Lead singer of the Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan has passed on at 46. O’Riordan was in London for a recording session when death came knocking.
The singer’s publicist confirmed her “sudden” death in a statement on Monday.
“The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session,” the statement read.
“No further details are available at this time.
“Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Irish president Michael D Higgins said he learned of the news with “great sadness”, adding: “To all those who follow and support Irish music, Irish musicians and the performing arts, her death will be a big loss.”
Musicians have started to pay tribute, including Irish songwriter Hozier, who said he was “shocked and saddened”, and that O’Riordan’s voice “threw into question what a voice could sound like in that context of rock. I’d never heard somebody use their instrument in that way.”
O’Riordan joined the Cranberries in 1990, and led the band till 2008 when they embarked on a hiatus.The Cranberries’1993 debut album ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?’ sold over 40 million records worldwide.The group is best known for hit singles ‘Dreams’, ‘Linger’ and ‘Zombie’.
The band’s 2017 European tour was curtailed due to O’Riordan suffering from a back problem; their US dates were then also cancelled on the advice of O’Riordan’s doctors. In a statement after the cancellations the band noted that they were “very disappointed” and added: “The outpouring of support the Cranberries have received from fans and followers during the past several months is greatly appreciated.”
O’Riordan was married to Don Burton, Duran Dura