“Born Susan Ballion in 1957, she was the product of post-war suburban life which, like many, she grew up to resent entirely … She was 14 when hospitalised with ulcerative colitis and it was while watching Top of the Pops on a children’s ward in 1972 that she saw David Bowie’s performance of “Starman” – a magical, rupturing event for many of her generation, and one that had a profound influence on her … Susan Ballion was one of the first to understand the radical possibilities offered by Bowie’s cut-up aesthetic, clearly and slowly began remaking herself as Siouxsie Sioux. Sioux’s image would become a violent but not haphazard mix of Charlotte Rampling in The Night Porter, the incarnation of David Bowie she had seen from her hospital bed, and Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, and would draw upon the sharp lines of Kabuki masks and the leather and steel of S&M gear … Siouxsie’s “monstrous” look combined with her innovative musical vision had a profound impact on those around her …”
/ Excerpts from the catalogue to The Horror Show! exhibit (2022/23) by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard /
Light a black candle (or at least don a black T-shirt), grab the hair crimpers and can of Aqua Net - today marks a sacred occasion! Haughtily composed high priestess of punk, spooky voodoo doll frontwoman of the Banshees (and The Creatures), perennial eyeliner role model, perfector of the death glare and Chislehurst’s finest, Siouxsie Sioux (née Susan Janet Ballion, 27 May 1957) turns 66! For generations of punks, goths, queers and misfits, Siouxsie is the real Queen of England! What a life-changing performer: it was seeing a black-and-white photo of Siouxsie in a magazine when I was in my early teens that planted the idea of moving to London. (I’m still unsure whether to be grateful to her or not!). I last saw her perform at the Meltdown festival in June 2013 – so ten years ago next month! Isn’t it gratifying to see Siouxsie’s recent reemergence as a mature artist, still fiercely glamorous and charismatic? For the record, my favourite Siouxsie and The Banshees song will always be “Arabian Knights.” Pictured: portrait of Siouxsie by Pierre et Gilles for the front cover of The Creatures’ 1999 album Anima Animus.