Sleaford Mods have released a cover version of the iconic 1980s Pet Shop Boys track, “West End Girls.” All profits from the track will go to Shelter, a UK charity battling homelessness.
Pet Shop Boys members Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are fans of the reimagination of their track, saying, “Sleaford Mods have brought East End boys back to the West End streets for a great cause and we love their new version.” The duo also remixed Sleaford Mods’ cover version which will feature on the limited edition single.
The Pet Shop Boys took to social media to promote the “West End Girls” cover, calling it “excellent.”
Check out the @sleafordmods’ excellent new cover version of “West End girls”. All proceeds go to the UK charity @Shelter. There’s also a PSB remix! Links below. https://t.co/e32hMvph5Thttps://t.co/yCV9reGYza https://t.co/6pEKqXqscA #PetText pic.twitter.com/C7v86ghOaY
— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) November 21, 2023
Speaking on their decision to cover the track, Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods said “West End Girls is a song that’s very close to my heart, my coming-of-age track in so many ways.”
Bandmate James Williamson added, “I’ve been listening to the Pet Shop Boys’ albums ‘Please’ and ‘Actually’ a lot, the music still fits this landscape so well. When Andrew suggested we cover West End Girls, it was important to honour the track’s brilliance. So, when Neil and Chris gave the track their blessing our tiny minds were blown, and when we received their remix… it was almost too much. It was brilliant!”
Williamson also commented on teaming up with Shelter, saying, “We wanted to do something for Shelter again in the run up to Christmas so felt why not join up the two things. Their work all year round is so important and – unfortunately, considering the state of the country –needed more than ever. We are pleased proceeds from the single can go to them, and if you are coming to a show and can afford to make a donation, then Andrew and I really appreciate it too.”
Sleaford Mods have worked with Shelter previously and are keen to continue their fundraising efforts. All profits from the new single will go to the charity and the duo are also fundraising at their UK shows. Donate to their fundraiser here.
Shelter is a UK-based charity, tackling homelessness. Shelter believes that “Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and it’s where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.”
Sleaford Mods’ cover of “West End Girls” is available to stream now, with physical vinyl and CD releases coming on 15th December.
Purchase tickets for Sleaford Mods’ UK shows here.
22/11/23 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
23/11/23 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
25/11/23 – National Stadium – Dublin
28/11/23 – O2 Academy – Leeds
29/11/23 – O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester
30/11/23 – O2 Academy – Bristol
2/12/23 – Alexandra Palace – London
