs in his spare time, and Orlando agreed to record some tracks with him and Lowe at a later date. Orlando produced the Pet Shop Boys' first single "[[West End Girls]]".


===Pet Shop Boys===
===Pet Shop Boys===
{{main|Pet Shop Boys}}
{{main|Pet Shop Boys}}
[[File:Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) at Pori Jazz 2014.jpg|thumb|Tennant performing at [[Pori Jazz]] 2014 in [[Pori]], Finland]]
[[File:Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) at Pori Jazz 2014.jpg|thumb|Tennant performing at [[Pori Jazz]] 2014 in Pori, Finland]]


===Solo appearances===
===Solo appearances===
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=July 2022}}
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=July 2022}}
Alongside his work with Chris Lowe as Pet Shop Boys, Tennant has worked on several side projects including:
Alongside his work with Chris Lowe as Pet Shop Boys, Tennant has worked on several side projects including:
*In 2017, Tennant duetted with [[Chrissie Hynde]] on a song called "Let's Get Lost", which originally appeared on the 2016 album ''[[Alone (The Pretenders album)|Alone]]'' by [[The Pretenders]].
* In 2023, Tennant provided vocals on "Skydive" by UK rapper [[Casisdead]].
* In 2017, Tennant sang a duet with [[Chrissie Hynde]] on "Let's Get Lost", which originally appeared on the 2016 album ''[[Alone (The Pretenders album)|Alone]]'' by [[The Pretenders]].
* In 2014, Tennant provided vocal on "Were You There" by Diamond Version.
* In 2014, Tennant provided vocals on "Were You There" by Diamond Version.
* In 2008, Tennant's vocals featured in [[The Killers]]' Christmas song "[[Joseph, Better You Than Me]]" alongside [[Brandon Flowers]] and [[Elton John]].
* In 2008, Tennant's vocals featured in [[The Killers]]' Christmas song "[[Joseph, Better You Than Me]]".
* In 2007, Tennant co-produced [[Rufus Wainwright]]'s album ''[[Release the Stars]]''.
* In 2007, Tennant co-produced [[Rufus Wainwright]]'s album ''[[Release the Stars]]''.
* In June 2006, Tennant provided backing vocals on "Throw" by [[DJ Fresh]].
* In June 2006, Tennant provided backing vocals on "Throw" by [[DJ Fresh]].
* In 2005, Tennant provided lyrics and sang on the track "Tranquilizer" by DJ Tom Stephan (a.k.a. [[Superchumbo]]). Under numerous guises and aliases, Stephan had previously remixed Pet Shop Boys tracks such as "[[Paninaro (song)|Paninaro '95]]", "[[Minimal (song)|Minimal]]", "[[New York City boy]]" and "Sexy Northerner".
* In 2005, Tennant provided lyrics and sang on the track "Tranquilizer" by DJ Tom Stephan (a.k.a. [[Superchumbo]]). Under numerous guises and aliases, Stephan had previously remixed Pet Shop Boys tracks such as "[[Paninaro '95]]", "[[Minimal (song)|Minimal]]", "[[New York City boy]]" and "Sexy Northerner".
* In 1998, along with [[Neil Hannon]] of [[The Divine Comedy (band)|The Divine Comedy]], Tennant sang backing vocals on the [[Robbie Williams]]' single "[[No Regrets (Robbie Williams song)|No Regrets]]".
* In 1998, along with [[Neil Hannon]] of [[The Divine Comedy (band)|The Divine Comedy]], Tennant sang backing vocals on the [[Robbie Williams]]' single "[[No Regrets (Robbie Williams song)|No Regrets]]".
* In 1998, he coordinated a charity album ''[[Twentieth-Century Blues: The Songs of Noël Coward]]'' raising money for [[Red Hot Organization]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.petshopboys.co.uk/product/collaboration/twentieth-century-blues-the-songs-of-noel-coward|title=Noel Coward — Twentieth Century Blues|website=Pet Shop Boys}}</ref> The album featured cover versions of songs composed by [[Noël Coward]]. In addition to the track "Sail Away" contributed by Pet Shop Boys, Tennant co-produced "There Are Bad Times Just Around the Corner" contributed by [[Robbie Williams]] and sang backing vocals on "Twentieth Century Blues" which was contributed by [[Elton John]].
* In 1998, he coordinated a charity album ''[[Twentieth-Century Blues: The Songs of Noël Coward]]'' raising money for [[Red Hot Organization]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.petshopboys.co.uk/product/collaboration/twentieth-century-blues-the-songs-of-noel-coward|title=Noel Coward — Twentieth Century Blues|website=Pet Shop Boys}}</ref> The album featured cover versions of songs composed by [[Noël Coward]]. In addition to the track "Sail Away" contributed by Pet Shop Boys, Tennant co-produced "There Are Bad Times Just Around the Corner" contributed by [[Robbie Williams]] and sang backing vocals on "Twentieth Century Blues" contributed by [[Elton John]].
* In April 1996, Tennant's vocals were featured on two live recordings by the British group [[Suede (band)|Suede]] that were released as b-sides to their single "[[Filmstar (song)|Filmstar]]". One track was a cover of the Pet Shop Boys track "[[Rent (song)|Rent]]", while the second was a duet with Suede singer [[Brett Anderson]] on the Suede song "[[Saturday Night (Suede song)|Saturday Night]]".
* In April 1996, Tennant's vocals were featured on two live recordings by the British group [[Suede (band)|Suede]] that were released as b-sides to their single "[[Filmstar (song)|Filmstar]]". One track was a cover of the Pet Shop Boys track "[[Rent (song)|Rent]]", and the second was a duet with Suede singer [[Brett Anderson]] on the Suede song "[[Saturday Night (Suede song)|Saturday Night]]".
* In 1992, his backing vocals featured prominently on the [[Boy George]] single [[The Crying Game]] and also on the Cicero single Love is Everywhere. Both of which reached the UK Top 40 Singles Chart.
* In 1992, his backing vocals featured prominently on the [[Boy George]] single "[[The Crying Game]]" and on the Cicero single "Love Is Everywhere". Both of which reached the UK Top 40 singles chart.
* In 1989, he worked with [[Electronic (band)|Electronic]], singing backing vocals on their first single "[[Getting Away with It]]" and taking lead vocals on the 1992 single "[[Disappointed (Electronic song)|Disappointed]]". Along with Lowe, he wrote and appeared on the ''[[Electronic (album)|Electronic]]'' album track "The Patience of a Saint", on which he shared lead vocals with [[Bernard Sumner]].
* In 1989, he worked with [[Electronic (band)|Electronic]], singing backing vocals on their first single "[[Getting Away with It]]" and taking lead vocals on the 1992 single "[[Disappointed (Electronic song)|Disappointed]]". Along with Lowe, he wrote and appeared on the ''[[Electronic (album)|Electronic]]'' album track "The Patience of a Saint", on which he shared lead vocals with [[Bernard Sumner]].


