A Pete Burns superfan has said he will always be thankful to the singer for helping him through a difficult time in his life.
Gage Gosling, from St Helens, turned to the Birkenhead -born TV personality's music when his mum, Kris, died from stomach cancer last year. The 17-year-old explained how they both shared a love for Pete's band, Dead or Alive, and the love only grew stronger for Gage when it began reminding him of fond memories of the two.
The St Helens College student told the ECHO : “I first discovered Pete in December 2018, which is crazy to think that I have been a fan for years, I was only 13. I first saw Pete's last performance on Big Brother Bit on the Side and was mesmerized by Pete’s look, I instantly wanted to know more about him.”
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That same year Gage’s mum bought him a record player for Christmas and a seven-inch vinyl of Dead or Alive’s You Spin Me Round. Scared of damaging the one his mum gifted him from playing it so much, Gage bought a spare so he could alternate between the two.
He added: “After a couple of weeks had passed, my obsession grew even stronger. I got more and more records and burnt holes in my pockets and I don't regret it. Soon for me, Pete became almost my hero, it's not only his music but also his personality. I was bullied through almost the entirety of my high school years, and watching Pete in Big Brother gave me the confidence to be myself and to stand up to my bullies. I will always be thankful to Pete and Dead or Alive for that.”
Not only did Pete help Gage “ gain confidence, be himself and take a stand” against bullies, but Pete helped Gage grieve the death of his mum.
He added: “Our relationship was very close, we would speak about anything and everything. What she knew, I knew and vice versa. When she passed away last year it left the biggest hole in my heart. She was my best friend, and to seek comfort after she first passed away I listened to Gone 2 Long and My Love’s on the Line.
"Both songs remind me of her, and when I am feeling upset I always put them on and shed a few happy tears. Dead or Alive music for me really does hold a lot of sentimental value and gives me a happy boost when I need it the most.
“Music helped me an awful lot through my grief, and I am still grieving. My mum enjoyed some Dead or Alive songs, especially Blue Christmas. I remember listening to them in the car with her, and that brings back some really nice memories.”
Since the death of his mum, Gage has connected with other Dead or Alive fans in the hope they relate to him in understanding just how sentimental the band's music is. Through social media groups, Gage has managed to get his hands on some collector's items - which others would “only dream” of having.
He said: “My favourite item would be a dress of Pete's that he wore on Pete's PA, episode two during the elimination. Otherwise, it would be my MerseySound magazine from 1980 that he signed in. Joining Facebook groups has been an adventure, being able to speak to other people who enjoy the music just as much as me. It’s been wonderful to make new friends. Dead or alive has opened many doors for me in that aspect.
"I, unfortunately, didn’t know who Pete was when he passed away in 2016, but when I did find out he passed it was very upsetting to hear that such a talented had gone so young. I will always thank Dead or Alive for making me feel comfortable with who I am, and letting me be myself.”
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