Burning Man festival founder Larry Harvey dies

TRIBUTES are flowing for the creator of Burning Man, the festival that started off as a bonfire gathering on a beach and turned into a star-studded cultural phenomenon.

LARRY Harvey, the co-founder of the Burning Man festival, has died. He was 70.

The Burning Man Project chief executive, Marian Goodell, said Harvey died on Saturday morning at a hospital in San Francisco. He suffered a stroke on April 4.

Harvey created Burning Man with friend Jerry James on a San Francisco beach in 1986, later moving the annual event to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

OUT THERE: What really goes on at Burning Man

The boundary-pushing festival grew from a tiny summer solstice bonfire gathering on the beach to a powerful cultural phenomenon.

Larry Harvey, co-founder of the Burning Man festival, has died.

As many as 70,000 people from around the world now flock to a the weeklong celebration. Attendees are encouraged to build a community and pursue whatever interests them, while respecting one another.

At the celebration’s conclusion, a towering wooden effigy is burned to the ground.

DJ Ruckus, Christine and Shanina Shaik partied up a storm at last year’s Burning Man.

Celebrities including Katy Perry, Will Smith, Seth Rogen, Susan Sarandon, Armie Hammer have attended over the years.

Former US president Barack Obama even turned up, much to the surprise of onlookers.

Paris Hilton makes a grand entrance at the 2017 festival.

Burning Man is a favourite of Imogen Anthony, the partner of Kyle Sandilands.

Victoria’s Secret model Sara Sampaio causes a stir in 2017.

Aussie T host Jason Dundas snaps a group selfie at the 2014 Burning Man Festival.

A statement on the Burning Man website paid tribute to Harvey, describing him as a “visionary”.

“Our founder, friend and original instigator, Larry Harvey has passed away. Larry suffered a massive stroke at his home on the morning of April 4. We resolutely held out for a miracle. If there was anyone tenacious, strong-willed and stubborn enough to come back from this challenge, it was Larry,” the statement read.

Supermodel Candice Swanepoel is also a fan of the event.

“Larry was never one for labels. He didn’t fit a mould; he broke it with the way he lived his life. He was 100 per cent authentic to his core. For all of us who knew or worked with him, he was a landscape gardener, a philosopher, a visionary, a wit, a writer, an inspiration, an instigator, a mentor, and at one point a taxi driver and a bike messenger. He was always a passionate advocate for our culture and principles that emanate from the Burning Man experience in the Black Rock Desert.”

Very sorry to hear that Larry Harvey, the founder of @BurningMan has passed on.

It was my great privilege to attend the Burning Man festival.

Burning Man is misunderstood by many, but my experience was one of human love, cooperation and higher consciousness.#RIPLarryHarvey pic.twitter.com/2O7fGMDiBX

— Chris Duel (@ChrisDuel) April 28, 2018

There is a very small list of people who have created experiences that live on forever. In our opinion, @PasqualeRotella & Larry Harvey are the best that have ever done it. We are deeply saddened by the news that Larry is no longer with us. He was the founder of Burning Man. #RIP pic.twitter.com/dcEnI2Qmp9

— Electric Family™ (@ElectricFamily) April 28, 2018

Larry Harvey was the founder of a culture that positively impacted the lives of millions. Burning Man principles are guidance for a better humanity. The heavens are having a party tonight. My heart goes out to our community around the world. ❤️🔥 (Photo taken at AfrikaBurn) pic.twitter.com/pTjAaH9drj

— Crystal Rose (@crystalrose) April 28, 2018

Many (many) years ago I was on the back stairs of the old BM offices talking with Larry when he said; “ Burningman is a social movement cloaked in the clown garb of art.” I’ve always thought that was pretty darn awesome. #larryharvey

— lanny (@rangerlongshot) April 28, 2018