Brit Punk Icon Poly Styrene Dies Aged 53
LONDON (Reuters) – British punk pioneer Poly Styrene has died aged 53 after suffering from cancer, her website said on Tuesday.
“We can confirm that the beautiful Poly Styrene, who has been a true fighter, won her battle on Monday evening to go to higher places,” a statement read.
Another statement on the website of her former band X-Ray Spex added that she was admitted to a hospice in East Sussex, England, last month and diagnosed with breast cancer.
“She will be sadly missed by her mother, daughter, friends and, not least, her fans. R.I.P. Poly,” it said.
Styrene, whose real name was Marianne Elliott-Said, released a solo album “Generation Indigo” only last month.
Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex
She formed X-Ray Spex in 1976 after watching the Sex Pistols perform, and the band was probably best known for the song “Oh Bondage, Up Yours!.” They released their debut album — “Germ Free Adolescents” — in 1978, before splitting up.
Styrene recorded a solo album, “Translucence,” in 1980 before fading from public view and joining the Hare Krishnas.
Poly Styrene – Sadly Missed
Boy George was among artists who paid tribute to her.
“I was a fan of Poly Styrene before I got to know her, she was a Krishna follower too, oh bless you Polly you will be missed! Legend!” he wrote on his Twitter feed.
Source: LA Times
