The exhibition by Francesco Mellina will reside at a popular Bold Street cafe until December
A brand new photography exhibition comes to Liverpool this June, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the formative years of one of the city’s most iconic artists from the 80s.
Total Stranger: The Unseen Photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive 1978-1983 will make its debut at Café Tabac on Bold Street on Saturday 7 June.
Featuring a collection of images captured by acclaimed rock photographer Francesco Mellina, viewers can take in the raw energy of the bold and unconventional Dead or Alive frontman.
Mellina, a key figure in the scene himself, met Burns at the legendary Eric’s club on Mathew Street. The two quickly became friends, leading to a series of spontaneous photo shoots that documented Pete’s fearless style and magnetic presence.
In 1981, as the band evolved from Nightmares in Wax to Dead or Alive, Pete asked Mellina to manage them. Mellina played a vital role in their development, arranging TV appearances, launching their first label, and building momentum that led to their 1985 global hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”.
The exhibition, which presents a curated selection of 16 framed prints from an archive of over 2,000 negatives, traces back through Pete’s transformation from underground icon to international star.
When choosing the perfect venue to display his works, Mellina decided on Café Tabac - a creative hub for over 50 years that has long been a meeting place for Liverpool’s artistic community.
“Bringing this collection of images of Pete to Café Tabac truly feels like a homecoming,” said Mellina.
“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, great nephew and MD of Café Tabac Founder Rita Lawrence, 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 on Saturday 7 June and runs until December. Entry is free, with viewing available during café opening hours.
The exhibition is accompanied by Francesco Mellina’s book, ‘Total Stranger: The Unseen Photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive 1978–1983,’ available to purchase at www.march-design.co.uk and at Waterstones bookshop in Liverpool One.
Café Tabac, 126 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4JA
(Header image: Francesco Mellina)
Get the latest news to your inbox
Get the latest food & drink news and exclusive offers by email by signing up to our mailing list. This is one of the ways that Confidentials remains free to our readers and by signing up you help support our high quality, impartial and knowledgable writers. Thank you!
