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The Pet Shop Boys have released their new track “Hymn (in Memoriam Alexei Navalny)”. The track is an emotional dedication to Alexei Nawalny, the Russian opposition leader, who died in custody in 2024. With the anthem you want to set a musical sign against oppression and for the dream of a free Russia.
On June 28th, the PET Shop Boys will appear as headliners at the “This Is Navalny” memorial event in the Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin. You play an exclusive 40-minute set. There are also other Russian artists in addition to them: inside, including the electric duo Aigel, the singer Grechka and classic musicians: inside, who together keep the memory of Nawalny alive.
Support for politically detained in Russia
The event offers more than music: a live conversation with Yulia Nawalnaya, the widow of Alexei Nwvalny and head of his anti-corruption foundation, is just as much on the program as a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “Nawalny”. There is also a book signing to support the commitment to human rights and democracy. Tickets here.
The proceeds of the event flows to the “You Arene not Alone Foundation”, which is committed to politically imprisoned and whose families in Russia. “This is navalny” wants to bring people together who are committed to free Russia and keep Navalny’s legacy alive.
The message of the Pet Shop Boys
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe comment on Instagram: “We feel honored to support the vision of a free and democratic Russia for which Alexei Navalny stood. His courage and spirit still inspire. Nawalny dreamed of a Russia without corruption and authoritarianism that lives in peace.” They remind you of how Nawalny Putin’s war condemned in Ukraine and remains his legacy as a hope for change.
The song “Hymn (in Memoriam Alexei Navalny)” was created in February 2025. In an interview with the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta (also published in the Guardian), Neil Tennant talks about the connection of the band to Russia and the importance of the project.