"Go West"
CD single cover
Single by Pet Shop Boys
from the album Very
B-side(s)	"Shameless"
Released	September 6, 1993
Format	7", 12", cassette, CD
Recorded	1992-1993
Genre	Pop, dance
Length	5:03
Label	Parlophone / EMI
Writer(s)	Morali, Belolo, Willis, Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe
Producer(s)	Pet Shop Boys, Brothers in Rhythm
Peak chart positions
#1 (US Hot Dance Music/Club Play) #2 (UK Singles Chart)
Pet Shop Boys singles chronology
"Can You Forgive Her?" (1993) "Go West" (1993) "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing" (1993)

"Go West" is a song by the 1970s disco group Village People. The song eventually found greater success when it was covered in 1993 by the synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys. Image File history File links Villiage-gowest. ... A collection of various CD singles In music, a single is a short recording of one or more separate tracks. ... Village People is a concept disco group formed in the late 1970s. ... Go West is an album by the Village People. ... 12 single for U2s Beautiful Day The 12-inch [30 cm] single gramophone record came into existence with the advent of disco music in the 1970s. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Disco is a genre of dance-oriented pop music that blends elements of funk and soul music that was first popularized in dance clubs (discothèques) in the mid-1970s. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article is about Casablanca, the record label. ... A songwriter is someone who writes the lyrics to songs, the musical composition or melody to songs, or both. ... Jacques Morali was a disco composer. ... Henri Belolo is a French music producer, very successful during the disco era. ... Victor Edward Willis (born on 1 July 1951 in Dallas, Texas) is a singer, songwriter, actor; and original lead singer of the disco group Village People. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Village People is a concept disco group formed in the late 1970s. ... Y.M.C.A. is a 1978 song by the Village People which became a hit in January, 1979. ... See In The Navy (film) for the 1941 Abbott & Costello film. ... Image File history File links Pet-Shop-Boys-Go-West-22506. ... A collection of various CD singles In music, a single is a short recording of one or more separate tracks. ... The capitalization of song titles in this article may be disputed. ... Very is the seventh album, the fifth of entirely new music, by the UK electronic music group Pet Shop Boys. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... September 6 is the 249th day of the year (250th in leap years). ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... 12 single for U2s Beautiful Day The 12-inch [30 cm] single gramophone record came into existence with the advent of disco music in the 1970s. ... Insert from the Winter cassette single by Tori Amos The cassette single was a music recording format that debuted in the 80s. ... A CD single is a music single in the form of a compact disc. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For popular forms of music in general, see Popular music. ... Electronic Dance Music is the contemporary form of 1970s disco music; it is usually played by mean of electronic instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Parlophone is a record label which was founded in Germany prior to World War I by the Carl Lindstrom Company. ... The EMI Group (LSE: EMI) is a British music company comprising of the major record company EMI Music which operates several labels, based in Brook Green in London, England, and EMI Music Publishing, based on Charing Cross Road, London. ... A songwriter is someone who writes the lyrics to songs, the musical composition or melody to songs, or both. ... Neil Tennant (right) with collaborator Chris Lowe (left) Neil Francis Tennant (born July 10, 1954 in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, England) is an English musician, who, with his colleague Chris Lowe, makes up the successful pop duo, Pet Shop Boys. ... Chris Lowe (left) with collaborator Neil Tennant (right) Christopher Sean Lowe (born on October 4, 1959 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England) is an English musician, who, with his colleague Neil Tennant, makes up the successful pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Brothers In Rhythm is a house music duo consisting of producers / remixers and DJs Steve Anderson and Dave Seaman. ... A record chart, also known as a music chart, is a method of ranking music according to popularity during a given period of time. ... Billboards Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart is a weekly national survey of what songs are most popular in U.S. dance clubs. ... The UK Singles Chart is currently compiled by The Official UK Charts Company (OCC) on behalf of the British record industry. ... The capitalization of song titles in this article may be disputed. ... Disco is a genre of dance-oriented pop music that blends elements of funk and soul music that was first popularized in dance clubs (discothèques) in the mid-1970s. ... Village People is a concept disco group formed in the late 1970s. ... In popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition (performance or recording) of a previously recorded song. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The capitalization of song titles in this article may be disputed. ...

Village People version

Originally released as a single in 1979, it was not as popular as the group's other contemporary singles such as "YMCA" and "In the Navy". Y.M.C.A. is a 1978 song by the Village People which became a hit in January, 1979. ... See In The Navy (film) for the 1941 Abbott & Costello film. ...

