Siouxsie Sioux

Overview

Born
May 27, 1957 · Chislehurst, Kent, England, UK
Birth name
Susan Janet Ballion
Nicknames
- The Godmother of Goth
- The High Priestess of Punk
- The Ice Queen
- The Goth-Pop Priestess
- Punk's Princess
- First Lady of Punk
- The Original "Punk Vamp"
- The Priestess of Post-Punk
Height
1.73 m

Biography

Family

Spouse

Trademarks

Coloratura contralto vocal range

Trivia

One of Sioux's first public appearances was with the Sex Pistols on Bill Grundy's television show, on Thames Television in December 1976. Standing next to the band, Sioux made fun of the presenter when he asked her how she was doing. She responded: "I've always wanted to meet you, Bill". Grundy, who was drunk, suggested a meeting after the show. That directly provoked a reaction from guitarist Steve Jones, who responded with a series of expletive words never heard before on early-evening television. This episode created a media uproar on the front covers of several tabloids, including the 'Daily Mirror', which published the headline "Siouxsie's a Punk Shocker". This event had a major impact on the Sex Pistols' subsequent career, and overnight, they became a household name.
In her earlier days, wore a Swastika, causing much controversy in the music press. She only appeared on stage once wearing a Swastika and that was during the band's 100 Club debut. She did not condone what is represented but it was her attempt to arouse some nationalism in Britain. In early 1981, while performing live with the Banshees, she and the band noticed a large contingent of National Front skinheads in the audience. The band left the stage and returned wearing Star Of David tee shirts and immediately launched into the song "Drop Dead/Celebration". She would later perform on stage wearing a tee shirt with the Star of David.
In a 2017 interview with 'Pitchfork', Thom Yorke (of Radiohead) reported that seeing Sioux perform inspired him to become a performer.
November 2009: survived a near fatal accident when her car skidded in a puddle of water and careered off a road. She was left with only a concussion, even though her vehicle was completely wrecked.
Credits Iggy Pop, Marc Bolan, John Cale, David Bowie, Theda Bara and Louise Brooks as heroes and heroines.

Quotes

I despair when I pass Oxford Street and see bondage and leather and studs everywhere. It's become quite acceptable to go to work like that, it's disgusting. [As quoted in "The Banshees' guide to secretly having fun" by Andy Strike in 'Record Mirror' (24 March 1984)].
[in 1989] The accountants of this world are now making the music as well as programming it on the radio, the TV and everywhere else. It's like, why does Phil Collins need to do every show available? That's what's stifling the spirit of any youth movement.
I've never particularly said I'm hetero or I'm a lesbian. I know there are people who are definitely one way, but not really me. I suppose if I am attracted to men, then they usually have more feminine qualities. [As quoted in "The punk icon" by Hermoine Eyre in 'The Independent' (1 September 2007)]
There is a fun, flippant side to me, of course. But I would much rather be known as the Ice Queen. [As quoted in "Her dark materials" by Michael Bracewell in 'The Guardian' (23 September 2005)].
I think a certain amount of anger has been a fuel of mine, if you want - but also some sort of sadness, and plain mischief, of course. [As quoted in "Her dark materials" by Michael Bracewell in 'The Guardian' (23 September 2005)].