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Entertainment • Musician

Pete Burns

Pete Burns was an English singer, songwriter and television personality best known as the lead vocalist and founder of the band Dead or Alive.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pete Burns (5 August 1959 – 23 October 2016) was an English singer, songwriter and television personality best known as the lead vocalist and founder of the band Dead or Alive. He achieved international fame in the 1980s with the hit single "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and later appeared on reality television.

Early life

Pete Burns was born Peter Jozzeppi Burns in Port Sunlight, Cheshire, in 1959. A Liverpool University history article says he left school at 14 after experiencing discrimination related to his androgynous appearance.

Music career

Burns founded Dead or Alive in 1980 and served as its lead vocalist. The band's 1985 single "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" reached number one in the UK. According to one cited source, the band sold more than 17 million albums and 36 million singles worldwide.

Public image and television

Burns became known for his flamboyant style and heavily altered appearance, which drew significant public attention. He also appeared on reality television, including an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

Personal life and death

Burns married Lynne Corlett in 1980; the pair later divorced, and he entered a civil partnership with Michael Simpson in 2007. He died in London on 23 October 2016 at age 57.

Key facts

  • Pete Burns was the founder and lead vocalist of the band Dead or Alive.
  • Dead or Alive's 1985 single "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" reached number one in the UK.
  • The band sold more than 17 million albums and 36 million singles worldwide.
  • Burns died in London on 23 October 2016 at age 57.
  • He was also known as a reality television personality, including an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
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Canadian context

Pete Burns had relevance for Canadian readers through the international pop success of Dead or Alive, whose music, especially "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)", remained widely known in Canada through radio, television and later media use.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Pete Burns?
Pete Burns was an English singer, songwriter and television personality, best known as the founder and lead singer of Dead or Alive.
What was Pete Burns best known for?
He was best known for Dead or Alive's hit single "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and the band's 1980s success.
When was Pete Burns born?
He was born on 5 August 1959.
When did Pete Burns die?
He died on 23 October 2016 in London at age 57.
What band did Pete Burns form?
He formed Dead or Alive in 1980.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Burns
    Supports: Dead or Alive founding, lead vocalist role, and global sales figures.
  2. University of Liverpool — https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/history/blog/blogs-2024/lgbtq-history-peter-burns/
    Supports: Birth in 1959, early life, formation of the band, marriage and civil partnership details.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-37757990
    Supports: "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" reaching number one in the UK and his death after a cardiac arrest.
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Burns
    Supports: Death date, age, and general identification as a singer and reality television personality.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1047772/bio/
    Supports: Birth and death dates and death place.