The Slits frontwoman Ari Up, whose real name was Arianna Forster, has died at the age of 48.

The singer passed away on Wednesday (October 20) after battling a serious illness, according to John Lydon, who is married to Forster's mother.

"John and Nora have asked us to let everyone know that Nora's daughter Arianna (aka Ari-Up) died today (October 20) after a serious illness," a message on his website said.

"She will be sadly missed. Everyone at JohnLydon.com and PiLofficial.Com would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to John, Nora and family. Rest in Peace."

Up was born in Munich, German in January 1962 and formed the Slits at the age of 14.

The punk band released their debut album 'Cut' in 1979, and went on to release two more LPs before their split in 1982.

Up worked on various solo projects before reforming The Slits in 2004.

(by Jason Gregory)