Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer with the multi-platinum band the Cranberries, has died aged 46. The news was confirmed by her publicist in a statement, but no cause of death has yet been announced. O’Riordan, who had to cancel a tour with a reunited Cranberries in 2017 due to a back problem, had been in London for a recording session. The statement described the death as “sudden”, and added: “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.” OMG!!
It's so weird for me because I recently (less than a month ago) rediscovered the Cranberries and read about Dolores. I remember lots of their hits (Zombie especially) being played everywhere at one point and even though I couldn't understand any of the lyrics at the time, the songs themselves were stuck in my head, they were that good. Literally the same thing happened with Chester Bennington as well, after years of not listening to Linkin Park, I googled him one day to see what they were up to, then some weeks after that he was dead. Way to young, especially by today's standards...rest in peace.
RIP. Muse amongst the Angels now........ Saw her and the band live at Metropolis, Fremantle. March 1995. Truly incredible. Still remember.