He attended St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Grammar School in Newcastle and learned to play guitar and cello.
He was singer and guitarist in a local “hippie folk band” called Dust.
After college he entered the field of journalism and for a time he worked for the U.K. branch of Marvel Comics, where it was his job to Anglicise the spellings and insert adverts.
He later became an assistant editor for the pop-music magazine Smash Hits.
Our mystery guest met Chris Lowe in an electronic shop in Chelsea in 1981. Sharing the same interest in music, the two began working together writing songs.
They initially performed as West End before becoming The Pet Shop Boys.
Whilst still working for Smash Hits and visiting New York to Interview Sting, he and Chris got the chance to record two of the songs they had written: “West End Girls,” and “Opportunities,”
His group has sold over 50 million records worldwide – and The Guinness Books of Records list them as the most successful duo in UK music history.
The Pet Shop Boys have released 14 studio albums, five live albums, seven compilation albums, and over seventy singles.
He is a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation
Along with Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, he sang backing vocals on the Robbie Williams’ single “No Regrets”.
He worked with Electronic, singing backing vocals on their first single “Getting Away with It” and taking lead vocals on the 1992 single “Disappointed”
His band won the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the 2009 Brit Awards.
His hits include: “West End Girls”, “Go West”, “Always on My Mind” and “It’s a Sin”
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Recent reviews
2nd time using Mike. Great voice and fast delivery. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2025
davidjames377
Mike was quick to respond and produced options to consider. All went smoothly and communication was friendly, professional and delivered in good time. Thanks again!
December 29, 2025
supporttree1
Mike has knocked it out of the park as usual, Many Thanks Mike we will be in touch soon
September 13, 2024
Tony
What an awesome experience!! Mike is Great 👍 to work with and very patient and kind. Look no where else. Thank You Sir.