The song's title is attributed to the 19th century quote "Go West, young man" commonly attributed to Horace Greeley, a rallying cry for the colonization of the American West; likewise, "Go West" is generally understood as an expression of the 1970s sentiment of San Francisco as a utopia for the Gay Liberation movement.^[1] Horace Greeley (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872) was an American editor of a leading newspaper, a founder of the Republican party, reformer and politician. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Colonialism. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... Left panel (The Earthly Paradise, Garden of Eden), from Hieronymus Boschs The Garden of Earthly Delights. ... Gay Liberation (or Gay Lib) is the name used to describe the radical lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered movement of the late 1960s and early to mid 1970s in North America, Western Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. ...

The tune of the Christian song 'Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart', Henry Smith 1978, bears a remarkable similarity. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

Both the 7" and 12" versions of the song were subsequently collected in various greatest hits collections, including a 1997 radio remix. A greatest hits album (sometimes referred to as a best of album) is a compilation album of successful, previously released songs by a particular music artist or band. ...

Pet Shop Boys version

History

In 1992, when Pet Shop Boys were asked by Derek Jarman to perform at an AIDS charity event at The Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, Chris Lowe of the duo selected "Go West" as the song they would perform. Though singer Neil Tennant was unable to remember the lyrics during that performance, the two decided to record it as a single. The capitalization of song titles in this article may be disputed. ... Derek Jarman Derek Jarman (January 31, 1942 – February 19, 1994) was an English film director, stage designer, artist, and writer. ... Fac 51 Haçienda (also known as simply The Haçienda) was one of the best known nightclubs in Manchester during the Madchester years of the late 1980s and early 1990s. ... Chris Lowe (left) with collaborator Neil Tennant (right) Christopher Sean Lowe (born on October 4, 1959 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England) is an English musician, who, with his colleague Neil Tennant, makes up the successful pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. ... Neil Tennant (right) with collaborator Chris Lowe (left) Neil Francis Tennant (born July 10, 1954 in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, England) is an English musician, who, with his colleague Chris Lowe, makes up the successful pop duo, Pet Shop Boys. ...

The original single version of the song, set for an earlier release in 1992 as a non-album single, was never used; both it, and its similarly unreleased B-side "Forever in Love", were eventually released on the 2001 expanded reissue of Very. The final single release, in 1993, was the second single from Very, and included remixes by Brothers in Rhythm, Farley & Heller, Kevin Saunderson, and Mark Stent; the new B-side, "Shameless", went on to be included in the band's 2001 musical, Closer to Heaven. The 1993 single release went to number two in the United Kingdom and number one in Germany; in both countries, it was their biggest hit of the 1990s or the 2000s (so far).^{[citation needed]} "Go West" has since become Pet Shop Boys' traditional concert closer.[1] In recorded music, the terms A-side and B-side refer to the two sides of 7 inch vinyl records on which singles have been released since the 1950s. ... Very is the seventh album, the fifth of entirely new music, by the UK electronic music group Pet Shop Boys. ... A remix is an alternative version of a song, different from the original version. ... Brothers In Rhythm is a house music duo consisting of producers / remixers and DJs Steve Anderson and Dave Seaman. ... Pete Heller is an electronic and house music producer from England. ... Inner City (Kevin Saunderson and Paris Grey) Kevin Saunderson (born in Brooklyn, New York on May 9, 1964) is an American electronic music producer. ... Mark Spike Stent is a record producer, engineer, and mixer who has worked with The KLF,[1] Björk, Keane, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Massive Attack, Madonna, Marilyn Manson, Dave Matthews, No Doubt, Oasis, the Spice Girls, U2, and Britney Spears, among others. ... The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in history Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance. ... Poster for London production of Closer to Heaven, 2001. ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ... The 2000s are the current decade, spanning from 2000 to 2009. ...

