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

[@lookingatthemarkets]

John Lydon isn't known for giving compliments freely. Poly was truly extraordinary

[@petergoldsworthy2454]

High praise indeed

[@robbaker1841]

Poly was more punk than Lyndon ever could be!! New documentary coming out about her and her alone- a genius!!

[@neilonaniet]

Oh yeah, John Lydon ... about as punk as my nan was.

[@Warrendeansnipes]

Just another talking head talkin. They all became old people worried about their yards.

[@crystalblur3]

Words cannot describe how much this woman changed my life seriously.

[@kevinhenaghan773]

I feel sad watching this. She was such an outrageously talented women and was never given the recognition she deserved. Even her death was relatively low key

[@drew6108]

Kevin Henaghan, it’s horrible

[@birdstimpson725]

Was she not? They never really charted well but it's well documented the influence X-Ray Spex had almost instantly from their inception. True, they would've of reached a wider audience if the BBC played punk but to say they aren't recognized is quite farfetched, i don't know a single women who does not know her name.

[@benpotaka5893]

I agree, she deserves so much accolades than she ever got

[@jerryjad9971]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my password. I appreciate any tips you can give me

[@rohanjimmy3510]

@Jerry Jad instablaster =)

[@kencoa]

I had a huge crush on Poly Styrene when I was a kid. She was the kind of Punk Princess Kelly Osbourne wishes she could have been. Poly Styrene and Robin Johnson from the film "Times Square" were the true Punk Princesses.

[@devangelis]

I just love the way Poly speaks: "I didn't put my braces on for FAH-shun". Her accent, her diction, she rocks!! I've loved her for 20 years!!!

[@bryans9008]

One of the video contributor's says "She wasn't really punk-somewhere in between" WRONG! She bloody well WAS punk! and a big part of it too!!

[@permaveg]

That was Andy Czezowski one time manager of The Damned, she was indeed punk she was the epitome of an individual, she had her own style, music and outlook, everything that punk was supposed to be about. X Ray Spex were truly one of the early punk bands, I know I lived through it, god bless Marianne Joan Eliott-Said, a most rare diamond she was that's sadly missed today.

[@rgm1188]

I think you misheard. He says, 'she was on her own, somewhere.' Which is perhaps a compliment, compared to just being part of the punk scene.

[@danielangel4426]

Bryans900 nothing is more punk then saying fuck punk.

[@tonyc4027]

Funny, the commmetattor in the 1st 3 seconds says Polystyrene from X-ray Spex. Like the is a band with a woman singer. Shite.

[@skinhead1975]

Who has ever listened to a bloody word billy Bragg had to say

[@andrewhowell2283]

I had the great pleasure of seeing them live ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ RIP QUEEN OF PUNK

[@mrblifil]

True genius. This clip is an excellent introduction for many people to a true pioneer, and a real original. Bless her, so sorry to lose her.

[@scotty6346]

RIP Polly, You are a legend. Polly and the X-Ray specs were a great band, Superb vocals, Guitar sound and drumming!

[@davidwoodland5382]

I was really saddened to hear that she passed. Huge fan of her music ever since my teens.

[@MsRooey]

She was a big part of my childhood , who I will never forget...her influence stays with me always...I regret her passing so early in her life.

[@raphaelgonzalez5032]

Half Scottish Irish/ half Somali. RIP Poly

[@thenewguy2006]

What a mix

[@tomski787]

HUGE voice, tiny lass. Thanks, Poly. R.I.P., Take care.

[@peskypesky]

RIP, Poly. You were one of the true pioneers.

[@10percentwierd]

Fell in love with Poly, she was gorgeous

[@Rubieraoreilly]

She had a truly unique voice....fantastic !!!!

[@antonhaq3503]

Poly was a big part of the punk scene, she was there from the very early days, close friends with Rotten and Viv Albertine. Nonsense to say she wasn't part of it.

[@brodel77]

i love her voice.

[@icky5808]

the way Styrene mixed her hippie politics of ecosystem consciousness with diy punk politics of anti-image, anti-consumer, anti-capitalism are so admirable and revolutionary. she was one of a kind. rip

[@markuswilliams3190]

a true original band.

[@bulldog1066jpd]

Loved Polly.... she brought so much to the scene.... true legend. RIP

[@ottowes]

Poly influenced Debbie Harry (Blondie and solo work), Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill and later bands) and even more acts that are popular today. She was akin to a one-woman tidal wave of originality. RIP Poly.

[@andrewgarrett3555]

Could you cite sources for this, specifically the part about Debbie Harry?

[@lucatricky1457]

Blondie started to play at least a couple of years before XRay Spex...

[@v-town1980]

One-woman with tons of male talent rocking the tunes😊

[@theonlytruepunk]

Believe me, there are thousands of young kids out there that know more about the bands I used to see and listen to on vinyl, in the '70's and 80's. Kids are really interested in its (punk) history. You would be amazed. Just look around.

