Rare exhibition of unseen Pete Burns photographs to open in Liverpool

A striking new photography exhibition will open in Liverpool this June, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the formative years of one of the city’s most iconic performers.

Total Stranger: The Unseen Photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive 1978–1983 launches on Saturday 7 June at Café Tabac on Bold Street. The exhibition presents a powerful collection of black-and-white images by renowned rock photographer Francesco Mellina, capturing the early energy of Liverpool’s late 1970s and early 1980s music scene—and the dramatic rise of Pete Burns, the fearless frontman of Dead or Alive.

Mellina first encountered Burns at the legendary Eric’s club on Mathew Street. Their friendship led to a series of spontaneous photo sessions, documenting Pete’s striking style, magnetic presence, and the beginnings of his journey from underground icon to global stardom.

By 1981, as the band evolved from Nightmares in Wax to Dead or Alive, Burns asked Mellina to manage the group. Mellina played a crucial role in shaping the band’s path—organising television appearances, launching their first record label, and helping build the momentum that would lead to their international hit You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) in 1985.

The Total Stranger exhibition showcases a curated selection of 16 framed prints from Mellina’s archive of more than 2,000 negatives, charting Burns’ transformation during these defining years.

The choice of venue is deeply personal for Mellina. Café Tabac, a beloved Bold Street institution for over 50 years, has long served as a meeting place for Liverpool’s creative community.

Mellina’s choice of venue to display the works is a personal one also – a creative hub for over 50 years, Café Tabac has long been a meeting place for Liverpool’s artistic community.

Mellina said:

“Bringing this collection of images of Pete to Café Tabac truly feels like a homecoming,”

“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 café. Rita didn’t suffer fools, and she was never afraid to ask someone to leave if they stretched one cup of tea too far!”

Oliver Clarke , Rita Lawrence’s great nephew and MD, commented:

“Tabac has always been a gathering place for Liverpool’s creative community – including many like Pete who went on to achieve international fame. Francesco has been a friend of the café for as long as I can remember, and his portraits beautifully capture Pete’s evolution and his enduring legacy in our city’s incredible musical story. We’re honoured and delighted to host this important exhibition.”

Total Stranger: The Unseen Photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive 1978–1983 opens Saturday 7 June and runs until December. Entry is free, with viewing available during Café Tabac’s regular opening hours.

The exhibition is accompanied by Mellina’s book of the same name, Total Stranger, available here and at Waterstones Liverpool One.

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