Punk icon Ari Up (The Slits) dies at age 48

On Wednesday, the world lost a punk icon way too soon. Ari-Up, frontwoman of the [usually] all-girl punk band The Slits, died of an undisclosed “serious” illness, as reported via an official statement on johnlydon.com. John Lydon (The Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd.) became Ari’s stepfather in 1977 after Lydon married Ari’s mother Nora.

Below is the official family statement regarding the loss:

John and Nora have asked us to let everyone know that Nora’s daughter Arianna (aka Ari-Up) died today (Wednesday, October 20th) after a serious illness. She will be sadly missed.

Everyone at JohnLydon.com and PiLofficial.Com would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to John, Nora and family.

Rest in Peace.

Our hearts go out to Ari’s family during this difficult time. In her memory, enjoy this classic Slits video: