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Friday Video Pick: “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by the Pet Shop Boys

May 11, 2012 by Kate 7 Comments

Pet Shop Boys, What Have I Done to Deserve This

A still from the Pet Shop Boys' 1987 video for "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"

For today’s Friday Video Pick, we spotlight the Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have a I Done to Deserve This?,” a track featuring the vocals of Dusty Springfield. Filmed in a music hall, this 1987 video makes use of chorus girls and theater curtains to keep the action moving, then culminates in a dramatic stage finale.

But interestingly enough, our favorite part occurs after the second verse, when Chris Lowe–the ultra-chill Pet Shop Boy–takes a break from his deadpan background presence and breaks into a dance interlude before calmly walking off set.

Not to mention, while much of the video has a vintage theater setting, there are some unforgettable ’80s abstract stage backdrops. You can try to take the video out of the ’80s, but you can’t take the ’80s out of the video… And how amazing are Dusty Springfield’s vocals in this piece? This track rightly renewed interest in her music.

Enjoy… and Happy Friday!

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Comments

  1. Red says

    August 20, 2016 at 12:24 am

    Ah, Dusty was so fabulous in this video. What a great comeback it was for her.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 21, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Totally agreed! Amazing vocals, and such a fun video!

      Reply
  2. Tony Walker says

    August 18, 2023 at 6:00 am

    Hi…nice summarie of this Song,did you find out the name of this main Show girl??,cheers

    Reply
    • Robert Sutter says

      February 14, 2025 at 12:29 pm

      Martha Fearon (Starr) I just found out. IDK for sure though. Smokin’ Hot.

      Reply
  3. J. Quest says

    October 11, 2023 at 1:21 pm

    I would wish to know the video clip’s dance-girl name… can anybody help me?

    Reply
    • Robert Sutter says

      February 14, 2025 at 12:28 pm

      Martha Fearon (Starr) I just found out. IDK for sure though. Smokin’ Hot.

      Reply
  4. Mike White says

    May 8, 2025 at 10:53 am

    Yes, I think the dancers should get a full credit somewhere, what became of them all ?
    The depicted girl when wearing glasses reminds me of the Labour MP Rebecca L.B. !

    Reply

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Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

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