Watch Slits - Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits

Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits is a documentary film that explores the journey of one of the most influential and innovative bands of the punk movement, The Slits. The movie tells the fascinating story of the band, which was formed in London in 1976, and its members: Ari Up, Tessa Pollitt, Palmolive, and Viv Albertine. Through archival footage, interviews, and live performances, the film captures the creative energy, musical vision, and fearless rebellious spirit that made The Slits an iconic band.

The documentary begins with the band's formation in the fertile London punk scene of the late 1970s. Along with other trail-blazing bands such as The Clash, Sex Pistols and Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Slits challenged the status quo of rock music, breaking gender norms and pushing boundaries with their provocative music and fashion. The film follows the rocky start of the band as they struggled to get gigs and secure a record deal, and beat down the sexism and misogyny they encountered in the male-dominated punk scene.

As the band gained momentum, they started to explore new musical directions, including dub and reggae, taking inspiration from their Jamaican-born lead singer, Ari Up. The film shows how The Slits' music evolved, layering punk's raw intensity with intricate rhythms, unexpected melodies, and powerful lyrics that tackled issues of race, politics, and identity. The band's unique sound drew fans from across the musical spectrum and inspired a generation of musicians.

Along with the band's musical trajectory, the documentary delves into the personal lives of the members, their relationships with each other, and the challenges they faced on and off stage. The interviews with the surviving members and other key figures in the band's history are candid and reflective, shedding light on the highs and lows of The Slits' journey, the tensions and conflicts that ultimately led to their dissolution, and their lasting impact on music.

The film presents an intimate portrait of each of the band's members, revealing their personalities, their struggles, and their contributions to the band's sound and vision. The interviews with Ari Up, who passed away in 2010, are particularly moving, as she speaks about her experience as a punk musician, a Jamaican immigrant, and a woman in a male-dominated field. Her legacy as a pioneering artist and fearless activist is celebrated throughout the film.

Throughout the movie, the footage of The Slits' live shows is electrifying and captures the band's energy and charisma on stage. From their first gigs in small clubs to their later performances at major festivals, the band's live shows were a spectacle of sound, style, and attitude. The film also includes rare footage of the band recording their seminal album, Cut, in Jamaica, and the creative process behind their most iconic songs.

Overall, Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of punk, feminist music, and underground culture. Through its engaging storytelling, vibrant visuals, and insightful interviews, the film offers a glimpse into the spirit of rebellion and innovation that defined the punk movement and continues to inspire artistic expression today. The documentary is a fitting tribute to the legacy of The Slits, a band that defied conventions, broke barriers, and left an indelible mark on music history.