Initially inspired by The Sex Pistols and the burgeoning punk scene, it wasn't long before Siouxsie & The Banshees would evolve beyond their roots to become pivotal innovators of the post-punk and goth genres. Brimming with twirling guitar lines, romantic Middle Eastern elements, tribal rhythms and the throaty howl of iconic vocalist Siouxsie Sioux, the band earned 18 charting singles and 14 hit albums before their split in 1999. In their wake they left a visual and musical ethic that would inspire goth artists—and powerful frontwomen—for years to come.