Petesy Burns, a champion of Belfast’s punk community and member of The Outcasts, has died, sparking an outpouring of grief across social media
The Northern Ireland music scene has lost one of its favourite sons with the passing of guitarist and songwriter Petesy Burns.
Petesy was widely known in punk circles and featured in the 2010 Northern Vision GIRO’S, which explored an iconic Belfast venue and the city’s vibrant punk scene of the 1980s.
Off stage, he was a dedicated advocate for the local music scene, supporting venues including Giro’s and The Warzone, and nurturing generations of musicians.
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He was a member of several bands, most notably The Outcasts, who described his death as “heartbreaking.” Petesy also performed with Stalag 17, FUAL, A-Political, and Shame Academy.
The Outcasts posted on their Facebook page: “Heartbreaking to hear of Petesy’s death today. No words can express the sadness of losing our old mucker. Condolences and thanks go out to Anthea for the care and dignity she gave him at the end.
He was so loved in the punk world — and I mean the world. Everyone who met him loved him, but especially here. Rest in peace, brother.”
Fans and fellow musicians have shared their memories online. One commentator wrote: “The man was a legend. Many a time he took a fledgling me and the band under his wing. Privileged to have shared a van and a stage with the fella. Plus he introduced me to curried rolls in Ballbrigan. Onto the next adventure.”
Another added: “I had the privilege to get to know Petesy when we organised The Outcasts’ first show together on the occasion of my band’s 40-year jubilee. He had been so nice, helpful, and easy to deal with, and meeting him in person was even more impressive than I’d expected. A true gent.”
Petesy was a much-loved family man and musician who leaves behind a legacy of music to the Belfast punk community.
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