Poly Styrene

Poly Styrene's inspiring sensitivity should be the true legacy of punk

Mixed race, with braces on her teeth, Poly broke the mould of UK punk. A new documentary explores her struggle to find meaning in the Day-Glo chaos of modern life

Rachel Aggs

05, Mar, 2021 @1:00 PM

Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché review – riveting take on British punk heroine

The X-Ray Spex singer is revealed as a mystic, rebellious working-class woman of colour in this valuable film

Peter Bradshaw

05, Mar, 2021 @9:00 AM

Revenge of the She-Punks by Vivien Goldman; Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story by Celeste Bell and Zoë Howe - review

Two compelling stories of punk bring female voices to the fore

Laura Snapes

13, May, 2019 @6:00 AM

My mum, the punk pioneer: Poly Styrene’s daughter remembers the X-Ray Spex leader

Six years since her death, the punk singer remains hugely influential. Her daughter reflects on learning ‘the family business’, how fame nearly broke her mother – and why she’s making a film of her life

Celeste Bell

28, Apr, 2017 @3:02 PM

The Punk Singer – empowering and insightful

Former riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna comes across as a force still to be reckoned with in this impressive documentary, writes Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode

24, May, 2014 @11:04 PM

Poly Styrene and punk's perfect Christmas single

Punk band Goldblade have re-released City of Christmas Ghosts this year, a duet featuring the late Poly Styrene. It now stands as a tribute to one of my dear friends, says the band's John Robb, a woman who was both a pal and an inspiration

John Robb

19, Dec, 2013 @5:08 PM

NME: 60 years of rock history ... and four front covers that define their eras

On the eve of its 60th birthday next month, four NME editors pick their favourite covers. Interviews by Killian Fox

Interviews by Killian Fox

26, Feb, 2012 @12:06 AM

There's nothing wrong in refusing to accept imminent death

Why, having had the illness, I don't cringe at reports that Poly Styrene 'lost her fight against cancer'

Deborah Orr

28, Apr, 2011 @8:00 AM

Poly Styrene obituary

One of the punk era's original talents, she fronted the band X-Ray Spex

Adam Sweeting

26, Apr, 2011 @5:58 PM

Poly Styrene – an optimist to the last

Dave Simpson: Even while battling cancer in a hospice, the former X-Ray Spex singer was talking about writing new songs and fighting cynicism. Here was a pop star who truly made a difference

Dave Simpson

26, Apr, 2011 @1:04 PM

Poly Styrene dies aged 53

The punk icon and singer with X-Ray Spex has died from an advanced form of breast cancer

Rosie Swash

26, Apr, 2011 @10:19 AM

Poly Styrene: The Spex factor

Poly Styrene, the punk upstart from X-Ray Spex, is promoting a new album – and fighting cancer, writes Dave Simpson