Unfortunately, Vi Subversa of Poison Girls passed away yesterday after a short illness. She was 80.
Poison Girls formed in 1976 with Vi Subversa as their frontwoman and guitarist. Perhaps somewhat unusually for the the time, when the band formed, Vi was already a mother and in her 40s. Poison Girls were unique in the early English punk scene. They were one of the first bands to introduce an avant-garde style of music to the scene and also focused heavily on gender issues. Soon after forming, the band developed a relationship with Crass and toured with that band for over 100 gigs.
The band released three main albums and numerous singles. Both their album Chappaquiddick Bridge and their split-single with Crass, "Persons Unknown," are considered landmark releases. See a statement by Subversa's son, Pete Fender below, and hear some of the band's songs.
Vi Subversa
20th June 1935 - 19th February 2016
It is with deep sorrow that I have to announce the mourning of my wonderful mum Frances Sokolov, known to many as Vi Subversa, who has passed away peacefully following a short illness.
We know that her death will come as a shock. Vi had recently celebrated her 80th birthday and only a few short weeks ago gave what was to be her final performance.
Vi led an extraordinary life in a variety of fields, but was no doubt best known as the lead singer, lyricist and rhythm guitarist in Poison Girls.
She was a key figure to a lot of people and we know that there will be a great many who would wish to pay tribute to her music and words, as well as to her remarkable achievements in life. We know too that she would want this to happen.
We are holding a private funeral for her close friends and family, and naturally there will be a public event to celebrate her life and work later in the year. We, her family, ask that our need for privacy be respected during this very difficult time.
We are confident that Vi would not wish her friends and fans to overindulge in sadness. We all feel that her life was complete and should be celebrated. She made it to the milestone, and her time had come. Flesh and blood is what we are.
Love,
Pete Fender x