UPDATED: R.I.P., Poly Styrene of X-ray Spex

By Lilledeshan Bose Tue., Apr. 26 2011 at 2:30 AM

UPDATE April 26, 2:30 a.m.: At 10:27 a.m. U.K. time, Poly Styrene's official Twitter feed confirmed that Poly did pass away last night due to breast cancer, in the company of her mother and her daughter, Celeste Bell-Dos Santos.

The post read: "We can confirm that the beautiful Poly Styrene, who has been a true fighter, won her battle on Monday evening to go to higher places."

The musician fronted X-Ray Spex in the late '70s; not only was their album Germ Free Adolescents groundbreaking for the punk rock movement in the U.K., she has also been credited as an influence to contemporary female-led rock groups from Seattle's riot grrls in the '90s to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Gossip today.

Boy George has paid tribute to her, tweeting from Twitter.com/boygeorge: "It's seems true that Poly Styrene has passed away, she was my punk hero, I'm so heartbroken!," adding, "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!"

Poly Styrene just released her solo album Generation Indigo in March in the U.K.; it is out in the U.S. today. Listen to the full Generation Indigo record streaming on AOL Spinner and watch the interview where she discusses the album track by track here.

Original post, Poly Styrene of X-ray Spex Rumored to Have Passed Away, April 25, 5:15 p.m.: While we can't confirm anything yet, according to her Facebook page, UK punk icon Poly Styrene, 53, passed away today.

The X-ray Spex's singer, born Marian Joan Elliott-Said on June 3, 1957, was diagnosed with cancer two months ago. Today, her Facebook page filled up with condolences and posts by people who were also trying to confirm the sad news. We're trying to get confirmation via her publicist, but have not heard back.

Poly Styrene's latest update on April 19 said, "Slowly slowly trying to get better, miss my walk along the promenade. Would be so nice to sing again, and play my new album live. Its nice to have something positive to look forward to, Love Poly X"

Screen shot 2011-04-25 at 5.24.49 PM.png

A screen capture of Poly Styrene's Facebook page

PREVIOUSLY: Poly Styrene, X-ray Spex Singer, Diagnosed With Cancer

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Poly Styrene, X-ray Spex

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DEM

I am so sad. I heard her new music earlier this week and thought it was (is) amazing. Talk about not wanting to die with your music still in you . . .

This woman had talent, strength and class. My condolences to her family and friends.

Girlfixer82

Another hero gone WAY too soon...RIP Poly...send Ari our love x

Julie "SIN34"

No, not another Punk Rock Angel.... You gave us your world as you saw it and we will forever carry it in our hearts n souls!!!!!! Here's to "WOMEN OF PUNK ROCK"..... U will truly be missed.... Julie "SIN34".

My 2 cents

Rumours like this shouldn't be spread. Until there's an official notice, then it's way out of order to circulate this news. It's already upset her fans, and hopefully Poly is still around and I'm sure this isn't the kind of thing she'd want to be reading.

Seriously, there are times this kind of shit really piss me off.

Sadzoo

This is weird. This is the only blog or news service of any kind reporting this rumor as news. It's after midnight in London, so of course her publicist hasn't responded. If this is only a rumor, as I hope it is, probably those who could respond don't even know this is being spread in the U.S. The Facebook page didn't report it, someone named "Stu Who" posted it on the Facebook page. Not an official source, so "According to her Facebook page" isn't exactly accurate. Since when is an Internet post "through a friend who's friends with her friends" a reliable source? Really irresponsible, even if it turns out to be true.

Lucythomson

I can confirm that Polystyrene,also known as Maharani to her Hare Krishna friends,passed away around 9.40pm last night,April 25th.Love,prayers and thoughts to her daughter,family and friends x

Rsm99833

@Lucythomson

And you are.....?And you can confirm......how?

Lucythomson

I'm a friend,(and also a close friend of Laura Logic)have known her for many years.She passed away from cancer.Another friend has been sending me updates, i received a text yesterday afternoon saying she was in a coma and another last night confirming she had passed away