Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex (from "The Punk Years")

X-Ray Spex featured singer Poly Styrene (born Marianne Elliot) on vocals, Jak Airport (Jack Stafford) on guitars, Paul Dean on bass, Paul 'B. P.' Hurding on drums, and Lora Logic (born Susan Whitby) on saxophone. This latter instrument was an atypical addition to the standard punk instrumental line-up, and became one of the group's most distinctive features.

X-Ray Spex's other distinctive musical element was Opera-trained Poly Styrene's voice, which has been variously described as "effervescently discordant" and "powerful enough to drill holes through sheet metal". As Mari Elliot, Poly had released a reggae single for GTO Records in 1976, "Silly Billy", which had not charted. Born in 1957 in Brixton, London, of Somali-English parentage, Poly Styrene became the group's public face, and remains one of the most memorable front-women to emerge from the punk movement. Not conventionally attractive, she wore braces on her teeth and once stated that "If anybody tried to make me a sex symbol I would shave my head tomorrow".

• Category

  Music

[DJPaulV]

REST IN PEACE, POLY!

OH CANCER, UP YOURS!!!!! ;(

[1050ccTriumph]

As you get older you hear about your idols or "celebs" you grew up with dying every month or 2. This one really punched me in the chest! Heard it on the radio going to work. Was gutted! At the age of 10, X-Ray Spex sounded better to me than the Pistols, The Clash or any of the others, purely down to Poly. Even at that young age, her look and sound left a lasting impression. What really got me was how young she was. A bit gutted...

[melanie brandt]

You know, that was me then. Thirteen, awkward, black & white, loved all things different and weird. 'cause I felt very different and definately was considered weird! Embrace it.

[melanie brandt]

I really relate(d) to X-Ray Spex. The lyrics. Brilliant. I still think, "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" when I see images glorifying feminine restraint...so damn tired! Anyway, Polly Styrene: AMAZING!!!!!

[Ruth Dower]

I hate the way punk is portrayed today as stupid guys prancing about wild coloured hair and stupid mowhawks.

[Dhani Hanyev]

Poly you were punk. if not THE punk of that era. really

[10percentwierd]

Fell in love with Poly, she was gorgeous

[Pazzensutra1]

"Trained opera singer"?

[stoptherot1]

Polly was something very special to behold. The music community don't recognise how much they really owe to her.

[RogeyAndJefferCO]

At the end, mostly, but if anybody knows the other songs it would be helpful. Thanks!