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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Tennant came out as gay in a 1994 interview in ''[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burston|first1=Paul|title=Attitude Archive: Neil Tennant's 1994 Coming Out Interview|url=http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-archive-neil-tennants-1994-coming-out-interview/|magazine=[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]|date=13 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=For Hard-Core Petheads: The Tennant Interview in Full|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/daily-dish/archive/2009/06/for-hard-core-petheads-the-tennant-interview-in-full/200905/|magazine=[[The Atlantic]]|date=5 June 2009|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> Otherwise he remains quiet about his personal and romantic life, preferring to be a "man of mystery", as he states it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/arts_ents/18184913.prefer-neil-tennant-man-mystery/|title="I prefer to be Neil Tennant, man of mystery"}}</ref> He maintains a house in [[London]] and another one in [[County Durham]]<ref>{{cite web|title=I refuse to be restricted by background - or fear|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/sep/05/popandrock|website=The Guardian|date=4 September 2004|access-date=14 February 2016}}</ref> in the [[North East of England|North East]] countryside.<ref>Desert Island Discs, BBC Radio 4, Kirsty Young.</ref> He and Lowe also have an apartment in [[Berlin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.morgenpost.de/vermischtes/stars-und-promis/article228199225/Neil-Tennant-mag-fast-alles-an-Berlin.html |title=Pet Shop Boys: Neil Tennant mag fast alles an Berlin |website=morgenpost.de |date=21 January 2020 |access-date=4 October 2020}}</ref>
Tennant came out as gay in a 1994 interview in ''Attitude'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burston |first=Paul |date=13 March 2016 |title=Attitude Archive: Neil Tennant's 1994 Coming Out Interview |url=http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-archive-neil-tennants-1994-coming-out-interview/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314161846/https://www.attitude.co.uk/attitude-archive-neil-tennants-1994-coming-out-interview/ |archive-date=14 March 2016 |access-date=29 August 2016 |magazine=Attitude}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=For Hard-Core Petheads: The Tennant Interview in Full|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/daily-dish/archive/2009/06/for-hard-core-petheads-the-tennant-interview-in-full/200905/|magazine=The Atlantic|date=5 June 2009|access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> Otherwise he remains quiet about his personal and romantic life, preferring to be a "man of mystery", as he states it.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/arts_ents/18184913.prefer-neil-tennant-man-mystery/|title=I prefer to be Neil Tennant, man of mystery|date=25 January 2020|newspaper=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]}}</ref> He maintains a house in London and another one in County Durham<ref>{{cite web|title=I refuse to be restricted by background - or fear|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/sep/05/popandrock|website=The Guardian|date=4 September 2004|access-date=14 February 2016}}</ref> in the countryside of North East England.<ref>''[[Desert Island Discs]]'', BBC Radio 4, [[Kirsty Young]]</ref> He and Lowe also have an apartment in Berlin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.morgenpost.de/vermischtes/stars-und-promis/article228199225/Neil-Tennant-mag-fast-alles-an-Berlin.html |title=Pet Shop Boys: Neil Tennant mag fast alles an Berlin |website=morgenpost.de |date=21 January 2020 |access-date=4 October 2020}}</ref>


