Tributes have poured in following the death of punk legend Petesy Burns.
The Northern Irish guitarist and songwriter passed away peacefully at home in recent days, according to family members.
Petesy, described as ‘the true godfather of punk’, is best known for his involvement with a number of punk bands across Northern Ireland including Belfast outfit, The Outcasts.
The group posted a glowing tribute online in the hours following his death.
“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,” they wrote.
“He was so loved in the punk world & I mean the world. Everyone who met him loved him, but especially here. Rest in peace brother.”
Many from Northern Ireland’s punk scene past and present paid tribute to Petesy following his death.
“Petesy used to tell me I was very cynical for being 15 ….but we all used to hang around Just Books, drinking beer, eating guff (his really good veggie stew) and talking politics. For hours,” Sheena Bleakney wrote.
“We all got involved in Giros and Petesy was a huge character. Everyone knew him.
“He always loved a deep discussion and music. And he continued to play in punk bands and tour right up until just recently. His energy and passion for punk was limitless.
“I feel for his wife Anthea and his children Oran and Caoimhe …their hearts must be in a million pieces. My thoughts and condolences to them, at this terrible time.
“I would bump into him from time to time and he was the sort of person were you would just pick up the conversation and he still had the same ethics from his youth ..which was a breath of fresh air.
“Our last conversation was how amazing it was all the old punks still supported each other. Uppa punks Petesy.”
“Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Petesy Burns (The Outcasts, Stalag 17, the Hoakers etc.) today,” Joe Moody posted.
“He was a true Belfast punk legend, a Harp Bar original, and a good human. R.I.P. Petesy.”
Belfast’s ‘Oh Yeah! Centre’ also posted a tribute following his death.
“We are so sorry to hear about Petesy Burns. A lovely man, a Belfast punk legend. Rest in peace Petesy,” it read.
Meanwhile, Belfast’s Harp Bar, a landmark spot for Belfast’s punk scene also posted following his passing.
“Words fail me at this time to share about the passing of one of the most beautiful human beings around … our much loved Petesy.
“EVERYBODY LOVED PETESY
“My heart goes out to Anthea and all the family at this very sad time.”
The Heart project also paid tribute to Mr Burns for his work supporting the organisation in recent years.
“It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Petesy Burns,” it said in a statement.
“Petesy facilitated our Tai Chi class for 20+ and in the past year and half helped many individuals through his counselling sessions within the Maureen Sheehan Centre.
“He was the calmest most beautiful soul and when people say ‘one of life’s true gentlemen’, he really was and more.
“Even through the pandemic he continued the Tai Chi via videos in the most beautiful of settings in his beloved Newcastle.
“Words just don’t seem enough to express how much we appreciated you and will miss you.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to Anthea, Petesy’s children and their entire families.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.