April 26, 2011 10:03

X-Ray Spex's Poly Styrene dies of cancer

Singer passes away aged 53

X-Ray Spex's Poly Styrene dies of cancer

Photo: Press

Poly Styrene, former singer with X-Ray Spex, has died of cancer aged 53.

The singer's death was confirmed this morning (April 26) to NME by her UK spokesperson.

The punk icon, real name Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, revealed that she was suffering from the illness in February this year.

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.

Boy George has paid tribute to her, tweeting from Twitter.com/boygeorge: "I was a fan of Poly before I got to know her, she was a Krishna follower too, oh bless you Poly you will be missed! Legend!"

She is survived by her one daughter, Celeste Bell-Dos Santos.

Blog - Poly Styrene was one of popular music's great voices

In Photos - Poly Styrene remembered

Watch Poly Styrene's final video, 'Virtual Boyfriend'


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