Tennant is a patron of the [[Elton John AIDS Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ejaf.com/about/our-patrons/|title=Elton John AIDS Foundation patrons|website=ejaf.com|access-date=29 September 2014}}</ref> In 1998, Tennant was named in a list of the biggest private financial donors to the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/161057.stm | title= 'Luvvies' for Labour |work=BBC News | date=30 August 1998}}</ref> However, in the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|2005 general election]] he voted for the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], citing disillusionment with Labour's [[Identity Cards Act 2006|ID card scheme]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4763874.stm | title= Pet Shop Boys protest at ID cards |work=BBC News | date=1 March 2006}}</ref> The Pet Shop Boys agreed to personal appeals by then-[[Mayor of London]] [[Boris Johnson]] and then-[[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[David Cameron]], both prominent [[Conservative Party (United Kingdom)|Conservative Party]] politicians, for the group to play at the "winners' parade" taking place shortly after the [[2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony]]. Enjoying the event's atmosphere and how their stage presence turned into a well-received performance, Tennant subsequently texted Cameron's staff pushing Cameron to use gay scientist [[Alan Turing]]'s centenary year as impetus for the UK Government to formally [[Pardon#United Kingdom|pardon]] Turing.<ref name="Utopia">{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2013/09/beyond-suburbs-utopia|title=The Pet Shop Boys on texting Cameron and Russian homophobia|website=New Statesman|date=10 June 2021}}</ref> The formal pardon did, in fact, go through on 24 December 2013, with the related official paperwork signed by [[Queen Elizabeth II]].
Tennant is a patron of the [[Elton John AIDS Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ejaf.com/about/our-patrons/|title=Elton John AIDS Foundation patrons|website=ejaf.com|access-date=29 September 2014}}</ref> In 1998, Tennant was named in a list of the biggest private financial donors to the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/161057.stm | title= 'Luvvies' for Labour |work=BBC News | date=30 August 1998}}</ref> However, in the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|2005 general election]] he voted for the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], citing disillusionment with Labour's [[ID card scheme]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4763874.stm | title= Pet Shop Boys protest at ID cards |work=BBC News | date=1 March 2006}}</ref> The Pet Shop Boys agreed to personal appeals by then-Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]] and then-Prime Minister [[David Cameron]], both prominent [[Conservative Party (United Kingdom)|Conservative Party]] politicians, for the group to play at the "winners' parade" taking place shortly after the [[2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony]]. Enjoying the event's atmosphere and how their stage presence turned into a well-received performance, Tennant subsequently texted Cameron's staff pushing Cameron to use gay scientist [[Alan Turing]]'s centenary year as impetus for the UK Government to formally pardon Turing.<ref name="Utopia">{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2013/09/beyond-suburbs-utopia|title=The Pet Shop Boys on texting Cameron and Russian homophobia|website=New Statesman|date=10 June 2021}}</ref> The formal pardon did go through on 24 December 2013, with the related official paperwork signed by [[Queen Elizabeth II]].


