An exhibition dedicated to Pete Burns’ early life will open in Liverpool next month.
‘Total Stranger: The Unseen Photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive 1978–1983’ offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of one of the city’s most iconic 1980s performers.
Launching on Saturday, June 7 at Cafe Tabac on Bold Street, the exhibition features black and white images by acclaimed rock photographer Francesco Mellina that capture the energy of Liverpool’s late ’70s and early ’80s music scene.
Mellina, a key figure in the scene himself, met Burns at the legendary Eric’s club on Mathew Street. The two quickly became friends, leading to a series of spontaneous photo shoots that documented Pete’s fearless style and magnetic presence.
In 1981, as the band evolved from Nightmares in Wax to Dead or Alive, Pete asked Mellina to manage them. Mellina played a vital role in their development, arranging TV appearances, launching their first label, and building momentum that led to their 1985 global hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”.
Next month’s exhibition presents a curated selection of 16 framed prints from Mellina’s archive of over 2,000 negatives, tracing Pete’s transformation from underground icon to international star.
Mellina’s choice of venue to display the works is a personal one also – a creative hub for over 50 years, Cafe Tabac has long been a meeting place for Liverpool’s artistic community.
“Bringing this collection of images of Pete to Café Tabac truly feels like a homecoming,” said Mellina.
“In the 1980s, Tabac was at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life. Pete, his wife Lynne, and I spent countless hours there, eating, talking, and catching up with other bands – all under the watchful eye of Rita Lawrence, who ran the cafe.
“Rita didn’t suffer fools, and she was never afraid to ask someone to leave if they stretched one cup of tea too far!”
‘Total Stranger: The Unseen Photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive 1978–1983’ opens on Saturday, June 7 and runs until December.
Entry is free, with viewing available during cafe opening hours.