Punk Pioneer Poly Styrene Dies

Former X Ray Specs frontwoman passes away aged 53

Published 26th Apr 2011

The singer-songwriter, whose real name was Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, revealed earlier this year that she had undergone treatment for breast cancer.

Long-time friend Symond Lawes confirmed on Poly's Facebook page: "I just spoke to her mother and its very true, she passed away quietly last night, her mother and daughter were with her, bless you Marianne. Symond xxx"

X-Ray Spex formed in 1976 in London and released one studio album, 1978's 'Germ Free Adolescents'. Poly went on to have a solo career and her latest solo album, 'Generation Indigo', was released on March 28 this year.

Poly had one daughter, Celeste Bell-Dos Santos, who works as a teacher and musician in Spain.

RIP Poly Styrene 1957-2011