Ari Up of The Slits dies at 48

Punk singer Ari Up- real name Ariana Forster- of the group The Slits has died at the age of 48, after an unspecified “serious illness.”

Forster’s death was announced on the website of her stepfather, John Lydon:

“John [Lydon] and Nora [Forster] have asked us to let everyone know that Nora’s daughter Arianna – aka Ari-Up – died today (October 20) after a serious illness,” was posted on JohnLydon.com. “She will be sadly missed. Everyone at JohnLydon.com and PiLofficial.com would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to John, Nora and family. Rest in Peace.”

Forster, who released her first full-length solo album back in 2005, started the band The Slits in 1976 at the age of 14. The band released two albums- Cut in 1979 and Return of the Giant Slits in 1981 before they dissolved. The Slits reformed in 2005, releasing two albums and touring America.

On the band’s MySpace page, the singer’s manager Jeff Jacquin commented on Forster’s passing:

“She influenced generations of women and created some of the most memorable music of our time, but Ari’s true magic was how she affected people on the street, face to face, every day,” he said.

“She ate life up and spit it out.”

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