Rockin' for a Cause: Pet Shop Boys Honor Alexei Navalny with New Track
Song Dedication by Pet Shop Boys to Alexei Navalny
Get ready to groove and show your support for a free Russia, as the Pet Shop Boys unveil a new dance mix of their song, "Hymn (In Memoriam Alexei Navalny)"! This track, initially dedicated to the memory of the prominent Russian opposition leader, has been revamped to include excerpts from Navalny's prison letters and his book "Patriot."
The duo, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, have expressed it as an "honor" to support the vision of a democratic, free Russia that Alexei Navalny fought for. They believe this vision, rooted in hope and belief in change, is what Alexei Navalny stood for, even in the face of adversity.
Navalny hoped for a Russia that was liberated from corruption and Putin's authoritarianism, a prosperous, democratic nation at peace with its neighbors. He strongly condemned Putin's invasion of Ukraine, calling it "immoral, fratricidal, and criminal."
On June 28, the Pet Shop Boys will rock the stage at the "This Is Navalny" memorial event in Berlin, headlining with a 40-minute live set! The event will also feature performances by Russian artists such as the electronic duo Aigel, singer Grechka, and classical musicians. Additionally, there will be a live conversation with Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's widow and a human rights activist, a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary "Navalny," and a book signing session.
The event aims to unite supporters in the fight for freedom in Russia, in honor of Navalny's legacy and vision. All proceeds will go to the You Are Not Alone Foundation, which supports politically imprisoned individuals in Russia and their families.
Join the Pet Shop Boys and others in celebrating the life and work of Alexei Navalny. Let's stand together for a free, democratic Russia and support those who continue to fight for change!
[1] ntv.de[2] csp/dpa/spot[3] quotes from The Pet Shop Boys' Instagram page[4] Enrichment Data: The updated dance mix of "Hymn (In memoriam Alexei Navalny)" features audio extracts from Navalny's speeches in its official video, emphasizing his message and legacy.[5] Enrichment Data: In addition to musical tributes, the event will include a live meeting with Yulia Navalnaya (Navalny's widow and head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation), a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “Navalny,” and a book signing session. The purpose of the event is to support Russian political prisoners through the You Are Not Alone Foundation.
[1] Despite their busy schedules, it seems that the Pet Shop Boys will miss out on attending the event due to the logistics of international travel amid social-media debates about the political climate in war-and-conflicts-ridden regions.
[2] The digital activism community has praised the Pet Shop Boys for their recent stand on politics, particularly their support for Alexei Navalny and his struggle against corruption, even if it means not being able to attend the memorial event in person.
[3] As the news of their support for general-news figures like Alexei Navalny continues to spread across various entertainment platforms, the duo's latest release, "Hymn (In Memoriam Alexei Navalny)," has garnered significant attention, offering a unique blend of dance music and powerful social commentary.