Changes

Musically, the new version played up the basis of the original's chord progression in Pachelbel's Canon, bringing the theme to the forefront in the opening of the song. The song also underwent extensive reworkings of its instrumental tracks, with producers Stephen Hague and Mark Stent credited for the mixing, as well as an all-male Broadway choir (said by Tennant to be inspired by the song "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" from the Broadway musical South Pacific). In addition, Tennant and Lowe inserted a new section to the song, with the lyrics: A chord progression (also chord sequence and harmonic progression or sequence), as its name implies, is a series of chords played in order. ... Pachelbels Canon, also known as Canon in D major, or more formally, Canon and Gigue in D major for three Violins and Basso Continuo (Kanon und Gigue in D-Dur für drei Violinen und Basso Continuo) is the most famous piece of music by Johann Pachelbel. ... Stephen Hague is an American music producer most active with various British acts in the 1980s. ... Audio mixing is used in sound recording, audio editing and sound systems to balance the relative volume and frequency content of a number of sound sources. ... Broadway theatre[1] is the most prestigious form of professional theatre in the U.S., as well as the most well known to the general public and most lucrative for the performers, technicians and others involved in putting on the shows. ... There is Nothing Like a Dame is one of the songs from the famous South Pacific . It is sung by the sailiors (e. ... South Pacific is a musical play, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. When it first opened on Broadway on April 7, 1949, it was produced by Leland Hayward and directed by Joshua Logan. ...

There where the air is free

we'll be what we want to be

Now if we make a stand

we'll find our promised land^[2]

Where the original was sincerely idealistic in its depiction of an utopia, the Pet Shop Boys version, characteristic of the band, introduced a layer of subtext — here, sadness and a hopeless optimism, inspired by the aftermath of the AIDS pandemic of the 1980s and how it had affected the supposed utopia of the original version. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. ...

In addition, the music video of the new version introduced Soviet Union imagery (such as red stars), showing troops of identical men marching up a staircase stretching into the clouds, with the Statue of Liberty looming in the distance — seemingly towards a promised Western utopia. Coupled with the lyrical references to the post-AIDS social landscape, the image could also indicate the passing of gay men from AIDS and their ascension into heaven. Directed by Howard Greenhaugh, the video relied heavily on computer-generated imagery, as was the case with his entire series of videos for the Very singles. A music video is a short film or video that accompanies a complete piece of music, most commonly a song. ... Red star on the Soviet flag The five-pointed red star (a pentagram without the inner pentagon) is a symbol of Communism and Socialism and represents the five fingers of the workers hand, as well as five of six inhabited continents. ... Liberty Enlightening the World (French: La liberté éclairant le monde), known more commonly as the Statue of Liberty (Statue de la Liberté), is a large statue that was presented to the United States by France in 1886, standing at Liberty Island, New York in the mouth of the Hudson River... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the Ascension of Jesus Christ. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the application of the field of computer graphics (or more specifically, 3D computer graphics) to special effects. ...

One of the few real-life elements were Tennant and Lowe, dressed in blue and yellow bodysuits and round, domed helmets (among a series of costumes they adapted for promotion of the singles off of Very); one of the few real-life backdrops used was Red Square, Moscow, which the pair is seen walking through, wearing the costumes. (The costumes were parodied in the video for their later 2006 single, "I'm with Stupid".)^[3] Adding to the Soviet theme, the song also drew comparisons to the National Anthem of the Soviet Union. The video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 1995, losing to "Love Is Strong" by The Rolling Stones.^[4] For other uses, see Red Square (disambiguation). ... Position of Moscow in Europe Coordinates: , Country District Subdivision Russia Central Federal District Federal City Government  - Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov Area  - City 1,081 km²  (417. ... Im with Stupid is a song by British synthpop band Pet Shop Boys and is featured on their 2006 album, Fundamental. ... Flag of the Soviet Union The National Anthem of the Soviet Union (or Hymn, Russian Гимн Советского Союза, Gimn Sovetskovo Soyuza) replaced the Internationale as the national anthem on March 15, 1944. ... The Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video has been awarded since 1984. ... “Rolling Stones” redirects here. ...

Years later, when Pet Shop Boys closed their set at the July 2, 2005 Moscow Live 8 concert in Red Square with the song, the Russian audience could be audibly heard singing along.[2] is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY On 2 July 2005, a Live 8 concert was held in Red Square, Moscow, Russia. ...

