London — The punk community is in mourning following the death of Susan Lucas, better known by her legendary alias Soo Catwoman, who has passed away at an unannounced date. Though she was never a musician herself, Lucas’ fierce visual identity and association with the Sex Pistols made her an enduring symbol of early London punk.
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Born and active during punk’s explosive years of 1976 to 1978, Soo Catwoman cut a striking figure with her unabashed aesthetic — shaved sides and feline ear–shaped hair tufts. This distinctive look drew immediate attention and cemented her status as a poster figure for the rebellion, influencing countless punks to embrace nonconformity.
Lucas moved within the inner circle of London’s punk vanguard. She formed friendships with Sex Pistols members and captivated many photographers, especially Bob Gruen, whose images helped immortalize her in punk lore. Over time, her visage itself became a shorthand for punk ethos — fearless, provocative, and defiantly individualistic.
In later years, Soo Catwoman retreated from public life and lived quietly away from the spotlight. Yet her cultural resonance never faded. She remained a staple reference in exhibitions, documentaries, books, and retrospectives charting the birth and evolution of punk’s visual language.
The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed. Fans, artists, and historians have begun paying tribute online, remembering how she shaped the look and spirit of a cultural revolution. In the absence of her presence, her legacy persists — a reminder that visual identity and attitude can be as revolutionary as music itself.