Lena Torres
Siouxsie Sioux, born Susan Janet Ballion, is an English singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Known for her distinctive voice and gothic image, Siouxsie has been hailed as one of the most influential British singers of the rock era. However, opinions vary on the quality of her live performances. While some fans admire her charismatic stage presence, others claim that her voice sounds terrible in live settings, with pitch issues and an inability to reach high notes. Siouxsie's vocal range and style have evolved over the years, with some speculating that her smoking habit and age have contributed to the changes in her voice. Despite criticism, she continues to perform and record, dividing opinions with her unique style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Live vocals | Poor |
| Cause of poor vocals | Ageing, steroid abuse, menopause, alcoholism, chain smoking, recreational drug use |
| Live performance | Charismatic |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Siouxsie Sioux's vocal decline
Siouxsie Sioux, born Susan Janet Ballion, is an English singer and songwriter. She came to prominence as the leader and main lyricist of the rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, who were active from 1976 to 1996. They released 11 studio albums and several UK Top 20 singles, including "Hong Kong Garden" and "Happy House". Siouxsie also formed a second group, the Creatures, in 1981, and has continued as a solo artist, releasing the album Mantaray to critical acclaim in 2007.
Siouxsie has received widespread recognition for her contributions to music. In 2011, she was awarded for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the Q Awards, and in 2012, she received the Inspiration Award at the Ivor Novello Awards. She has been cited as an influence by numerous other artists, including Courtney Love, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, and FKA Twigs.
However, despite her illustrious career, Siouxsie has also faced criticism for her live vocals, with some claiming that her voice has declined over the years. One Reddit user expressed disappointment in Siouxsie's vocal performance during a recent tour, stating that her voice is "shot" and that she struggled to sing coherently. Another user agreed, noting that age has made higher pitches more challenging for Siouxsie to reach.
There has been much speculation about the cause of Siouxsie's vocal decline, including rumors of steroid abuse, menopause, alcoholism, and recreational drug use. Some fans have attributed it to her chain smoking, drawing comparisons to singer Nico, whose voice also deepened due to smoking. Despite this, Siouxsie's fans still admire her charisma and unique singing style.
While Siouxsie's live vocals may have changed over the years, her influence on music remains undeniable. Her exploration of new textures, lights, and shades in her vocal performances continues to inspire artists today.
Sound Frequencies: Can They Influence Slot Machine Outcomes?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The impact of ageing on her voice
Siouxsie Sioux, born Susan Janet Ballion, is an English singer and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. She also formed a second group, the Creatures, in 1981, and has since continued as a solo artist.
Aging can affect the voice in various ways, including changes in pitch, volume, and clarity. These changes occur due to alterations in the vocal cords and respiratory system. As people age, the vocal cords become thinner and less pliable, making it harder to reach higher pitches. This is what some fans have observed in Siouxsie's voice, noting that she has lost some power and range and struggles to hit high notes that she used to.
Some have attributed Siouxsie's changing voice to the natural aging process, while others have speculated that it may be due to lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use. One fan recalled seeing her smoke a significant number of cigarettes backstage and expressed concern about the impact on her voice. Additionally, menopause can dry out tissue and deplete collagen, thinning the vocal folds and further impacting the voice.
While Siouxsie's voice may have changed over the years, it's important to note that this is a natural part of the aging process and can happen to anyone. Singers may need to adapt and find new ways to express their musicianship as their voices mature. Some artists have managed this transition exceptionally well, such as Barbra Streisand, who has skillfully navigated the changes with clever arranging and volume control.
To maintain vocal health as we age, proper hydration is vital. Drinking enough water keeps the vocal cords lubricated and lessens the risk of irritation and injury. Regular vocal exercises are also beneficial, helping to maintain strength and flexibility while building resilience against age-related vocal issues.
DVI-to-DVI Audio: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Siouxsie's smoking habit
Siouxsie Sioux, born Susan Janet Ballion, is an English singer and songwriter. She rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, which was active from 1976 to 1996. Over the years, Siouxsie has inspired many female singers, including PJ Harvey, Sinéad O'Connor, Tracey Thorn, and Courtney Love.
Siouxsie's distinctive voice and performance style have been admired by many, but some fans have noticed a decline in her vocal abilities over time. While some attribute this to the natural process of aging, others speculate that it may be due to various lifestyle factors, including steroid abuse, menopause, alcoholism, or even recreational drug use. One factor that has been specifically highlighted is Siouxsie's smoking habit.
Siouxsie is known to be a heavy smoker, or a "chain smoker," as described by someone who recalled seeing her smoke numerous cigarettes backstage at a concert. This individual connected her smoking habit with the eventual change in her vocal abilities, similar to another singer, Nico, who also experienced a transformation in her voice due to smoking.