[@Ahzdiosh]

One great album that you can still enjoy today - that's what really matters.

[@aivopark]

Punk rock and Rock`N roll forever !

[@PinkyPuff69]

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.

[@Warrendeansnipes]

That's every thirteen-year-old girl some become b****** obsessed with ridiculous teenage social scene The good ones Channel it creatively the others have two bad marriages. Complain about alimony though actually kind of wealthy. Take forever at Whole Foods and have Kids they don't let watch certain TV because it's too violent

[@Warrendeansnipes]

Checkout Annabella from Bow Wow Wow another Malcolm McLaren creation

[@martinbradshaw7336]

poly a true icon, sadly missed, always loved

[@pullthereins]

Sheer Brilliance from head to toe. We miss you Poly ❤️

[@garethtyson]

My friend turned me on x-ray specs when I was 12 years old (52 now);and that was it I was hooked by Poly styrene. R.I P

[@TheeEnd23]

The first time I heard Oh bondage up yours, her voice and energy hit my like a baseball bat

[@LarzGustafsson]

She will always remain stunning!

[@martinquarton8535]

Brilliant music from Poly and the gang.

[@crestmere]

X Ray Spex's songs play incredibly well now. I played it for someone and had them guess what year it was and they thought it was contemporary.

[@CONTV101]

Rest In Peace Poly Styrene.

[@lennylaa1686]

She blossomed into quite a beauty, didn't she? Or am I not allowed to say things like that in this day and age?

[@pfordsq]

She did. I don't think she was hung up on personal appearance , so much as she embraced that she became this beautiful swan. Not that she was "Ugly " before , more unconventionally cute , yet awkward , in a way Hipster chicks would kill to attain , today , but , can't.

[@FlamesCagney]

Amazing that before punk took off we knew of Poly Styrene in Suburban america

[@Internut1985]

Her dad was Somali mother was Scott-Irish

[@Krakshot]

Ah. Shortly after their inception, Lora and Poly had a falling out. She was replaced! But that did not stop that absolutely BRILLIANT woman. She went on to form Essential Logic, an almost equally scathing band that lasted into the 90s. Check 'em out! You will NOT be disappointed.

[@colorfields]

I think X-Ray Spex lyrics are very visual. The music too. It sounds pink, lime, yellow, neon, etc. so mature. I love Billy Braggs comment on this video.

[@ericcrawford9827]

Visionary.

[@benpotaka5893]

So influential, and so cute ❤️ RIP Poly

[@justinfossa1254]

She sings powerful in key, screaming refers to lack of tone and control.

[@stevenw.miguel]

Well she dropped key. That’s why it was shocking she was an opera singer. It’s liberating to sing poorly when youre forced to sound good youre whole life

[@Warrendeansnipes]

In their hit oh bondage (up yours) the second time she hits yours in the chorus she always sings off-key as she hits or slides into whatever secondary note she seems to wind up at. It's kind of a trademark of the song and is definitely/ purposely / gratingly/ wonderfully out of key

[@Treaure]

Yes! There will never be another. I love her

[@shamsoni]

Bought identity when I was a 14 year old Indian Punk

[@g.g.6362]

Too genuinely talented,unique, original,authentic,independent and the real deal,to be Punk..... An unforgettable Treasure.

[@JamesJones-bb4bx]

Nobody can touch poly styrene ...my youth still know all the words ..r.i.p poly

[@rocktypedude]

goddess would be adored totally if she did it again. my god could you imagine if you hit the scene today, outstanding lol

[@HearturMind]

LOVE love love her forever. I wish they played the interview johnny Lydon saying, “Polly, a really nice girl who’s voice can punch holes in steel.” PLUS that band could PLAY!!!! Tight.

[@jeffreyleese6558]

She became older..even more beautiful.

[@chunkybuster7203]

She wasn't punk, she was unique! She had class, you can't buy that!

[@birdstimpson725]

Ahahahaha this sentence would ruin a sociologist.

[@benbim540]

Rest easy poly never forgotten a true one off.

[@tvdrpr]

seriously amazing.

[@nikkirockznikkirockz8551]

#TheCoolestOfTheKidZ!!! 💞💚💕

[@Man777Alive]

I hate these modern music programmes with people talking about bands that they are VERY clearly too young to have ever seen live but they claim they have! I was about back then and did listen to x ray spex, I was too young to go and see them and I'm 53! This type of programme is everywhere now as they rewrite history to suit their agenda. My personal favourite about punk is that they all hated long hair and prog rock! Absolute bollocks. At school in Liverpool we were listening to both. It was not unusual to see someone carrying a Yes album as well as a Stiff little fingers album. To prove this one of Lydons favourite bands? Hawkwind! If you listen to the discordant sax that is very Hawkwind as are the repetitive savage riffs. Just like to say Polly was a visionary, check out the lyrics from one so young. Top top stuff, from a beautiful soul.

