Irish artist Sinead O’Connor has died.
The news was confirmed by an official statement to The Irish Times – she was 56 years old. No cause of death was given. Sinead O’Connor is survived by her three children; her son Shane died earlier this year, he was 17 years old.
Sinead O’Connor released 10 studio albums, ranging from 1987 debut ‘The Lion And The Cobra’ to 2014’s excellent ‘I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss’.
Naturally, her career is defined by the moment of greatest success – covering the Prince song ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ her scorching vocal became an instant classic, and a global hit into the bargain. Ever-outspoken, her decision to tear up a picture of Pope John Paul II live on American television brought a colossal backlash, but she proved to endure it.
An incredible, singular vocalist, Sinead O’Connor continually developed musically, aligning her pop and soul sensibilities with aspects of different cultures. Often not given her dues as a musician, she won the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards earlier this year.
In true Sinead O’Connor fashion, she dedicated the award to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community”.
Tributes are flooding in for the Irish artist. Tim Burgess writes: “Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace.”
Irish broadcaster Dara Ó Briain comments: “That’s just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her.”
Clash was granted an audience with Sinead O’Connor in 2013 – it’s a conversation we remember well, an interviewee who was funny, gently outspoken, and staunchly independent. At one point she reflected:
“I’m actually an extremely shy person – I’m very good at coming across like I’m not – but actually I am quite cripplingly shy…”
Rest in power, Sinead O’Connor.
