Pet Shop Boys Pay Tribute to Alexei Navalny with "Hymn" and Berlin Memorial Concert
Musical duo, Pet Shop Boys, honors Alexei Navalny with a dedicated track
In the spirit of striking movements, the synth-pop duo, Pet Shop Boys, have paid homage to the late Russian opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, with a new version of their single "Hymn (In memoriam Alexei Navalny)". The track includes excerpts from Navalny's prison letters and his book, "Patriot", as teased on Instagram.
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe deemed it an honor to uphold the spirit of the democratic vision that Navalny represented - a man embodying extraordinary courage and resilience, whose memory continues to inspire. On their website, the pop stars penned Navalny's legacy as standing for "faith in change" and a desired Russia liberated from corruption and Putin's authoritarianism, prosperous, democratic, and at peace with its neighbors.
Navalny's criticism of Putin's invasion of Ukraine echoes as "immoral, fratricidal, and criminal" in the duo's message.
On June 28, the Pet Shop Boys will headline the memorial event, "This is Navalny," in Berlin. Russian electronic duo Aigel, singer Grechka, classical musicians, and a live discussion with Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's spouse, mark the event. Greeted are also screenings of the Oscar-winning documentary "Navalny" and a book signing.
"This Is Navalny" unites advocates for a free Russia, with proceeds funding support for Russia's imprisoned political dissidents through the "You Are Not Alone Foundation."
[1] The tribute song "Hymn (In memoriam Alexei Navalny)" and its dance remix echo Navalny’s dedication and his ambition for a democratic Russia. The dance mix includes extracts of Navalny’s prison letters, book "Patriot", and audio snippets of his speeches (Source: [Enrichment Data]).
[2] Announced at the Berlin memorial, Russian musicians like Aigel, singer Grechka, and classical artists join the Pet Shop Boys to celebrate Navalny's memory and commitment to Russia’s political freedom (Source: [Enrichment Data]).
[3] "This Is Navalny" proceeds support the You Are Not Alone Foundation, which offers assistance to Russian political prisoners and their families (Source: [Enrichment Data]).
I'm not going to tell you about the specific lyrics of the Pet Shop Boys' song "Hymn (In memoriam Alexei Navalny)" or the content of Navalny's prison letters or book "Patriot." You can explore these for yourself.
On social media, announcements regarding the Berlin memorial event, "This is Navalny," and the participation of Russian musicians like Aigel, singer Grechka, and classical artists have been shared.
Support for the "You Are Not Alone Foundation" is one of the main objectives of the "This Is Navalny" event, as it aims to offer assistance to Russian political prisoners and their families.
