NEWS – X-ray Spex Singer Poly Styrene Dies

Marianne Elliott Said, known to legions of punk fans as Poly Styrene, passed away on Monday, April 25th, at the age of fifty-three. Most famous as the lead singer of X-Ray Spex, who gained acclaim during the 1970s as part of the London punk scene, Poly was still a teenager when she embarked on her music career, which included the hit Oh Bondage Up Yours! in 1977.

A statement on the singer’s site says; “Poly Styrene was a punk amongst punks. A groundbreaking presence that left an unrepeatable mark on the musical landscape, she made history the moment she uttered, “Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard but I think oh bondage up yours!” The influence of Poly and X-ray Spex has been felt far and wide ever since. Their landmark album Germ Free Adolescents is a landmark work and a primary influence on Britpop and Riot Grrrl. At the centre of it was Poly Styrene, a bi-racial feminist punk with the perfect voice to soundtrack rebellion. Poly never sacrificed the intelligence or the fun in her music and style. Her trademark braces and dayglo clothes were a playful rejection of the status quo and of conformity and complacency. She dissected gender politics, consumer culture, and the obsessions of modern life in a way that made us all want sing along with her.”

Poly Styrene had been living with breast cancer, which had spread to her spine and lungs. The band’s official site also added, “Poly Styrene has peacefully passed away in her sleep.”