Pet Shop Boys commemorate Kremlin opponent Navalny with song: Memorial concert in June in Berlin

Berlin. The Pet Shop Boys are commemorating the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with a song. Titled "Hymn (In Memoriam Alexei Navalny)," the British pop duo has released three versions of the song, including a new, approximately five-minute "Dance Mix." In it, singer Neil Tennant quotes excerpts from Navalny's prison letters and his autobiography, "Patriot," as the duo wrote on Instagram.

The song also includes the line: "Free Russia, let Russia be free, from the lies of its leaders." The video for the song mix includes excerpts from the opposition leader's speeches. Navalny was the most well-known opponent of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. He died in a Russian prison camp in 2024.

The Pet Shop Boys said Navalny dreamed of a Russia "freed from Putin's corruption and authoritarianism." His courage and "unbroken spirit" continue to inspire. The pop stars had already produced a first version of the song in February.

According to an announcement, the duo will headline a memorial concert in Berlin on June 28, performing a 40-minute set. Russian artists will also perform. A live conversation with widow Yulia Navalnaya and a screening of the documentary "Navalny" are also planned.

RND/dpa