Stars from around the music world and beyond have been paying tribute to Sinead O'Connor, whose shocking death at the age of 56 was announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Irish singer's family wrote: "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." No cause of death has been announced.
O'Connor rose to prominence in the late 80s. 1987's debut album The Lion And The Cobra received critical acclaim and featured breakthrough hit Mandinka.
Her 1990 follow-up album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got cemented her status, featuring a starkly arranged cover of Prince's Nothing Compare 2 U. The track was a smash-hit single worldwide, reaching number 1 in the UK, US, most of Europe and beyond.
In total. O'Connor released 10 studio albums, before retiring from recording in 2014.
O'Connor suffered a devastating loss in January 2022, when her 17-year old son Shane was found dead after being reported missing. At the time she wrote, "the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God. May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace.”
Tributes to Sinead O'Connor
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. IconoclastJuly 26, 2023
Rest In Beats and PowEr Sinead O Connor who always Brought The Noise https://t.co/HEskvc0KB4July 26, 2023
pic.twitter.com/6iscpvpjzJJuly 26, 2023
pic.twitter.com/XuKijjZj4vJuly 26, 2023
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/49ryuIhGTQJuly 26, 2023
"I'm like, I'm freaked out right now. I'm scared. I feel like I'm drowning on stage and I feel like I'm failing”: SZA on that misfiring Glastonbury headline set
“It sounded so amazing that people said to me, ‘I can hear the bass’, which usually they don’t say to me very often”: U2 bassist Adam Clayton contrasts the live audio mix in the Las Vegas Sphere to “these sports buildings that sound terrible”
"I'm like, I'm freaked out right now. I'm scared. I feel like I'm drowning on stage and I feel like I'm failing”: SZA on that misfiring Glastonbury headline set
“It sounded so amazing that people said to me, ‘I can hear the bass’, which usually they don’t say to me very often”: U2 bassist Adam Clayton contrasts the live audio mix in the Las Vegas Sphere to “these sports buildings that sound terrible”
