Watch Here to Be Heard: The Story of The Slits

Here to Be Heard: The Story of The Slits is a 2017 documentary film that tells the story of one of the most influential all-female post-punk bands of the 1970s, The Slits. Directed by William Badgley, the film features archival footage, interviews with the band members, friends, fans, and collaborators. The Slits formed in 1976 in London, England, and consisted of Ari Up (vocals), Viv Albertine (guitar), Tessa Pollitt (bass), and Palmolive (drums). They were one of the first all-female punk bands, and their music was a unique mix of punk, reggae, and dub. They quickly gained a following and played numerous shows in London and around the UK.

The film starts with the band's formation and early years in London. It shows how they were influenced by the punk rock movement and how they developed their own sound and style that was different from the other punk bands of the time. The band's unique sound drew the attention of legendary punk rocker and Sex Pistols bassist, Sid Vicious, who became good friends with the band. The film features never-before-seen footage of Sid Vicious and The Slits hanging out and performing together.

The film also delves into the band's personal lives, including their relationships and drug use. It reveals how their music was influenced by their personal struggles and how they used their music as a way to express themselves and deal with their problems. The band's music was a reflection of the feminist and anti-establishment movements of the time, and they continued to push boundaries with their music and their appearance.

Throughout the film, interviews with the band members, friends, and collaborators give insight into the band's creative process and their impact on the music scene. The film also features interviews with other musicians who were influenced by The Slits, including Billy Idol, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon, and The Raincoats' Ana da Silva.

The film culminates with the band's breakup in 1982 and the death of Ari Up in 2010. The film pays tribute to Ari Up and her legacy as a pioneer for all-female punk bands. The Slits' music and their impact on the punk and feminist movements continue to influence musicians today.

Here to Be Heard: The Story of The Slits is a must-see film for anyone interested in punk music, feminism, and the history of alternative music. It offers a unique insight into the personal and creative lives of one of the most important all-female punk bands of the 1970s. The film is a tribute to The Slits' unique sound, style, and influence, and it is a testament to their place in music history.

Here to Be Heard: The Story of The Slits is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.