Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan died suddenly in London aged 46.
Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer of popular Irish band The Cranberries, died suddenly in London aged 46.
Her death was confirmed by a publicist in a short statement: "Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today. She was 46 years old. The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries, was in London for a short recording session. 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."
The BBC reports that police were called to a hotel on Park Lane around 9am Monday morning where a woman in her mid-40s was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her The Cranberries band mates have paid tribute to their lead singer stating, "She was an extraordinary talent and we feel very privileged to been part of her life from 1989."
We are devastated on the passing of our friend Dolores. She was an extraordinary talent and we feel very privileged to have been part of her life from 1989 when we started the Cranberries. The world has lost a true artist today.
— The Cranberries (@The_Cranberries) January 15, 2018
Noel, Mike and Fergal
Read more: Dolores O’Riordan gives very vulnerable interview after air rage arrest
Dolores O'Riordan. Image: RollingNews.ie.
The circumstances of her death are yet unknown.
Irish Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan paid tribute to the singer stating: “I am very saddened to hear news about the death of Dolores O’Riordan at the age of just 46.
“Dolores was an enormously successful artist internationally, first as part of the Cranberries and then as a solo artist. She made a huge contribution to the arts internationally, with millions of record sales worldwide.
“She was an inspiration to many across the world and had a truly unique voice. Her haunting vocals on classics such as Linger and Zombie will live on forever.
“I’d like to pass on my condolences to her family at what must be a very difficult time for them.”
O’Riordan shot to fame in the early 90s as the front woman for The Cranberries and sold over 40 million records worldwide with massive hits such as “Zombie,” “Linger” and “Dreams.”
Read more: Don Burton: Who was Dolores O'Riordan's husband?
Having gone on hiatus in 2003, the group reformed in 2009 but were forced to cancel a 2017 US and European tour with O’Riordan citing back issues.
The singer was married to Duran Duran tour manager Don Burton for 20 years and the couple had three children together before their split in 2014. Their children continue to live with their father in his native Canada.
Many of Ireland's top musicians and artists have taken to social media to express their sadness over the sudden death of the Irish star.
My first time hearing Dolores O'Riordan's voice was unforgettable. It 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. Shocked and saddened to hear of her passing, thoughts are with her family.
— Hozier (@Hozier) January 15, 2018
We are crushed to hear the news about the passing of Dolores O’Riordan. Our thoughts go out to her family at this terrible time. https://t.co/6p20QD2Ii5 pic.twitter.com/vXscj0VGHS
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) January 15, 2018
Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of Dolores O'Riordan! @The_Cranberries gave us our first big support when we toured with them around France years ago! Thoughts are with her family and friends
— Kodaline (@Kodaline) January 15, 2018
What is your favorite memory of Dolores O'Riordan and her music?
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