Ari Up, whose death from cancer has just been announced, it was a very powerful energy force - a pioneer who embodied the punk spirit. As a singer and co-writer on the gaps, which completely redefines what a woman could do in music and - in the ethos of the time - opening possibilities to explore by yourself and many others in the coming years.
The Slits broke out during his appearance in Harlesden Coliseum in March 1977. Like many groups at that time, they were learning on the fly: the action was chaotic and violent. But nobody had seen young women behave like this on stage: the enactment of a gross travesty of sexuality, while seemingly harder and more disturbing than the other (male) groups on the bill.
I loved seeing that in 1977 and 1978. The sample was more consistent, but not always the edge of chaos - which added to the excitement. Visually, the drummer Palmolive was exceptional: standing to play, beating the crap out of his place in thunderous, tribal patterns. Bassist Tessa Pollitt remained quiet and attentive, while guitarist Viv Albertine prowled the stage like a tiger.
Up front, Ari howled, screamed, toasts, singing, skank, got clothes, her hair pulled bird's nest, and generally behaved in a more des-lady-like. She was the confrontation in person and on stage, but his courage went hand in hand with the desire cheerful adolescent shock and outrage that was a major boost in punk.
The openings are difficult to assimilate in a conservative industry, music dominated by men. The songs became more clear, and when I heard they were tuneful, witty and extremely sharp. FM was a masterpiece - a session recorded for John Peel in 1977 - which addresses the insidious psychological effects the media. Finish with a sweep of radio that includes salacious Union Gap Young Girl.
By the time the cracks recorded their first album in 1979, were a completely different band from their early thrash. Produced by Dennis Bovell, the reggae-infused Court is justly celebrated as a landmark declaration that included strong themes such as Newtown, shoplifting and, of course, Typical Girls - a permanent show for young women who seek to reject the standard.
Punk has become so familiar that people forget their primordial unity, revolutionary. For a brief period, everything had to be new. Had it not been done before, is: why not? What should I leave? Ari Up enacted this momentum on stage, on record, and in person at the 21 st century. In any language, it was heroic, and I congratulate you: I feel that it's gone.
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