Dead Or Alive evolved from the band, Mystery Girls in 1977 with Pete Burns on Vocals, Phil Hurst on Drums, Pete Wylie on Guitar and Julian Cope on Bass. Julian Cope left to form the Teardrop Explodes as did Pete Wylie who left to form WAH!.

In February 1979 the remainding Mystery Girls went onto form Nightmares In Wax who in their short lifespan consisted of Pete Burns, Pete Lloyd, Mick Reid, Martin Healy and Phil Hurst. Walter Ogden replaced Pete Lloyd on Bass and left the band himself later on. Ogden's replacement, Ambrose Reynolds also left and was replaced by Sue James. The band lasted until May 1980.

It was in May 1980 that Rock Band Dead Or Alive were formed, led by Pete Burns and his androgynous look. Ian Broudie produced their first single in December 1980, a Doors soundalike 'I'm Falling'. Guitarist Wayne Hussey left shortly after to join Sisters Of Mercy in 1983.

Dead Or Alive produced a several successful records including the Number One hits 'That's the Way I like it' and 'You Spin Me Round (like a Record)'. The latter being the first number one record produced by Stock Aitken & Waterman. The band are still popular in Japan and continue to perform and release records there.