The Slits' guitarist Viv Albertine has paid tribute to Poly Styrene, who died on Monday (April 25).

Styrene, the singer with X Ray Spex, passed away after a battle with cancer of the spine and breast. She was 53.

In a tribute in the Independent, Albertine said she found Styrene "a bit scary" when they first met "because she had this incredible confidence".

"Also, unlike most of us, she seemed to have proper talent and to really know what she was doing," she said.

"She seemed a bit above everything else that was going on there. Her voice was a cut above everyone else, as was her songwriting. She was the real thing. She was very pure of thought. She didn't indulge in bad feelings. She was rather innocent, certainly very trusting."

On Tuesday (April 26), Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock said Styrene's death was a "great loss".

Styrene - real name Marianne Elliot-Said - formed X Ray Spex after being inspired by seeing Sex Pistols perform live.

(by Jason Gregory)