Interview with Pete Burns photographer Francesco Mellina
16 Oct 2024
With his photographs currently on display at Bridge Cottage’s Total Stranger exhibition, we caught up with renowned photographer Francesco Mellina to find out more about him, his work and his friendship with Port Sunlight-born Pete Burns.
How did you get into photography?
I always loved films and cinematography and all the visuals. I got more interested in photography when I lived in Turin in my youth. One of my friends was a photographer and he introduced me to it fully.
You were born in Italy. What drew you to Liverpool?
I was born in a small town named Polistena in the Southern Italian region of Calabria. I was drawn to Liverpool once I discovered The Beatles. They and their music were the catalyst for me wanting to be in Liverpool.
What is your earliest memory of Dead or Alive and Pete Burns? How did you meet?
I remember going to the legendary Eric’s Club on Mathew Street, Liverpool and one of the first people that caught my eye was Pete Burns. I took photos of many bands in there. I said to Pete that I would like to photograph him, which he agreed, and that’s how we met and then became friends.
Tell us about the title of the exhibition Total Stranger
I chose the title for the exhibition from a Dead or Alive song named Total Stranger. They also had a single named The Stranger.
What can people expect to see in the exhibition at Bridge Cottage?
People will see a selection of, mostly, unseen photos of Pete with his bands Nightmares in Wax and Dead or Alive. These are very early photos of him and the band and capture their youthfulness.
What do you think Pete would have made about your photographs of him being on display in the village he grew up in?
I think Pete would be delighted to see the photos on display in his native village.
