At the age of 56, Sinéad O’Connor, the passionate Irish singer-songwriter known for her unique voice and controversial views on child abuse, war, and religion, has passed away. Despite her brief period of pop stardom, she remained a polarising figure throughout her career.
A statement released by the singer’s family read, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar responded to news about the singer’s passing away, he wrote on Twitter, “Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond comparison. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.”
Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor.
Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare.
Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.
Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam. https://t.co/JVHxz7Kv2Z
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 26, 2023
In the late Eighties, O’Connor was already gaining popularity as a rising star. However, it was in 1990 that she became a household name with her rendition of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U which topped the charts. Her unique vocal style, characterised by Celtic influences and breathy swoops that could be both calming and jarring, continued to resonate throughout the Nineties and inspired artists like Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette. Morissette even credited O’Connor’s music as a significant influence on her album Jagged Little Pill.
In defiance of record executives’ expectations for her to conform to conventional beauty standards, Connor chose to shave her head. Additionally, she candidly discussed her mental health challenges in a Facebook video from 2017, revealing that she felt compelled to continue living for the sake of others and that she would have preferred to pass away if given the choice.
Canadian Musician Bryan Adams wrote aheartfelt post for Connor, “RIP Sinéad O’Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family.”
RIP Sinéad O’Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family. pic.twitter.com/49ryuIhGTQ
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) July 26, 2023
American singer-songwriter Tori Amos, reacting to the news, wrote, “Sinead was a force of nature. A brilliant songwriter & performer whose talent we will not see the like of again—such passion, such intense presence & a beautiful soul, who battled her own personal demons courageously. Be at peace dear Sinead, you will forever be in our hearts. t”
Sinead was a force of nature. A brilliant songwriter & performer whose talent we will not see the like of again. Such passion, such intense presence & a beautiful soul, who battled her own personal demons courageously. Be at peace dear Sinead, you will forever be in our hearts. t pic.twitter.com/lJVhGfuTPA
— tori amos (@toriamos) July 26, 2023