Who Is Pete Burns? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on August 5, 1959, Pete Burns was a celebrated English singer, songwriter, and media personality. Known for his iconic band Dead or Alive, which shot to fame in the 1980s with hits like "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)," Burns became a household name. His life was a tapestry of artistic expression and personal struggles, including his transformation in the public eye, controversies, and his journey in the entertainment industry. Although Pete Burns tragically passed away on October 23, 2016, his impact on pop culture remains indelible, and his legacy continues to influence artists today.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 5, 1959 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Port Sunlight, Cheshire, England |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 23 October, 2016 |
| Died Place | London, England |
Popularity
Pete Burns's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the height of his career, Pete Burns was renowned for his avant-garde fashion and striking appearance. While specific measurements can vary over time, he was often reported to be around 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighed between 160 to 180 pounds (73 to 82 kg). Burns was known for his bold self-expression, often experimenting with his physical appearance, including tattoos, cosmetics, and various hairstyles.
Burns was noted for his powerful, deep baritone voice along with his flamboyant dress style, eyepatch, and androgynous gender bender appearance.
Though he avoided labelling himself, Burns has been referred to as a gay icon and an individual who helped bring gay music into mainstream popularity, even though he was married to a woman during the height of his fame.
Burns was also the subject of tabloid speculation over his addiction to cosmetic surgery which bankrupted him and caused health problems.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pete Burns's personal life was as colorful as his career. Before his untimely death, he had been in various relationships, with many speculating about his sexuality and dating history. He was in a long-term relationship with his partner, who he referred to affectionately in interviews. His openness about his relationships contributed to his status as a queer icon, and even in 2025, fans continue to remember the depth of his romantic entanglement and its influence on his art.
Burns's mother, Evelina Maria Bettina Quittner Von Hudec, was German-born (Heidelberg) and, according to his autobiography, her first marriage was to a German Freiherr. As her father was Jewish, she moved to Vienna to escape the Nazis. At a tea dance in Vienna, she met an English soldier from Liverpool named Francis Burns.
Until he was 5, Burns spoke only German which resulted in local children spending days outside his house shouting "Heil Hitler".
From a young age, Burns developed a penchant for wearing costumes and he became obsessed with Native American culture going so far as to wear an Indian headdress constantly along with having his mother put up a tepee at his school playground.
By his own admission, Burns was a lonely child who preferred drawing and painting to interacting with other children.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Pete Burns had an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million. His income was derived from his music career, television appearance, and investments in various ventures. In 2025, although exact figures are speculative, it is clear that his estate and musical catalog continue to generate income through royalties and re-releases, allowing his legacy to thrive posthumously.
"Some kids were scared to go up to the counter when Pete was serving as he was acerbic and scathing but, overall, he was really funny. I personally relished going up to pay as it was always entertaining.
My mates would often give me their records to pay for and I would place our selections on the counter and attempt to catch his eye – he was usually permanently immersed in an animated conversation and would often serve you without breaking from it!"
Career, Business and Investments
Pete Burns’s career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Achieving fame with Dead or Alive, he was also involved in numerous television appearances and reality shows, including his memorable stint on "Celebrity Big Brother." His innovative approach to music and flamboyant persona made him an icon of the New Romantic movement. Beyond music, Burns ventured into various business investments and fashion endeavors, aligning with his creative interests.
Burns claimed the song was "completed" by the time the producers were then chosen to work on it, stating that "the record companies don't trust a band to go into the studio without a producer".
However, according to Burns, the record company was unenthusiastic about the single to such an extent that Burns had to take out a £2,500 loan to record it. Afterward, he recalled, "the record company said it was awful" and the band had to fund production of the song's video themselves.
Additionally, Burns said that 12-inch singles comprised over 70% of the original sales of "You Spin Me Round", and because these were regarded by the record label as promotional tools rather than sales, the band had to threaten legal action against the label before they received the royalties on them.
Social Network
Although Pete Burns is no longer with us, his influence persists on social media platforms. His official fan pages and tributes continue to celebrate his legacy, sharing memories, music, and insights about his life. Various social media accounts dedicated to his memory have amassed a considerable following, keeping his spirit alive and drawing attention to his work.
Peter Jozzeppi Burns (5 August 1959 – 23 October 2016) was an English singer, songwriter and television personality who formed the band Dead or Alive in 1980 during the new wave era and was the band's lead vocalist.
Dead or Alive sold over 17 million albums and 36 million singles worldwide, and their 1985 hit "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" was produced by the trio Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) and became their first UK No. 1 hit single. Dead or Alive's first three albums all reached the UK Top 30, with Youthquake reaching the Top 10.
Additionally, the band had seven UK Top 40 singles, two US Top 20 singles and another two singles which went to No. 1 on the US Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. In 2016, Billboard magazine ranked Dead or Alive as one of the most successful dance artists of all time.
Education
While specific details about Pete Burns's educational background are limited, he was known for his sharp wit and intelligence, often reflecting a solid foundational knowledge in the arts and music. His early experiences, coupled with his journey through life, shaped him into the charismatic performer that fans admired.
