Sinead O’Connor dies, aged 56
Irish musician Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56.
O’Connor’s death was confirmed by her family in a statement provided to BBC News.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” it read. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
No cause of death has been disclosed.
The Dublin-born singer-songwriter’s death comes a year after the death by suicide of her 17-year-old son Shane.
Posting on Twitter earlier this month, O’Connor shared a message about her late son, writing: “Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him.”
Throughout her life, O’Connor was known for her political activism and personal candour, as well as a string of acclaimed albums, including 1992’s Am I Not Your Girl? and 1994’s Universal Mother, both of which were certified gold in the UK.
To many, she was most famed for her hit cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U”, written by the musician and producer Prince, which featured on her 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.
O’Connor changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018 after converting to Islam, but continued to work and perform under her birth name.
Tributes to the artist have already begun pouring in on social media – see below.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Watch: Sinead O’Connor’s stand-out moments
Watch: Sinead O’Connor’s stand-out moments
Tom Murray26 July 2023 20:37
Here’s a roundup of some of the voices to have already shared tributes to the late Irish artist.
Figures including Irish writer Marian Keyes and comedian Dara O’Briain have expressed their sorrow over O’Connor’s untimely death.
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 20:30
“A voice that cracked stone.”
Musician Alison Moyet wrote: “Heavy hearted at the loss of Sinead O’Connor. Wanted to reach out to her often but didn’t.
“I remember her launch. Astounding presence. Voice that cracked stone with force & by increment. As beautiful as any girl around & never traded on that card. I Loved that about her. Iconoclast.”
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 20:27
Tim Burgess, the leader of alt-rock band The Charlatans, wrote that O’Connor 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.”
(PA)
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 20:08
O’Connor’s music transcended genre and continents. American rapper Ice-T is among the musicians to have shared a tribute.
“Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy,” he wrote.
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 20:05
“One of the most incredible and unique voices in music.”
Here’s a remarkable clip of O’Connor performing alongside Roger Waters and the Band live in 1990.
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 20:02
Irish sibling musicians Jedward have shared their own tribute to O’Connor on social media.
“True Irish Icon of our Generation!” they wrote. “We only just met her this year and she was in good spirits, a very welcoming person with a big heart.”
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 19:55
Folk musician and protest singer Grace Petrie is among the artists paying tribute.
“Desperately sad news about Sinead O’Connor,” she wrote. “An amazing musician and an incredible voice for justice who deserved far better than the many ways music and media treated her.
“Not sure I have seen an artist take a risk or a stand comparable to the one she took in 1992 on the biggest platform she had ever had. Utterly uncompromising. Rest in power.”
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 19:44
This is an in depth look at one of O’Connor’s most famous moments, when she tore up a photograph of the Pope on live TV to take a stance against paedophilia in the church.
A brave, singular force in the world of music.
The day Sinéad O’Connor tore up a photo of the Pope on Saturday Night Live
Thirty years ago, a young Sinéad O’Connor shocked America with her political protest on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She was promptly banned for life by broadcaster NBC, pelted with eggs in the street and booed during live shows. Ed Power reflects on the impact of that night and the contrasting reactions in the US and Ireland
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 19:39
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has shared a tribute to O’Connor.
“Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare,” wrote the Irish leader.
Louis Chilton26 July 2023 19:35