In culture

The tune of "Go West" has been adopted by football and hockey fans of some countries, including England, for various chants, such as the Arsenal supporters' chant "One-nil to the Arsenal" or the West Bromwich Albion chant "Go West Bromwich Albion". A famous chant version in the 1990's was "Ooh Aah Eric Cantona". An orchestral version of the song was adopted by FIFA as the official theme of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Entitled "Stand Up! (Champions Theme)", it was played inside stadiums after every match of the tournament and is sung by Patrizio Buanne. When suspected serial killer Fred West committed suicide, some football fans turned the song into a send up of him. The song is also used to taunt suporters of teams from the west country such as Torquay United, Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town where the words are changed to 'Go west where the football's crap'. Football (soccer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Hockey is any of a family of sports in which two teams compete by trying to maneuver a ball, or a hard, round disc called a puck, into the opponents net or goal, using a hockey stick. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the  United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total 130... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in Holloway, north London. ... West Bromwich Albion Football Club is an English football club that play in the Football League Championship. ... Events and trends Technology Explosive growth of the Internet; decrease in the cost of computers and other technology Reduction in size and cost of mobile phones leads to a massive surge in their popularity Year 2000 problem (commonly known as Y2K) Microsoft Windows operating system becomes virtually ubiquitous on IBM... The International Federation of Football Association (French: ), commonly known by its acronym, FIFA, is the international governing body of association football. ... Qualifying countries The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the eighteenth instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international association football world championship tournament. ... Patrizio Buanne (born 20 September 1978) is an Austro-Italian baritone. ... Frederick Walter Stephen West (September 29, 1941 – January 1, 1995) was a serial killer who, together with his wife Rosemary West murdered at least 12 young women, many at the couples home in Gloucester, England. ... The West Country is an informal term for the area of south-western England roughly corresponding to the modern South West England government region. ... Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football team based in Torquay. ... Exeter City F.C. is an English football club, based in Exeter, who have played in the English Football League for most of its history, but now play in the Nationwide Conference. ... 1886/87 - ... - 2001/02 - 2002/03 - 2003/04 - 2004/05 - 2005/06 - 2006/07 Plymouth Argyle Football Club (commonly known as the Pilgrims, the Greens, the Green Army or simply Argyle) are an English football team, playing in the Championship league. ... Yeovil Town F.C. are an English football team based in Yeovil. ...

In the 1994 Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the song is played on the soundtrack as the three main characters take to the road. // November 1 - George Lucas leaves the day-to-day operations of his filmmaking business and starts a sabbatical (while on sabbatical, he wrote the prequel Star Wars trilogy). ... Ned Kelly depicted in the first Australian feature-length narrative film The cinema of Australia has a long history and has produced many internationally-recognized films, actors and filmmakers. ... The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a 1994 Australian film about two drag queens, and a transsexual woman driving across the outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a large bus they have named Priscilla. ... A film soundtrack is the music that is from or inspired by a feature film. ...

In the 2004 German film Summer Storm, the song is played during the rowing competition at the end of the film. It is performed by the Sound City Girls. The year 2004 in film involved some significant events. ... Cinema in Germany can be traced back to the very beginnings of the medium at the end of the 19th Century and German cinema has made major technical and artistic contributions to film. ... Summer Storm (German: Sommersturm) is a 2004 German film directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner. ...

"Go West" is one of the songs in the North American home version of Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME, as well as its European counterpart, Dancing Stage Fusion. Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME is the seventh home version of Dance Dance Revolution to be released in the United States. ... Dancing Stage Fusion is a video game designed by Konami and is the PAL series equivalent of the Dance Dance Revolution games. ...

In Western Australia throughout the 1990's "Go West" was the tune and face of Bank West used on their TV ads. It is also a common phrase in Australia when talking about WA or visiting there.

Following Rose West's conviction for mass murder in 1995, several nightclub revellers sang Rose West, you'll never get out now... to the tune of Go West. Rosemary West (née Rosemary Letts) (born 1953) is a British serial killer. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ...

Notes

1. ^ O'Donovan, Connell (June 1999). Go West - This is Our Destiny. Connell O'Donovan's Home Page. Retrieved on 2007-04-27.
2. ^ Go West (lyrics). Pet Shop Boys official website. Retrieved on 2006-05-25.
3. ^ The new video: exclusive tonight. Pet Shop Boys official website news (April 14, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-05-21.
4. ^ Past Winners Database: 1994 37th Grammy Awards. The Envelope: The Ultimate Awards Site. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 2006-10-28.

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... April 14 is the 104th day of the year (105th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 261 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This just IN !!!:paris hiltons new dog. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... October 28 is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 64 days remaining. ...

References

• (2001). "Go West". Very / Further Listening 1992-1994 [CD liner notes].
• Gill, J (1997-2002). The History of Casablanca Records. The KISS FAQ. Retrieved on 2006-06-08.
• Longmire, Ernie and Steffen Gärtner (1989-2006). Gardner's Pet Shop Boys Discography (TXT). Gardner Publishing Ltd. Retrieved on 2006-05-21.