[@briteness]

Almost all music acts that make it on any level have a limited time before their moment passes. It is rarely more than 5 years, and often, as in X-Ray Spex' case, much less than that. Most of the time, bands try to push beyond that rather natural limitation, with usually disappointing results. It seems like Poly knew when it was time to quit, and her legacy is stronger for it.

[@tabithaciccone]

Iconic!!

[@willmac5642]

She sums up what punk was supposed to be about

[@0utcastAussie]

RIP Poly ..Give em hell up there !!

[@nsgunner]

Hi Khultan. I was just saying that I dont usually listen this kind of heavy metal music but I love music.

[@CrazedPeeling]

i love her!

[@dsharp7441]

outrageous for the times...a warrior in a sexist world....and a beauty!!! she stood up when it wasn't "ok" for women to rebel!!! poly for ever!!!!!

[@nsgunner]

Born in 1957 in Brixton, London, of Somaliland-English parentage. Somaliland love you sis

[@Darksunshinerain87]

@Gozillacia Thank you for this lovely comment, it made my day. I'm crushed that Poly is gone but I know that I have her music to listen to forever. I see you made it years ago and it will always stand through time.

[@marcloaf]

Awesome

[@Batticia]

Rest in peace x-ray spec

[@PinkyPuff69]

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!!!!!

[@kevincarlson668]

john Lydon liked something for once? That seals my conviction that Poly and X-Ray Spex were truly something special.

[@TheFokker03]

there were two females who enlivened punk,one was Poly,sadly no longer with us,the other was Siouxsie Sioux of the Banshees fame.

[@Krakshot]

Punk IS. IS! While I agree that X-Ray Spex is quite possibly the most intense, relevant, soul-scathing, and absolutely blistering band in the history of our people... I must say I disagree with the assertion that one is less credible or knowledgable due to their absence from the first wave. That is, if that is what you're implying. Age? It's all the rage. ;P

[@fasthracing]

One off. RIP

[@jamierourketen]

she is even better looking now!

[@devangelis]

Thanks!

[@toonmunger]

Excellent stuff.

[@Derby62]

no matter, she is a fuckin Legend

[@Derby62]

yep

[@ThePsyndicate]

Way ahead of her time!!

[@dhaniinahd]

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

[@Nilguiri]

RIP Poly Styrene. A fucking punk legend!

[@mutikonka]

I loved X Ray Spex in 1978 and they're still one of the few bands of that era that don't sound dated. Do they still have Wimpey Bars?

[@wonderlin1]

The Punk Rock Era - something new & rebellious - torn clothing held together with safety pins - mispell words - it was great to see the hair go from messed up short to Mohawk to colored - the object was to keep shocking & going against the system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@minutegongcoughs]

The Roxy was a great place. Friendly, no hassle and even quick bar service. No star trips there. The best. When that folded it was time to go back to Syd Barrett.

[@heathstjohn6775]

Very interesting that she spoke completely differently than in earlier interviews.

[@roddale8412]

Great woman, great band, dreadful documentary.

[@devangelis]

?!?!?!?!?! Someone havin a bad day? Simply said "just curious." I love her too. Was thrilled to find out shes a sister.

[@Damoskinos]

She reminds me a bit of Sally Thompsett from the Railway Children with attitude

[@adellutri]

X Ray Spex fuckin' rocked.

[@habeebee]

The poor sods themselves are hauled in to reminisce about their one glory moment two decades ago as long as they dont come out with anything more than two-sentence "oh how amazing it was" soundbites, and the worst of it are these random 'expert' commentators who throw in gratuitous one-liners about how brilliant / groundbreaking / unique / revolutionary the subject of tonight's programme was that you could cut out and paste into any one of these docs without anyone noticing the difference. Barf.

[@binstig]

THEY'VE REFORMED

[@ThePsyndicate]

saved my life

[@mastercylinder1939]

X-Ray specs were great.

[@DJPaulV]

REST IN PEACE, POLY! OH CANCER, UP YOURS!!!!! ;(

[@14ed14ed]

je t'aime poly

[@nsgunner]

I dont like this kind of music but Somaliland people are very proud of her. Marianne aka Poly Styrene, you are welcome in Somaliland.

[@SpirAn1971]

HOORAY! :D

[@mattojorojo]

RIP POLY!!!

[@skullnzilla]

she is still soooo cute.

[@newwave1965]

Back in the day the female rockers of the late 70's Blondie,Penelope Black of selector,Poly Styrene, viv of the Slits Chrissie Hynde, & Siouxsie All had there own style and all pave the way for women in music today. They all left there mark on the history of rock music.

[@lennylaa1686]

Or was it ''Pauline'' Black?

[@BulletmanDoom]

R.I.P. Poly

[@lazyrrr2411]

And what a Grand Lot of jolly Ponces , they !

[@flyblackchick]

RIP Poly!