Poison Girls’ Vi Subversa Has Died

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Vi Subversa, the singer/guitarist of British anarcho-punks Poison Girls, has died. Her son shared the news on Facebook, saying she “passed away peacefully following a short illness,” Louder Than War reports. She was 80.

Born Frances Sokolov, Vi Subversa began performing with Richard Famous, Lance d’Boyle, and Bella Donna in 1975. By 1977, they performed their first show under the name “Poison Girls.” When she started the band, Subversa was a mother of two in her forties creating music that, alongside Crass, helped define the anarcho-punk movement. With their politics, emphasis on all-ages shows, and anti-capitalist message, Poison Girls helped pioneer feminist punk.

The band released three albums plus several EPs and singles. Their last album Songs of Praise was released in 1985. The band broke up at the end of the 1980s, though Vi Subversa continued to perform. Her last show was a few weeks ago.

Read our “Down Is Up” review of Hex and Chappaquiddick Bridge.

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