Unseen photos of Liverpool's nightlife in 70s and 80s coming to little village

The life of 1980s icon Pete Burns and his pioneering band Dead or Alive is being celebrated in Merseyside. Nearly five decades after he left the village of Port Sunlight where he grew up, the late singer is being featured in a new exhibition of photographs by Francesco Mellina.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Francesco took photographs of bands at the famous Eric’s Club in Liverpool, recording the various subcultures in clubland during the pivotal post-punk era. During this time, Francesco developed a career as a nationally recognised rock photographer and was a regular contributor to magazines such as The Face, NME and Melody Maker.

Francesco also managed Dead or Alive, guiding them to number-one chart success with hits such as You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and Brand New Lover. Francesco, who trained at Liverpool Art School, said: “I am very pleased to be presenting this exhibition of my photographs in Port Sunlight, many of which have never been on display.

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"I think many people will be fascinated to see these early photos of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive, as they capture their youthfulness and give an interesting glimpse into an exciting time in Liverpool’s club scene. I became friends with Pete after he caught my eye at the legendary Eric’s Club on Mathew Street and I asked if I could photograph him. I think he would be delighted to see these photographs now on display in his native village.”

More than 40 photos will be on display for visitors to explore in the exhibition at Bridge Cottage Gallery, set in one of the most distinctive houses in the famous Wirral village. The exhibition’s title Total Stranger is taken from the Dead or Alive song of the same name. The photos give a glimpse of the early career of Pete Burns, whose father worked at the Unilever factory in Port Sunlight.

It is well documented Pete was eager to escape to the bright lights of Liverpool over the water from Wirral, where his eye-catching fashion and personality quickly turned him into a local celebrity before rising to international fame as a singer, songwriter and television personality.

This is the first time these unique images celebrating Port Sunlight’s own will be on public display. Visitors will be able to see the exhibition between Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, January 19 2025.

Jean Milton, curator of the exhibition, added: “We are delighted to be working with Francesco Mellina and to celebrate the life and early career of Pete Burns through Francesco’s images. This exhibition will hopefully bring Pete to a whole new audience and inspire a new generation to be true to who they are and not be afraid to create their own path.”