About Pete Burns
Peter Jozzeppi Burns (5 August 1959 – 23 October 2016) was an English singer, songwriter and television personality. Burns 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; their 1985 hit "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" became their first UK No. 1 hit single. 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. Burns also released his own music as a solo artist, collaborated with other musicians, and appeared on television in reality shows. He received attention in the British media following his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother 4, finishing in fifth place. 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, and despite the fact that he was married to a woman during the height of his fame, Burns has been referred to as a gay icon and an individual who helped bring gay music into mainstream popularity. Burns was also notable for his many cosmetic surgeries.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.