Kate Nash, The Brute Chorus and more have joined the tributes being paid to iconic Slits singer Ari Up.
Still in her teens when The Slits formed, Ari Up approached punk from a very different viewpoint to her – predominantly male – peers. The shocking displays of feminine sexuality was mixed with a real charm, and above all a contagious sense of humour.
The band’s debut album ‘Cut’ is nigh on perfect, especially since modern editions add their inventive cover of ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’. Fusing Motown, post-punk and dub reggae it is a stunning rendition.
Sadly passing away on Wednesday (October 20th) after a short battle with ill health, Ari Up leaves behind her a formidable legacy. Paying tribute to the singer, Kate Nash explained that The Slits helped her develop her own identity.
“Because of that album (1979’s ‘Cut’), I developed my musical tastes, bought records and learnt about feminism and politics and how important the link between music and those issues are,” she told the NME.
Continuing, Kate Nash remembered how it felt to be a teenage girl and discover The Slits. “I also felt confidence as a teenage girl, I felt liberated and empowered and that I could be smart, musical and creative and that maybe somehow I could make a difference in the world too.”
The death of Ari Up has left fans in shock. Leading a new version of The Slits, the singer was still producing inventive, daring music until the end. Saddened by the news, Mary Anne Hobbs wrote on her Twitter page: “RIP Ari Up.. such and inspirational woman.. a very sad day for punk fans”.
Meanwhile, The Brute Chorus have expressed their shock: “Sad to wake up and read that Ari Up has died. Only got to see the Slits at one of their reunion shows but they blew me away. RIP”.
Sometime Clash contributor John Robb witnessed the beautiful assault of The Slits at first hand, and was left devastated by the news. “Ari Up RIP can’t believe this is true, she was a force of nature…a true original and a total inspiration”.