Tennant has praised the group [[The Specials]] and singer-songwriter [[Elvis Costello]], highlighting "[[Ghost Town (Specials song)|Ghost Town]]" and "[[Shipbuilding (song)|Shipbuilding]]" as [[protest song]]s successfully putting politics into [[pop music]].<ref name="Utopia"/>
Tennant has praised the group [[The Specials]] and singer-songwriter [[Elvis Costello]], highlighting "[[Ghost Town (Specials song)|Ghost Town]]" and "[[Shipbuilding (song)|Shipbuilding]]" as [[protest song]]s successfully putting politics into pop music.<ref name="Utopia"/>


He has criticised [[ageism]] in the music industry, stating in 2013 that radio professionals would tell him that they want to play Pet Shop Boys songs on the air, but will not because the duo, then in their fifties, were considered to be "too old".<ref name="Utopia"/>
He has criticised ageism in the music industry, stating in 2013 that radio professionals would tell him that they want to play Pet Shop Boys songs on the air, but will not because the duo, then in their 50s, were considered to be "too old".<ref name="Utopia"/>


== Legacy ==
Actor [[David Tennant]] adopted his stage name from Tennant when joining [[Equity (British trade union)|Equity]], as another actor was already registered with his birth name, David McDonald.<ref>Tim Walker [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/david-tennant-the-good-doctor-802404.html "David Tennant: The good doctor"], ''The Independent'', 29 March 2008</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/david-tennant-his-days-of-blissful-anonymity-are-numbered-518503.html |title=David Tennant: His days of blissful anonymity are numbered |first=Sarah |last=Shannon |work=The Independent |location=UK |date=7 December 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060421054706/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article331665.ece |archive-date=21 April 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=David Tennant reveals Pet Shop Boys inspiration |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/31944492#:~:text=David%20Tennant%20revealed%20to%20School,McDonald%2C%20his%20name%20at%20birth. |website=[[BBC News]] | date=19 March 2015 |access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref>
Actor [[David Tennant]] adopted his stage name from Tennant when joining [[Equity (British trade union)|Equity]], as another actor was already registered with his birth name, David McDonald.<ref>Tim Walker [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/david-tennant-the-good-doctor-802404.html "David Tennant: The good doctor"], ''The Independent'', 29 March 2008</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shannon |first=Sarah |date=7 December 2005 |title=David Tennant: His days of blissful anonymity are numbered |work=The Independent |location=UK |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/david-tennant-his-days-of-blissful-anonymity-are-numbered-518503.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060421054706/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article331665.ece |archive-date=21 April 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 March 2015 |title=David Tennant reveals Pet Shop Boys inspiration |website=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/31944492#:~:text=David%20Tennant%20revealed%20to%20School,McDonald%2C%20his%20name%20at%20birth. |access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
⚫
* [[St Cuthbert's High School#Notable alumni|Notable alumni of St Cuthbert's High School]]
⚫
{{Portal|Biography|Pop music}}
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*[[St Cuthbert's High School#Notable alumni|Notable alumni of St Cuthbert's High School]]


==References==
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{{Portal|Biography|Pop music}}


==External links==
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{{commons category}}
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*[http://www.petshopboys.co.uk Pet Shop Boys official website]
* [http://www.petshopboys.co.uk Pet Shop Boys official website]
*[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Neil+Tennant Neil Tennant] discography at [[Discogs]]
* [http://www.discogs.com/artist/Neil+Tennant Neil Tennant] discography at Discogs
*{{IMDb name|id=0855057|name=Neil Tennant}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0855057|name=Neil Tennant}}


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Latest revision as of 14:37, 6 May 2024

This article is about the singer, songwriter and music journalist. For the American philosopher, see Neil Tennant (philosopher).

