Pete Burns, frontman for UK dance-pop group Dead or Alive, died Sunday after experiencing a massive cardiac arrest. He was just 57 years old. The band is best known for their hit record, "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)," that went to No. 11 in the United States and No. 1 in the UK.
The track lived on through the years as a 1980's classic, while also being included in some key updates over the next several decades. It was included in the 1998 film The Wedding Singer and then sampled for Flo Rida's No. 1 record "Right Round."
In a statement, his management and family wrote about Burns' death and the impact he had on music.
"All of his family and friends are devastated by the loss of our special star," a statement from his family and management reads. 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 missed by all who loved and appreciated everything he was and all of the wonderful memories that he has left us with."
Hi guys, it's Kyle here. Was asked to send out this tweet on behalf of Steve, Lynn & Michael. #rippeteburns #sadtimes #icon SO SAD!!! pic.twitter.com/rOkAVHsZQg
— Pete Burns (@PeteBurnsICON) October 24, 2016
In addition to "You Spin Me Round," Dead or Alive were also known for their songs "Brand New Love" and "Lover Come Back To Me." He formed the band with Steve Coy and Tim Lever in 1980. Burns became famous for his style, often wearing women's clothes. He was credited with being very progressive about gender for the time.
His contemporaries such as Boy George, Pet Shop Boys and others have remembered him.
"Tearful about the passing of @PeteBurnsICON he was one of our great true eccentrics and such a big part of my life! Wow. Hard to believe!," wrote Boy George.
The world will be a duller place without him. Love, Neil and Chris xx #PetText #PeteBurns #RIP pic.twitter.com/sG8Avdb3te — Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) October 25, 2016
