Earthcore pioneer mourned after scuffle in Elsternwick bar
THE founder of outdoor dance festival Earthcore has been identified as the man who died after being restrained by customers at an Elsternwick bar.
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THE founder of outdoor dance festival Earthcore has been identified as the man who died after being restrained by customers at an Elsternwick bar.
Spiro Boursine, who also used the surname Boursinos, died — handcuffed and under police arrest — after wild scenes at the Antique Bar in Glenhuntly Rd early on Saturday.
The 45-year-old had been held down by several bar patrons before officers arrived.
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Mr Boursine’s friend of more than a decade, Gary Neal, told the Sunday Herald Sun he was an icon of the outdoor music scene.
“It’s a massive shock,’’ Mr Neal said. “Spiro pioneered this whole subculture which turned into a lifestyle for thousands of people.
“He basically created the outdoor music scene. I’m quite shaken up by this whole thing.
“He has provided some of the best times of my life through the events he has put on.”
It’s understood Mr Boursine had heart issues in the past and was at Antique Bar as a patron when the incident occurred. His family was struggling to comprehend what had gone on.
The cause of his death has not yet been revealed.
Police tried to revive Mr Boursine while they waited for paramedics to arrive but he died at the scene.
The Homicide Squad and internal investigators from the force’s Professional Standards Command were running separate inquiries.
The Cheltenham man had allegedly assaulted people at the bar in the moments before patrons banded together to subdue him.
Emergency services, including a crew of SES workers were on Saturday at the scene of the incident.
Sam Falleti, who with wife Justine has owned Antique Bar for around eight years, declined to answer questions from the Sunday Herald Sun.
Bethany Charlton, an Antique Bar regular, said the area was generally very safe at night.
“It’s pretty cruisy, pretty quiet … it’s not really a rowdy place at all,” Ms Charlton said.
Detailed witness statements from those at the bar will form a major part of the inquiry.
Any available CCTV will be examined.
Investigators will also be looking into whether Mr Boursine had any pre-existing medical issues.
Tributes for the passionate music boss flowed online.
“I loved you and your crazy ways,’’ one person wrote.
“I will miss your fun, cheeky energy.
“I can’t believe someone so big has gone from this world and from my life. I’m glad I knew you.”
Another wrote: “Thank you for the good times and bad times.
“All those memories will be cherished.”
Earthcore — touted as Australia’s pioneering outdoor music, arts, culture, lifestyle experience — is marking its 25 year in November.
Anyone with more information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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