Neil Tennant
Tennant performing with Pet Shop Boys at Hyde Park in 2019
Tennant performing with Pet Shop Boys at Hyde Park in 2019
Background information
Birth nameNeil Francis Tennant
Born (1954-07-10) 10 July 1954 (age 69)
North Shields, Northumberland, England
OriginNewcastle upon Tyne, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • music journalist
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
  • synthesizer
  • guitar
Years active1970–present
Labels
Member ofPet Shop Boys
Websitewww.petshopboys.co.uk

Neil Francis Tennant (born 10 July 1954) is an English singer, songwriter and music journalist, and co-founder of the synth-pop duo the Pet Shop Boys, which he formed with Chris Lowe in 1981. He was a journalist for Smash Hits, and assistant editor for the magazine in the mid-1980s.

Tennant coined the phrase imperial phase to describe the period in which a musical artist is regarded to be at their commercial and creative peak simultaneously. This observation was initially self-referential, made as the Pet Shop Boys had achieved commercial success with four British number one hits ("West End Girls", "It's a Sin", "Heart", and "Always on My Mind"), had received unanimous critical praise for their first three albums and had expanded their creative horizons through innovative collaborations in the visual and performing arts.[1]

Biography[edit]

Early life[edit]

Neil Francis Tennant was born in the town of North Shields (approx 8 miles) east of Newcastle upon Tyne, to William W. Tennant (1923–2009), a sales representative, and Sheila M. (Watson) Tennant (1923–2008).[2] He has an older sister, Susan, and two younger brothers, Simon and Philip.[3] The family moved to Greenfield Road (opposite the corner of South Bend), Brunton Park, shortly after Neil was born.

As a child, Tennant attended St Cuthbert's Grammar School, an all-boys' Catholic school in Newcastle upon Tyne. His songs "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave" and "It's a Sin" refer to his early life in Catholic school and the strict upbringing there.[4]

While at school, Tennant played guitar and cello. At age 16, he played in a folk music group named Dust, whose most popular song was called "Can You Hear the Dawn Break?". They were heavily influenced by The Incredible String Band. During his teenage years, he was a member of the youth theatre at the People's Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Early career[edit]

In 1975, having completed a degree in history at North London Polytechnic (now part of London Metropolitan University), Tennant worked for two years as the production editor for Marvel UK, the UK branch of Marvel Comics. He was responsible for anglicising the dialogue of Marvel's catalogue to suit British readers and for indicating where women needed to be redrawn for the British editions.[5] He also wrote occasional features for the comics, including interviews with pop stars Marc Bolan and Alex Harvey. In 1977, he moved to Macdonald Educational Publishing, where he edited The Dairy Book of Home Management and various illustrated books about cookery, playing the guitar and other home interests. Then he moved to ITV Books, where he edited TV tie-in books. After having commissioned Steve Bush, then the designer of Smash Hits and The Face, to design a book about the group Madness, he was offered a job at Smash Hits as news editor of the British teen pop magazine in 1982. The following year, he became assistant editor. He also edited The Smash Hits Yearbook from 1982 to 1985.

At Smash Hits, an opportunity arose for him to go to New York to interview The Police. While there, Tennant arranged to meet Bobby Orlando, a producer whom he and Lowe admired. Tennant mentioned he was writing songs in his spare time, and Orlando agreed to record some tracks with him and Lowe at a later date. Orlando produced the Pet Shop Boys' first single "West End Girls".

