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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 26 June 2008

X-Ray revision as a legend of punk returns

PREVIEW: X - RAY SPEX
Roundhouse

LONG before Pink and even Courtney Love there was another punk diva who made heads turn. In the 1970s, Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex wore tooth braces and a military helmet.
X-Ray Spex last played at the Roundhouse 30 years ago, at the height of the punk-rock era. But Poly quit the band within three years and has since joined the Hare Krishna movement and had a child. But she’s back with the band to play a one-off return gig at the Roundhouse on September 6. Andy Dangerfield caught up with her…

Andy Dangerfield: Do you consider yourself a punk?
Poly Styrene: No, but the music I play is described as punk-rock. I consider myself to be a spirit soul, a ghost in the machine.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress. But I failed an audition at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and gave up. After that I did a bit of fringe theatre at the Oval House but nothing major. I was also training to sing while contemplating being an actress.

Are you still mates with any punk-rockers from the 70s, like Johnny Rotten?
I got on the Pistols guestlist last year with Tessa from the Slits. But I haven’t seen John since the 70s.

Are there enough females in rock music?
You have to have a strong voice to sing rock. I think gender is a secondary consideration, but I would personally like to see more women rock stars.

How does your music differ from other punk bands?
I consider my music to be high energy and I think my lyrics are probably a bit different.

What does the song title “Bondage, Up Yours!” mean?
It is a cry for liberation from the material world.

Why did you decide to reform?
I was persuaded by the promoter and once I said yes there was no going back.

You played at the Roundhouse 30 years ago. What can fans expect from your
performance this time around?
A celebration of 30 years of germ-free adolescents.

Can fans expect to hear any new songs at the gig?
We will be playing some songs from the second X-ray Spex album Conscious Consumer, and one new one.

Any plans to head back to the recording studio?
Maybe.

I read that you ran away from home at 15 to tour the rock festivals. Are you planning to go to any festivals this year?
I probably won’t do the festivals this year as I don’t like mud. But I am planning to play at a festival in Texas in November.

Who are your heroes?
Radha and Krishna.

Who are your favourite bands at the moment?
Goldblade. I like their song Psycho and their energy. I think John Robb puts a lot into his performance.

Who are your style icons?
Hollywood sirens from the 1940s.

What’s the biggest fashion faux pas you’ve made?
A blue foam dress I wore with an army helmet at the Brixton Academy in 1991. I really can’t remember what I did with it but it probably went to the charity shop.

You’re originally from Hastings. Do you prefer the city or the seaside?
I prefer the seaside because the air quality is better but I like Millennium Bridge as it is still by water.

How do you relax?
I swim, listen to spiritual music and light candles.

Are you still doing yoga?
I practise Bhakti yoga which is meditation. I do this every day.
If this one’s a success, do you think you’ll be doing any more gigs?
Maybe.

X-Ray Spex play the Roundhouse on September 6. 7pm. £30
www.roundhouse.org.uk/

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