RuPaul’s Drag Race legend The Vivienne.On Sunday, The Vivienne’s publicist announced the British performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, had died over the weekend at the age of 32.
RIP.Since then, tributes have been pouring in from fellow Drag Race stars and cast members sharing heartfelt words of The Vivienne’s enduring legacy and impact.Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.A post shared by RuPaul's Drag Race (@rupaulsdragrace)The Vivienne won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and went on to appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 in 2022.Among other ventures, The Vivienne delved into music releasing several singles and an EP entitled B*tch on Heels.In 2020, she paid homage to one of her favorite artists by dropping a cover of the 1984 new wave hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive, lead by queer singer Pete Burns.British new wave group Dead of Alive, led by the late queer singer Pete Burns, released “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” 40 years ago this month, in November 1984.The original Hi-NRG track was the lead single off Dead or Alive’s second studio album Youthquake.
Upon its release, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” became the group’s first No. 1 hit in the UK. The song’s music video was a low-budget, high camp affair.
It featured Burns with his signature long crimped hair and a glittery eye patch, a giant sparkling disco ball, gold flags being waved by the band members, and an evocation of the six-armed Hindu deity Vishnu.The song eventually reached No.