Poly Styrene (1957-2011), born Marianne Elliot Said, was a true fighter in life and in her battle with cancer. She passed away yesterday evening and it stands to be said that the punk rock world has certainly lost a true icon. She was a punk amongst punks and has embodied the true meaning of punk rock and feminism since she first uttered the words, “Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard but I think oh bondage up yours!” in the song, “Oh Bondage! Up Yours!” by her 70‘s band X-Ray Spex.
From X-Ray Spex’s album, Germ Free Adolescents, to her new solo album, Generation Indigo, Poly Styrene has stayed true to who she is by tackling issues such as consumer culture, racism, and gender politics. This bi-racial feminist punk is a pioneer whose music has a way of being totally outrageous, rebellious, and still make you want to sing along. Her badassness is what helped plant the seeds of influence in both Britpop and Riot Grrl movements. She will be dearly missed.
Here’s a couple of videos of her doing her thing with X-Ray Spex:
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogypBUCb7DA 425×344]
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgc744UjOuA 425×344]
Listen to the full Generation Indigo album, released today in the U.S., on AOL Spinner.
