A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Happy (belated) Birthday to Fakir!

I just got back, late last night, from a week long family beach trip. I planned to skip out on Modblog today, and instead, focus on healing my sunburn, my sore muscles and my hangover. However, after I got home, I realized a monumental birthday passed while I was gone, the 80th birthday of the “father of the Modern Primitive movement”, Fakir Musafar.

To, me Fakir will always be an inspiration. The fact he has dedicated his life to body modification for longer than I have been alive and that he is still actively involved in body modification, deserves respect from anyone involved in this community. He, more than any other individual brought attention to piercings, scarification, suspension, corsetry and countless other forms of body art and body play. If it were not for him, I don’t know where we (as the bod mod community) would be today, or if most of us would even be a part of this community at all.

There is not much more I can say about Fakir that hasn’t been said in the book Modern Primitives, The DVD Dances Sacred and Profane, his personal website, or Allen’s write up on hooklife.org. So I suggest anyone not fully versed in the life of Fakir Musafar start in those places.  However, for the countless friends and fans of him and/or of his work who didn’t get a chance to wish him a happy birthday on his actual birthday, feel free to so do in the comments here.

06190936

Comments

7 responses to “Happy (belated) Birthday to Fakir!”

  1. Cortex Avatar
    Cortex

    I am a big fan of Fakir Musafar. Reading about his work encouraged me to “come out of my shell” so to speak, and start actually participating in body play to satisfy my curiosities rather than just reading about it. I also learned from Fakir that I could happily modify my self in private without having to show the world what I do, which means a lot to me since I am rather shy and quiet in person and would rather not have to explain myself to people, both strangers and friends.

    So yes, big happy birthday to Fakir!

  2. LenaK Avatar

    An absolute inspiration, a genuine artist who has dedicated to make art while others make “freak shows” a real admiration. Happy birthday Fakir.

  3. merrry Avatar

    Thank you for all you’ve done and a belated happy birthday

  4. turito Avatar
    turito

    ¡Muchas Felicidades!. ¡Que cumplas muchos más!

  5. goldust Avatar

    A man with a great spirit and expirience of life! Happy Birthday Fakir! And thank you!

  6. peteD3 Avatar
    peteD3

    Respect
    C/S

  7. Kurenai Avatar
    Kurenai

    I’m more than a bit late because I hardly ever get the time to read modblog anymore, but seeing this post ONLY had 6 comments, I felt like I needed to post either way.

    For me personally, Fakir Musafar is and has always been a huge (if not the biggest) inspiration. I still remember clearly reading about him in wonder at a very young age, if not for Fakir I probably never would have been where I am right now. On top of all the amazing things he has done for the bod mod comunity over all these years, he’s the kindest and person you’ll ever meet and a very intelligent person.

    Besides the websites named in this article, I believe his “BODY PLAY” magazines are a definate must-read for anyone interested in the subject. I still own and treasure every single issue ever printed (and have the original first issue framed). Some information can be found here: http://www.bodyplay.com/bodyplay/index.htm (I hope it’s okay for me to post an url?)

    So, happy (belated) 80th birthday Fakir Mussafar, and hopefully we’ll be able te celebrate you for many more years to come!

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
  • Ontario SusCon 2025
    In March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
  • Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
    Dear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
  • BME Social Media
    Word of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media
  • BMEShop
    Despite the hurricanes in 2015 which destroyed almost all of what Rachel owned, she managed to save the original inventory from BME. We have relisted some of the stock on BMEShop.com with the hopes you may be interested.  Our first drop includes a selection of… Read more: BMEShop
  • Rachel Larratt 1980-2022
    Unfortunately, when we lost some of the ModBlog content, it included the post about Rachel’s passing. (Original Post) Rachel passed away on June 22, 2022. She died in her sleep. Even now, it’s extremely difficult to write this post. Rachel meant so much to so… Read more: Rachel Larratt 1980-2022