All-female punk meets dub combo The Slits were an important part of the late ’70s/early ’80s UK scene. Their fascinating career is explored in a documentary film, Here To Be Heard. It gets a screening at Toronto’s Royal Theatre on May 14, the only Canadian screening.

“HERE TO BE HEARD” The Story of The Slits” is a film about the world’s first all girl punk band who formed in London in 1976, contemporaries of The Clash & The Sex Pistols, they are the pioneering godmothers of the musical movement known as  “Punky Reggae”. The film tells the story of the band and the lives of the women involved, from the bands inception in 1976 to the bands end in 2010 coinciding at the death of lead vocalist Ari Up.

When Ari passed away she was working with SLITS tour manager and friendJennifer Shagawat on a film about the band. After Ari passed and the film was still not completed Jennifer contacted her long time friend bill over at Molasses Manifesto to come on and help finish the project.

Film includes Viv Albertine (SLITS Guitarist), Ari Up (Slits Vocalist), Palmolive (SLITS Founder/First Drummer), Tessa Pollitt (SLITS Bass Player),  Bruce Smith (SLITS Second/PIL Drummer), Hollie Cook (SLITS Vocalist/Keyboards/Percussion), Vivien Goldman (NYU’s Punk Professor), Don Letts (Former SLITS Manager/Punk Documentarian), Dennis Bovell (Producer of The SLITS album CUT), Paul Cook (Sex Pistols Drummer), Gina Birch (Raincoats Bass Player), Adrien Sherwood (Producer/Long time friend and collaborator of the band) and many more!

Film includes previously unseen footage of the band, as well as photographs, & newspaper clippings.

Here To Be Heard – Monday May 14th, 2018

Royal Cinema, 608 College Street, Toronto – 416-466-4400

7:30pm – Pre-show | 8pm Film
Tickets – $12 Advance / $14 Door

Tickets

Presented by Royal Stompbox

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca