Former Front Woman of X-ray Spex, Poly Styrene, has Passed Away

On Monday evening, Poly Styrene lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53.

Styrene, who was born Marian Joan Elliott-Said, Rocked out in X-ray Spex during the 1970s and became an icon for the landmark punk scene. As a bi-racial feminist punk, Styrene was the ideal face for the musical uprising.

With such albums as Germ Free Adolescents and Generation Indigo, Styrene led the revolution in punk music. Speaking up for animal rights, the poor, and those combating racisim, she was truly the voice of the counterculture for her generation.

After overcoming many hardships in life, including being diagnoised with bi-polar disorder, Styrene was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Despite her illness, the queen of punk continued to promote her latest solo album, Generation Indigo.

The album is full of Styrene’s spirit and combines her classic punk mentality with new fresh sounds.

Styrene was very proud of Generation Indigo. See an interview where she discusses the album track by track here.