These guys are still around???

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | April 9, 2009 01:07 PM

While I do agree that pet shops are inhumane, you shouldn't ask them to change their name just because of that. If their name was "Actually, I think that seal slaughter is just great!" then there could be a discussion. But seriously, they don't need to change their name!

Posted by: Annie B. | April 9, 2009 02:18 PM

"Rescue Shelter Boys" is a horribly clunky name; it does not have a ring to it.

Posted by: Alex O | April 9, 2009 08:27 PM

Silly silly silly.

Posted by: Jocy | April 9, 2009 08:44 PM

How about Pet(a) Shop Boys just for the tour?

Posted by: C.E. | April 10, 2009 10:16 AM

No way.

Posted by: Ellie | April 10, 2009 10:54 AM

I have listening to the Pet Shop Boys since the eighties and not once had I thought of going to buy a pet at a store. It's only a name that has been here for a long time and I'm glad they won't change it. Are you going to go after Meatloaf next saying it's not vegetarian like and is promoting eating meat. I'm sorry but it's only a name of an awesome band. They don't promote anything by having that name.

Posted by: Ramona | April 10, 2009 03:03 PM

I think that asking a band to change their name after 20 years of using that name to bring awareness to the issues in shelters and pet stores, however good intentioned it is, is absolutley ridiculous. It would of been better to ask them to mention the plight of the animals during their tour or have them link to your website from their website. I know that it is frustrating to try and get your message across and I also know that sometimes doing the foolish and the tasteless works but sometimes I just have to shake my head at your organization. I rescue reptiles and other critters and I abhor cruelty to animals in any way. I support your cause but some times I don't support your antics.

Posted by: Sandra Garrett | April 10, 2009 05:02 PM

I think you readers are completely missing the point. While it would be outstanding for the Pet Shop Boys to care so much for animals that they change their name, I'm sure that was hardly the goal here. The goal is the one that was reached: to get people thinking. It got the message out there that pet shops are cruel, did it not? The entire letter is now on their website for all their fans to see. Now the fans that were unaware of the harsh pet trade now know how wrong it is. Mission accomplished.

Posted by: Maria | April 13, 2009 08:42 AM

WOW ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
there are wayy more important issues to deal with.

Posted by: Heather | April 13, 2009 03:27 PM

That's absolute gold, I love it! A (new) friend of mine recently bought a kitten from a pet shop and he was surprised that I was angry at him. Most people don't know and whatever can be done to get the word out there, then why the hell not!

Posted by: Sarah Dee | April 13, 2009 08:07 PM

Heather, pet overpopulation is an important issue in animal rights, since millions of animals are put down because of breeders. If you are referring to non-animal issues, yes there are important ones, but this is an animal rights organization, and hence not the place to deal with those.

Posted by: Jamie Rivet | April 14, 2009 02:15 AM

I loved this story. PETA were not asking PSB to change their name because it promoted Pet Shops - of course not, but the publicity generated would raise awareness of the issue.

Didn't Jimmy White temporarily change his name to Jimmy Brown to promote HP Sauce? This would have been something similar. I completely understand why PSB chose not to do it, but well done to them for taking it in the spirit in which it was meant.

Posted by: Bongie | April 17, 2009 08:56 AM

EVERYBODY have to care about the pets/animals - they need a good life ... same as you and me.

Posted by: Charlotte Boström | April 17, 2009 12:38 PM

Love this, thanks!

Posted by: Holly Q | April 17, 2009 08:23 PM

The band called "Union Carbide Productions" didn't exactly like what the company with the same name stood for, but using the name made people aware. I guess it was the same with the band "Rape Man". And so on. So, why change "Pet Shop Boys" to something else? It works well, just the way it is!

Posted by: Martin | April 18, 2009 03:27 PM

I wholeheartedly agree with 99% of PETA's mission statements. However, the tactics used are poorly thought out.
True fans of PSB know there is a story behind their name, and it is not about promoting pet shops. Asking a band to change their name after nearly 25 years is ridiculous. Pet Shop Boys, as expected, reacted honorably. They always do. If anything, the whole circumstance has given Pet Shop Boys more positive media than PETA, who once again has come across as out-of-touch with reality and common sense.

Posted by: Jesse | May 11, 2009 02:02 PM

As a Vegan I think this was an ill-considered idea. The PSBs are far more socially aware than most bands. OK, so it has raised the issue, but in doing so it gives the anti-political correctness mob a huge stick with which to beat us.

Posted by: David Harrington | June 23, 2009 02:43 PM

PSB is my #1 favorite, largely due to their ability express themselves in ways that requires contemplation of metaphorical meanings.

The "issue worth thinking about" refers to the meaning of the group's name, which makes sense seeing as the name has absolutely nothing to do with pet shops. Keep in mind that the group's is "Pet Shop Boys" -- not "The Pet Shop Boys". The name is a metaphor for the way society views gender and how people compromise individuality in both thought and expression to present themselves in a socially acceptable manner. In short, we're all animals who are caged by the ways we polish our thoughts and expressions based on what we think will be bought or accepted by others.

Needless to say, PETA is way off-base on this one and it may be a nice gesture for PETA to apologize to the group.

Posted by: Jeff | November 24, 2009 05:58 PM