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Poly Styrene Obituary
Styrene, whose real name was Marion Elliott-Said, had been suffering from cancer.
A statement on the singer's official website and Twitter feed said Tuesday that "the beautiful Poly Styrene, who has been a true fighter, won her battle on Monday evening to go to higher places."
Boy George was among those paying tribute on Twitter, writing, "Oh bless you Poly you will be missed! Legend!"
X-Ray Spex released just one album, 1978's "Germ Free Adolescents." But its aggressively catchy single "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" became an enduring punk anthem.
Styrene later said the song - a gleeful nonconformist shout-out - was inspired by the iconic bondage trousers designed by Vivienne Westwood.
"Some people think that little girls should be seen and not heard," Styrene sang - before letting ever yone know exactly what she thought of that idea.
Of British and Somali heritage, Styrene was born in 1957 in the London suburb of Bromley - a quiet corner backwater with a strong rock 'n' roll streak that was also the childhood home of David Bowie, Billy Idol and Siouxsie Sioux.
As a teenager she released a reggae single before being inspired to form a punk band after seeing the Sex Pistols play in 1976. X-Ray Spex stood out from the punk crowd during its short career, both because of its female singer and for including a saxophone player in the lineup.
Styrene's attitude and energy inspired other female singers, and she was often cited as a precursor of the 1990s "riot grrrl" movement.
Styrene later joined the Hare Krishna movement and released several solo albums - the most recent, "Generation Indigo," just last month.
She told the BBC in an interview she would like to be remembered for something spiritual, but "I know I'll probably be remember ed for 'Oh Bondage, Up Yours!'"
Earlier this year she revealed she was battling breast cancer that had spread to her spine and lungs, but said she hoped to overcome the disease through a combination of conventional medicine and alternative remedies.
She is survived by her daughter, Celeste Bell-Dos Santos, who fronts the band Debutant Disco.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
37 Entries
December 30, 2011
Marriane Said Elliot we will miss you. Your courage and talent are irreplacable. May your rest in peace.
Geesbaceed
August 11, 2011
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL ARTIST. WILL MISS YOU. BEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME. KEVIN FROM BOSTON.
(Colossians 3:15) . . .Also, let the peace of the Christ control in YOUR hearts, for YOU were…called to it in one body. And show yourselves thankful.
Monica Henry
June 24, 2011
How you can show support
Alexi and Kyle Walker
April 30, 2011
Powerful and beautiful voice of my generation. You will be missed greatly. We love you Poly! See you on the other side.
Beth Lorenz
April 30, 2011
Her whole life was spiritual and still will be!
charlotte porter
April 30, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this most diffcult time, Isa.25:8 , John 5:28,29.
Stuart Lawson
April 30, 2011
Hare Krishna sister,
So very sad,
Any news on the funeral?
Susan Klein
April 29, 2011
Such a beautiful voice. Such a great talent. The world is a much less colourful place without you.
Gone but not forgotten.
todd savidge
April 29, 2011
we'll miss you darling. you will always be remembered.todd savidge,ohio u.s.a.
paul sheridan
April 29, 2011
you were never a cliche...
alan Best
April 28, 2011
I just loved Poly S and X- Ray Spex. I am deeply sad that she's gone. I Don't think I'll ever listen to that Germfree Adolescence album ever again, without a slight tear in my eye, knowing she'll not here it either...or at least not in this world. If your up their Poly.. God bless and thanks.
Todd Wellingburger
April 28, 2011
With deepest sympathy.
John 11:1-44
nick
April 28, 2011
May your memory be eternal!
Michael Moran
April 28, 2011
Poly Styrene, thank you for your voice and your vision. You were a light in the darkness. Heaven is now dayglo.
B B
April 27, 2011
It is with sincere empathy that I offer my condolence to the daughter, family and friends of Poly Styrene. May the God of undeserved kindness grant you peace and comfort now, and beyond your time of bereavement.
James Ashel
April 27, 2011
RIP Polly I will never forget you....
April 27, 2011
My condolences to the family and friends of Poly Styrene. Matthew 5:28, 29 brings comfort in our loved ones being resurrected to a earthly paradise
April 26, 2011
R.I.P Poly , you will be sorely missed....mick
April 26, 2011
I am very sorry for your lost,the bible extends the encouraging hope of having our loved ones resurrected to live forever on a paradise earth- Matthew 5:28, 29.
~ Ingrid
April 26, 2011
What a voice Poly had! I have this great memory of walking into the crowded downstairs of the Hope & Anchor in Islington, and just being blown over by this girl that jumped onto the stage belting out "Oh Bondage"...Rest in Peace Polly.
Deb
April 26, 2011
Your music helped get me through high school in one piece! RIP Poly...
R Golay
April 26, 2011
To the the family of Poly Styrene - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Poly will be missed by many.
Lloyd Kosh
April 26, 2011
Poly, you changed my life. Yours was one of the first of many punk rock records that I would play over and over, all alone in my secret hiding place, waiting for the end of the world and wondering what wheatabix were.
much love forevermore,
alterv67
Madeleine Steczynski
April 26, 2011
As a young woman, Poly Styrene was such an inspiration to me! X-Ray Spex were unique, honest and powerful. I have spent the last 20 years of my life running a youth empowerment through music organization. I will be listening to Germ Free Adolescents with our teens this week and sending good vibes here way!
ViC Gilmore
April 26, 2011
A beautiful inspiration to me. "Knackered already... That's not the name of the song..." Vic @ Punk FM
Elizabeth Landis
April 26, 2011
You will always be loved, no one can forget that angelic voice of yours!
Greg Peters
April 26, 2011
One of the great punk vocalists, RIP.
April 26, 2011
Oh cancer, up yours. Poly inspired us all!
Gail Gamble
April 26, 2011
To the family and friends of Poly Styrene, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Be assured that you are not alone in your grief, the death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. I find much comfort from the Bible where it assures us that "Our Heavenly Father is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."
O, Texas
April 26, 2011
Sorry to here about the loss of your dear mother.May many fond memories and the love of God comfort you.
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
April 26, 2011
Rest now my friend,
Your suffering has ended.
XOXO,
T
April 26, 2011
What an amazing group. Enjoyed listening to her as a teen. She had such an amazing voice. God bless Poly and her family.
S Lewis
April 26, 2011
Our hearts were saddened by the loss of this talented woman. We pray the family find much comfort in the loving and precious memories of Poly. And may the God of tender mercies comfort your hearts while you heal. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
Tammy
April 26, 2011
One of the best groups I ever listened too!!! She had such an awesome voice. God Bless Poly and her family.
Polly Propylene
April 26, 2011
Really going to miss her. We were like sisters. Even had similar DNA.
You will always be in my thoughts and prayers,
Polly Propylene
April 26, 2011
kokoko
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