The quirky and brilliant artist enjoyed cult celebrity status in the 1980’s as lead singer of Dead or Alive – who had a big hit with You Spin Me Round - and became later known for his stint on Celebrity Big Brother.
Among the tributes were long-time friends and fellow artist Boy George and several of his Big Brother housemates including the host of the show, Davina McCall.
Boy George tweeted: "Tearful about the passing of @PeteBurnsICON he was one of our great true eccentrics and such a big part of my life! Wow. Hard to believe!”
Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond tweeted that Burns was "a one-off creation, a fabulous, fantastic, brilliant creature and always sweet to me".
TV presenter Davina McCall wrote: "So so sad to hear about Pete Burns... we partied hard in the 90s... RIP Pete x".
Ordinary Boys frontman Preston, who also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother with Burns, said: "Heartbroken to hear about Pete Burns. He was a true punk rocker and one of the kindest hearts I've ever know. Gutted."
Politician George Galloway, who was on Celebrity Big Brother with Burns, tweeted this moving tribute: "Sad to hear of the demise of Pete Burns. He was a cross between Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker. You don't get more brilliant than that. RIP".
And finally the following statement from his management who announced the tragic news: "All of his family and friends are devastated by the loss of our special star."
"He was a true visionary, a beautiful talented soul, and he will be missed by all who loved and appreciated everything he was and all of the wonderful memories he has left us with."
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