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Burnel AKA Transformer
Burnel died this summer, which is a tremendous loss for us. As Transformer he added a surreal aspect to the ball which perhaps may never be replaced. Not only was he a larger than life host, DJ, presenter and groover, he helped us backstage making a make-shift trophy out of a silver painted barbidoll with feather duster head-dress and metallic vibrator dildo, banners and flying penis hangings, leading marches, and presenting letters to the prime minister.
Behind the Transformer persona was a quiet, cute, sexy, politically sorted man who cared about what we do.
We finally worried that he gave us so much of his time and energy while the world at large never recognised or rewarded his genius, but gave star status to others who, with a fraction of his talent, copied his style.
After the last Ball, when we had been told to take down the tents in Cat's garden and move off, I remembered that Burnel had said I had a place to crash at his place. Next day we turned up: seven of us filthy from cleaning up after the Ball and rowdy but exhausted, in my Land Rover and a 7 ton truck full of Ball props. Burnel let us in and said he was off to The Heath. Then he died of AIDS related pneumonia, before we could really say goodbye.
Thank you Burnel for your genius and generosity and ball guests and fans for reading about our sadness.
Perhaps some who realise he was the Night Club Icon may be inspired to take his spirit forward.
