Punk icon Poly Styrene dead

Styrene who formed the band in the 70's after attending a 'Sex Pistols' concert at the age of 18, became an icon with her often controversial style, reported BBC online.

The singer whose real name was Marianne Elliot-Said, had cancer of the spine and breast. "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," said a statement on her official Twitter feed.

Styrene became known for her unpolished vocals and energetic rallying cries against consumerism and environmental destruction.

X Ray Spex's signature tune was 'Oh Bondage Up Yours', a riotous rejection of social and gender norms that began with Styrene saying, "Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard."

The band released just one album, Germ Free Adolescents, in 1978, before splitting up. The singer went on to record a more subtle and subdued solo album, 'Translucence', in 1980, before retreating from the music industry to join the Hare Krishnas.

She moved into a Krishna temple in Hertfordshire with her daughter and struggled with bipolar disorder. Tributes have started pouring in from the industry and one of the first to tweet was Boy George.

"I was a fan of Poly before I got to know her, she was a Krishna follower too, oh bless you Polly you will be missed! Legend," wrote George.

She occasionally re-emerged into the limelight, and released her third solo album, 'Generation Indigo', last month.