Dead or Alive

The Profile

Dead or Alive are a British Hi‑NRG/dance‑pop group formed in Liverpool and fronted by Pete Burns. They broke through globally with Youthquake (1985) and the single “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record),” followed by hits like “Brand New Lover” and strong popularity in Japan with “Turn Around and Count 2 Ten.” The band’s studio run extended into the 1990s and 2000s; Pete Burns died in 2016 at age 57.

Fronted by Pete Burns; formed in Liverpool; signature hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” (1985) from Youthquake produced by Stock Aitken Waterman; major popularity in Japan with “Turn Around and Count 2 Ten” (1989); Burns died on 23 October 2016 (age 57).

Reviews spotlight Youthquake’s chart-cracking force and SAW’s Hi‑NRG sheen, with “You Spin Me Round” as the centrifugal classic. Mad, Bad and Dangerous To Know gets a reflective nod—less edgy, still packed with hooks and a standout closer. Pete Burns appears as a gay icon whose image and voice defined the band’s allure. The band’s late‑80s/early‑90s arc includes major popularity in Japan with “Turn Around and Count 2 Ten.” Publicly known: Burns died in 2016, age 57.