Poly Styrene has died at the age of 53.
The singer-songwriter, whose real name was Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, revealed earlier this year that she had undergone treatment for breast cancer.
A post on her official Twitter feed 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.”
An official statement continued: “We are sad to report that Marianne Elliot (aka Poly Styrene) lost her battle with cancer last night, 25th April 2011.
“Poly Styrene was a punk amongst punks. A groundbreaking presence that left an unrepeatable mark on the musical landscape, she made history the moment she uttered,’Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard but I think oh bondage up yours!’
“Poly Styrene never stopped exciting us with her incisive world-view, amazing wit, and her adventurous sound. It is impossible to imagine what modern music would be like without her incalculable contributions but it’s probably not worth imagining a world that never had Poly Styrene in it.”
Tributes have come in from across the world of music. Boy George said: “It’s seems true that Poly Styrene has passed away, she was my punk hero, I’m so heartbroken! (sic)”
Journalist Simon Price added: “Oh cancer, up yours… R.I.P. Poly Styrene, you absolute legend.”
Born on July 3, 1957, Poly was the frontwoman of punk band X-Ray Spex, who were best known for their single ‘Oh Bondage Up Yours!’ and debut album Germ Free Adolescents.
She released the solo album Generation Indigo this year.
Poly had one daughter, Celeste Bell-Dos Santos, who works as a teacher and musician in Spain.