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Ari UpBritish rock singer
Date of Birth: 17.01.1962
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Ari Up: Trailblazing Punk Icon and Musical Pioneer
- The Slits: A Punk Phenomenon
- Beyond The Slits: Experimental Collaborations
- The New Age Steppers and Solo Endeavors
- Revival of The Slits and Later Years
- Legacy and Passing
Ari Up: Trailblazing Punk Icon and Musical Pioneer
Early Life and Punk RootsAriane Forster, known by her stage name Ari Up, was born in Munich, Germany, and raised in London. Her father was the son of a wealthy newspaper owner, while her mother, Nora, worked in the rock industry. Up's unconventional upbringing immersed her in the world of music. Her godfather was John Anderson of Yes, and her stepfather became Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon after Nora married him. The Forster household became a gathering place for punk musicians, where Up learned guitar under the guidance of Joe Strummer from The Clash.
The Slits: A Punk Phenomenon
In 1977, at the tender age of 14, Up formed the all-female punk band The Slits. The original lineup included Palmolive (drums), Kate Korus (guitar), Suzi Gutsy (bass), and later Tessa Pollitt (bass) and Viv Albertine (guitar). Over the next four years, The Slits released two critically acclaimed studio albums, "Cut" and "Return of the Giant Slits," leaving an enduring mark on the punk genre.
Beyond The Slits: Experimental Collaborations
While with The Slits, Up also pursued solo projects. She contributed percussion to Talking Heads' "Fear of Music" and collaborated with Adrian Sherwood of On-U Records. The 1980 single "Fade Away" with New Age Steppers, featuring a diverse cast of musicians, marked the beginning of her experimental journey.
The New Age Steppers and Solo Endeavors
Up's work with The New Age Steppers influenced The Slits' last album, "Return of the Giant Slits." After the band's dissolution, Up continued her experiments with the group, releasing albums like "Action Battlefield" and "Foundation Steppers." She also released her debut solo album, "Dread More Dan Dead," in 2005.
Revival of The Slits and Later Years
In 2006, Up reunited The Slits with Tessa Pollitt. The band released an EP and toured extensively. Up also performed solo with her backing band, The True Warriors. Her collaborations included work with Jammyland All Stars, Brave New Girl, Dubistry, and Lee "Scratch" Perry.
Legacy and Passing
Ari Up's untimely passing in 2010 at the age of 48 sent shockwaves through the music world. Diagnosed with cancer, she left behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in punk rock. Up's pioneering spirit, experimental nature, and unwavering commitment to music continue to inspire generations of artists.