The impact of smoking on vocal abilities is a touchy subject among Siouxsie's fans, with some expressing disappointment in her inability to hit high notes or middle-high notes anymore. They attribute this to the deepness that smoking can bring to one's voice. Siouxsie herself is said to have resumed smoking at one point and seemed proud of it, even if it bothered those around her.
In addition to her smoking, Siouxsie's alcohol consumption and occasional cocaine use have also been mentioned as possible contributors to the changes in her voice. Despite the speculation about the causes, Siouxsie's unique vocal style continues to inspire and influence many.
Dolphin Habitat: Exploring Puget Sound
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.18 $15.99
Her live performances in the 1980s
Siouxsie Sioux's live performances in the 1980s were marked by her distinctive vocals and stage presence, which garnered both acclaim and criticism. Siouxsie's unique singing style and lyrical prowess inspired numerous artists across different genres.
In the early 1980s, Siouxsie and her band, Siouxsie and the Banshees, continued to build on their success as pioneers of the post-punk movement. Their 1980 single, "Happy House," showcased Siouxsie's distinct vocals and lyrical prowess, attracting acclaim from artists like Courtney Love, who listed it among her favourite records as a teenager.
In 1983, Siouxsie's foray into exotica with the Creatures' album "Feast," recorded in Hawaii, incorporated local sounds and choirs, further diversifying her performances. That same year, she returned to her work with the Banshees, including guitarist Robert Smith of The Cure, and they covered the Beatles' "Dear Prudence," reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. This was followed by the live album "Nocturne," recorded in London, and the 1984 album "Hyæna," showcasing her evolving sound and continued chart success.
The mid-to-late 1980s saw Siouxsie and the Banshees continue their creative exploration. In 1985, they released the single "Cities in Dust," which climbed to number 21 in the UK charts and became one of the first alternative rock radio hits in the US. Their sound during this period influenced artists like Garbage singer Shirley Manson, who credited Siouxsie and the Banshees' album "The Scream" and "Kaleidoscope" as teaching her how to sing.
Siouxsie's live performances in the 1980s were not without criticism. Some fans and critics noted a decline in her vocal abilities during this decade, especially with the passage of time. However, her performances still captivated audiences and inspired future generations of artists.
The Evolution of Sound in 1930s Cinema
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Siouxsie's influence and acclaim
Siouxsie Sioux, born Susan Janet Ballion, is an English singer and songwriter. She is known for her work as the leader and main lyricist of the rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, which she formed in 1976. The band was widely influential in the post-punk era, pioneering "a form of post-punk discord full of daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation". They released 11 studio albums and several UK Top 20 singles, including "Hong Kong Garden", "Happy House", and "Peek-a-Boo".
In addition to her work with Siouxsie and the Banshees, Siouxsie also formed a second group, the Creatures, in 1981. With this group, she explored new musical directions, incorporating exotica and local sounds from her recording locations. She also had a successful solo career, releasing the critically acclaimed album Mantaray in 2007.
Siouxsie has had a profound impact on music and culture, with artists across the musical spectrum citing her as an influence. She has been particularly influential for female singers, with PJ Harvey, Courtney Love, Tracey Thorn, Shirley Manson, Beth Ditto, Kim Gordon, FKA Twigs, and many others mentioning her as an inspiration. Siouxsie's unique vocal style, stage presence, and lyricism have been praised, and she has been credited with influencing the development of gothic fashion and culture.
Despite her acclaim and influence, some fans have noted a decline in Siouxsie's vocal abilities in recent years, particularly during live performances. While some attribute this to the natural process of ageing, others speculate that it is due to lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or steroid abuse. However, even with these changes in her voice, Siouxsie continues to perform and connect with her audience, showcasing her enduring appeal and the power of her artistic expression.
Uninstalling Sound Drivers: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Siouxsie Sioux has been described as a powerful live performer with a wide vocal range. However, some fans have noted a decline in her vocal abilities in the 1990s, with her struggling to hit high notes in songs such as "Spellbound", "Face to Face", and "Cities in Dust". Despite this, she has received praise from other singers such as PJ Harvey, who stated, "It's hard to beat Siouxsie Sioux, in terms of live performance."
Siouxsie's decline in vocal abilities has been attributed to various factors, including age, steroid abuse, menopause, alcoholism, and chain smoking. Some fans also believe that repeatedly pushing her voice beyond its limits may have contributed to the decline.
Siouxsie's recent live performances have received mixed reviews. While some fans still enjoy her charisma and unique voice, others have described her singing as "pathetic", with her struggling to sing coherently.
Yes, Siouxsie Sioux has been a major influence on numerous artists, including Jeff Buckley, Tricky, LCD Soundsystem, Massive Attack, The Weeknd, Courtney Love, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, and FKA twigs. She has also been praised by other singers such as PJ Harvey and Shirley Manson of Garbage.