Pet Shop Boys[edit]

Main article: Pet Shop Boys
Tennant performing at Pori Jazz 2014 in Pori, Finland

Solo appearances[edit]

Alongside his work with Chris Lowe as Pet Shop Boys, Tennant has worked on several side projects including:

Books[edit]

  • One Hundred Lyrics and a Poem (2018) – a collection of Pet Shop Boys' lyrics and song-by-song commentaries.[7]

Personal life[edit]

Tennant came out as gay in a 1994 interview in Attitude magazine.[8][9] Otherwise he remains quiet about his personal and romantic life, preferring to be a "man of mystery", as he states it.[10] He maintains a house in London and another one in County Durham[11] in the countryside of North East England.[12] He and Lowe also have an apartment in Berlin.[13]

Tennant is a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.[14] In 1998, Tennant was named in a list of the biggest private financial donors to the Labour Party.[15] However, in the 2005 general election he voted for the Liberal Democrats, citing disillusionment with Labour's ID card scheme.[16] The Pet Shop Boys agreed to personal appeals by then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson and then-Prime Minister David Cameron, both prominent Conservative Party politicians, for the group to play at the "winners' parade" taking place shortly after the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. Enjoying the event's atmosphere and how their stage presence turned into a well-received performance, Tennant subsequently texted Cameron's staff pushing Cameron to use gay scientist Alan Turing's centenary year as impetus for the UK Government to formally pardon Turing.[17] The formal pardon did go through on 24 December 2013, with the related official paperwork signed by Queen Elizabeth II.

Tennant has praised the group The Specials and singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, highlighting "Ghost Town" and "Shipbuilding" as protest songs successfully putting politics into pop music.[17]

He has criticised ageism in the music industry, stating in 2013 that radio professionals would tell him that they want to play Pet Shop Boys songs on the air, but will not because the duo, then in their 50s, were considered to be "too old".[17]

Legacy[edit]

Actor David Tennant adopted his stage name from Tennant when joining Equity, as another actor was already registered with his birth name, David McDonald.[18][19][20]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Ewing, Tom (28 May 2010). "Imperial". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 October 2022. I felt at this time that we had the secret of contemporary pop music, that we knew what was required. We entered our imperial phase.
  2. ^ "Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  3. ^ "Literally" by Chris Heath, published 1990
  4. ^ Rivieccio, Genna (17 June 2015). ""It's A Sin": A Song About Shame That More People Should Take to Heart". Culledculture.com.
  5. ^ 'Pet Shop Boys, annually (1989). 1989. ASIN 0723568421.
  6. ^ "Noel Coward — Twentieth Century Blues". Pet Shop Boys.
  7. ^ Tennant, Neil (2018). One Hundred Lyrics and a Poem: 1976–2016. London: Faber & Faber. ISBN 9780571348909. OCLC 1085375005.
  8. ^ Burston, Paul (13 March 2016). "Attitude Archive: Neil Tennant's 1994 Coming Out Interview". Attitude. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  9. ^ "For Hard-Core Petheads: The Tennant Interview in Full". The Atlantic. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  10. ^ "I prefer to be Neil Tennant, man of mystery". The Herald. 25 January 2020.
  11. ^ "I refuse to be restricted by background - or fear". The Guardian. 4 September 2004. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  12. ^ Desert Island Discs, BBC Radio 4, Kirsty Young
  13. ^ "Pet Shop Boys: Neil Tennant mag fast alles an Berlin". morgenpost.de. 21 January 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  14. ^ "Elton John AIDS Foundation patrons". ejaf.com. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  15. ^ "'Luvvies' for Labour". BBC News. 30 August 1998.
  16. ^ "Pet Shop Boys protest at ID cards". BBC News. 1 March 2006.
  17. ^ a b c "The Pet Shop Boys on texting Cameron and Russian homophobia". New Statesman. 10 June 2021.
  18. ^ Tim Walker "David Tennant: The good doctor", The Independent, 29 March 2008
  19. ^ Shannon, Sarah (7 December 2005). "David Tennant: His days of blissful anonymity are numbered". The Independent. UK. Archived from the original on 21 April 2006.
  20. ^ "David Tennant reveals Pet Shop Boys inspiration". BBC News. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2022.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Neil Tennant.
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