Pet Shop Boys to play special set at London’s Heaven

A huge house music event on May 2nd, entitled “Can You Bear It?”, will celebrate the life of ex-PSB assistant Dainton “The Bear” Connell. Pet Shop Boys will perform a short live set and be joined onstage for one song by Carl and Suggs from Madness. The night described as “celebrating 20 years of house music”, also features a galaxy of legendary house DJs including Danny Rampling, Judge Jules, Terry Farley, Nicky Holloway, Brandon Block, Dave Dorrell, Tall Paul and others.

This one-off event is Pet Shop Boys’ only planned UK appearance for some time, as they are currently working on their new album.

Dainton Connell was a close friend of Pet Shop Boys and worked with them for many years as their personal assistant. He appeared in a number of their videos and also, subsequently, in an artwork by Sam Taylor- Wood. He was a huge Arsenal fan and a well-known face in North London.

His death in a car crash in Moscow in October 2007 caused such grief that the streets around the Arsenal ground were closed off on the day of his funeral which thousands attended. Amongst those mourning his death in person or via tributes were Matt Lucas and David Walliams, Robbie Williams, Ian Wright and Lee Dixon, Frank Bruno, Janet Street-Porter, John Lydon, and Pet Shop Boys themselves.

Dainton is survived by his wife Mandy and his family. All proceeds from this event will go to them. The event is produced by Back To The Future.

Tickets are available from the Heaven box office or by logging on to Electricarts.co.uk/canyoubearit.html.