The Slits | Artist

The Slits were a British post-punk dub band formed 1976 in London by Ari Up (vocals), Palmolive (drums, vocals), Kate Korus (guitar) and Suzy Gutsy (bass). Viv Albertine (guitar, vocals) and Tessa Pollitt (bass, vocals) replaced Korus and Gutsy soon after the band formed. They got their big break as a support band, along with Buzzcocks, on The Clash's White Riot tour. Soon after they recorded their masterpiece debut album Cut produced by Dennis Bovell, with Neneh Cherry on backing vocals. The band carried on with lineup changes until 2010 when lead singer Ari Up passed away. The Slits' unique mix of post punk and dub styles, coupled with their social and political activism made them one of the most influential bands of their era. Cut is a classic album and Return of the Giant Slits is also excellent. Ari Up, the step-daughter of the Sex Pistols' John Lydon, also worked on collaborations with Lee Perry, New Age Steppers, Singers and Players, and Adrian Sherwood. Palmolive later worked with The Raincoats, and Viv Albertine has released solo works since the Slits disbanded in 2010.

Artist Website: theslits.co.uk

Featured Albums: The Slits

Related Artists: Ari Up, Viv Albertine, Hollie Cook, New Age Steppers