Petesy Burns

In disbelief, I’m saying goodbye to the light and love that was Petesy. A big man with an even bigger heart has gone, and I’ll miss you more than words can say.

I raise a glass in your memory and send all my love to Anthea, your family, and friends. See you on the other side, brother—save a place for me.

Photos from Manchester Academy in 2022, when The Hoakers played with us. Petesy joined me on stage to sing his favourite Crass song, 'Banned From The Roxy'.

I first met Petesy when Crass visited Belfast in the 1970's. He was part of the Warzone Collective, which was a non-sectarian thing they'd set up. I fell in love with Petesy from the first time I met him.

One time, I was painting a wall and he put a paintbrush right down my face, the bastard :) We had a right laugh.

He will be sorely missed.

Bands Petesy played in: Outcasts, Stalag 17, A.R.S.E., The Hoakers.

RIP 01-01-2026