Sad to hear of the death today of Marianne Elliott-Said better known as Poly Styrene of great first generation punk band X-Ray Spex. Born in Bromley, I remember that she lived in Dulwich in the 1990s.
This film of the band playing their song Identity in 1978 appears to have been filmed in Andrew Logan's warehouse space aat Butlers Wharf by the south end of Tower Bridge - you can see one of Logan's trademark mirror pieces on the stage. In the 1970s this was a semi-derelict area where Logan held his famous Alternative Miss World parties and his neighbour Derek Jarman made films. Today the refurbished Butler's Wharf is full of expensive eateries, luxury flats and offices. Sadly, punks no longer clamber over its rooftops. But the spirit of Poly (and indeed of the late Derek Jarman) will never be erased.
Each one of these women inspired me in different ways. I liked Poly Styrene's optimism & her voice both her singing voice & her outlook on life. I admired Ari Up's ability to be true to herself and creative and productive all her life. It's sad that cancer would take both of them within such a short period of time.RIP Poly Styrene.
ReplyDeleteI was very sad to hear of Polly's death.
ReplyDeleteGFA was one of my first and favourite albums, and my first self bought t-shirt. I wrote to the band twice and received letters and photos in return. Sadly I never got to see them live. I also enjoyed Polly's Paramatma 12" and will check out her most recent album. Thanks for posting the video - haven't seen that in a long time. RIP.