X-Ray Specs front woman, Poly Styrene has died after her battle with breast cancer, a day before her new solo album, ‘Generation Indigo’ hits the United States.
The punk icon, born Marianne Elliot-Said, grew up in Kent to be the feisty feminist singer of pioneering punk band, X-Ray specs. She stood out as an inspiration to women with her braces and brightly coloured wardrobe, a stark contrast to the sexually objectified 1970’s female musicians, as well as being an outspoken female in a man’s world, the singer was mixed race, making her even more unconventional. Her bands single, ‘Oh Bondage Up Yours!’ – her screamed reply to ‘some people think little girls should be seen and not heard’, is seen as a punk anthem. X-Ray Specs spoke out against a consumer society, and Styrene are not only credited as foreshadowing the 90’s Riot Grrrl movement, but also showed an astute awareness of the damage of capitalist consumer society – something that the mass market had not caught on to yet. Even the infamous Johnny Rotten, known for his scathing remarks described the band as ‘superb’ in the 2005 Don Letts’ Documentary ‘Punk Attitude’.
Styrene was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer last February, and despite this she kept a positive outlook. Releasing a new solo album last March in the U.K. she stated on her official Facebook page that she was looking forward to being able to perform her new tracks to a live audience. Rumours of the singer’s death started on twitter last night, and were sadly later confirmed on her official site this morning.
Her latest solo album, ‘Generation Indigo’, she previously stated refers to the new generation of peaceful protesters – her astute awareness and wisdom had apparently continued up until her last days. The album, described as ‘playfully opinionated’, will be a positive last musical mark left behind and a testament to the talented lady, who remained strong to the end.
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