Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns dies aged 57
Bisexual former Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns has died, aged 57.
Burns rose to fame through the band’s hit 1985 single ‘You Spin Me Round’. He became known in later life for his gender non-confirming appearance and cosmetic surgery.
The singer enjoyed a later career appearing on reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Wife Swap, Come Dine With Me.
According to a statement from his management, Burns died yesterday of a heart attack.
A statement said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have to break the tragic news that out beloved Pete Burns of (Dead Or Alive), died suddenly yesterday of a massive cardiac arrest.
“All of his family and friends are devastated by the loss of our special star. He was a true visionary, a beautiful talented soul, and he will be miss. by all who loved and appreciated everything he was and all of the wonderful memories he has left us with.
“We have no more words, we will make a further statement when we have had a chance to come to terms with our devastating loss. He will live forever in our memories.”
Formerly married to hairdresser Lynne Corlett, in 2006 Burns announced his engagement to partner Michael Simpson.
The pair split 10 months afterwards, with Burns insisting that he would return to dating women, claiming “Gay relationships are a commercial break, not a whole movie.”
Of his appearance, he explained in 2007: “I have never had a reason to separate gender. I’ve had two very powerful people in my life, my ex-wife Lynn, and my husband Michael, and that’s it.
“Everyone’s in drag of some sorts, I don’t give a fuck about gender and drag. I’m not trying to be a girl by putting on a dress – gender is separated by fabric.
“I was brought up with an incredible amount of freedom and creativity. Society has put certain constraints on things.”
