X-Ray Spex Raincoats Slits form punk supergroup for festival
Fifty years after the raw, defiant spirit of punk exploded onto the scene, a new generation of icons is gathering to celebrate the movement’s legacy. A historic supergroup, forged from the ashes of punk royalty, is set to ignite a celebration in London.
Musicians from legendary bands like X-Ray Spex>, The Raincoats>, and The Slits> are coming together for a landmark festival designed to honour the past, present, and future of female punk. Dubbed Up Yours! God Save The Queens>, this event promises to be a vibrant retrospective filled with the art, fashion, and noise that defined a cultural revolution.
The centerpiece of the celebration will be a spectacular reunion, featuring a one-off gig at Electric Brixton on October 16, where the God Save The Queens> will officially form. This unique supergroup unites pioneering musicians from across generations, offering a powerful statement on punk’s enduring influence.
The event will delve deep into the archives of the movement, showcasing artwork, photography, fashion, and personal materials from those who led the charge. The flagship exhibition, opening on October 23, will be staged at the Museum of Youth Culture in Camden, featuring previously unseen works and archival prints of figures like Siouxsie-Sioux> and Chrissie-Hynde>.
The live performance promises to be electric. The headline act will feature a historic reunion of X-Ray Spex, including original members Lora Logic and Paul Dean, alongside Celeste Bell, daughter of Poly Styrene, who will perform her mother’s iconic songs. The lineup will also include contemporaries such as Hollie Cook, Gina Birch, Rhoda Dakar, and members of Hot-Wax>, tracing the lineage of punk rock through the decades.
The festival is thoughtfully curated by filmmaker and performer Celeste Bell, alongside Lauren Estelle Jones, who brings the depth of contemporary art and archival knowledge to the celebration. The exhibition itself will feature the 100-Club> is also hosting special shows celebrating the 50th anniversary of iconic punk gigs from 1976, featuring acts like Sprints> and Maruja>, offering nostalgic celebrations at an incredibly accessible price point.
The energy of punk remains undimmed, continually inspiring new sounds and pushing creative boundaries. Whether through a supergroup celebrating female pioneers or revisiting the raw energy of 1976, the legacy of punk continues to resonate across the globe.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
