The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan has died, aged 46.
The Irish singer fronted the band from 1990 to 2003, when they went on hiatus. She was a part of their later reunion in 2009.
Police have confirmed that O’Riordan’s death is not being treated as suspicious. A Met police spokeswoman said the case has been passed on to a coroner.
Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today. She was 46 years old.
Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time. Full Statement: https://t.co/L8K98BFpSM pic.twitter.com/ADEY51Xnwe— The Cranberries (@The_Cranberries) January 15, 2018
O’Riordan’s publicist confirmed news of her death, releasing a statement that read: “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.”
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.
Noel, Mike and Fergal— The Cranberries (@The_Cranberries) January 15, 2018
Her bandmates have since paid tribute to O’Riordan on Twitter, writing: “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. Noel, Mike and Fergal.”
O’Riordan was born in Limerick in 1971. She auditioned to be The Cranberries’ lead singer in 1990, and went on to achieve global success with the band, with singles ‘Linger’ and ‘Zombie’ being certified silver and gold in the UK respectively.
Musicians and stars of the entertainment world have begun to pay tribute to the singer. Michael Stipe and his REM bandmates have issued a statement, saying: “We are all saddened to hear the news. Dolores was a brilliant & generous spirit w/ a quick humor & a stunning voice. Our love to the band & to her family & fans”.
U2 have also issued a statement: “The band are floored but it’s of course her family we’re all thinking of right now. Out of the West came this storm of a voice – she had such strength of conviction, yet she could speak to the fragility in all of us. Limerick’s ‘Bel canto.'”
"We are all saddened to hear the news. Dolores was a brilliant & generous spirit w/ a quick humor & a stunning voice. Our love to the band & to her family & fans." -Michael Stipe & the whole of R.E.M. & REMHQ pic.twitter.com/qhYN8aXebD
— R.E.M. HQ (@remhq) January 16, 2018
Irish band Kodaline tweeted: “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.”
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
US band MUNA wrote: “Gone too soon. Rest in power to one of our biggest musical inspirations, Dolores O’Riordan. Thank you.”
gone too soon.
rest in power to one of our biggest musical inspirations, dolores o'riordan.
thank you. pic.twitter.com/ZghvQS4p2M— MUNA (@whereisMUNA) January 15, 2018
See more tributes below.
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
Dolores O’Riordan’s voice helped me understand my place in the world. Blasting linger a little louder today pic.twitter.com/JvoqRT5imP
— Maggie Rogers (@maggierogers) 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
I once met Delores O’Riordan when I was 15. She was kind and lovely, I got her autograph on my train ticket and it made my day. She had the most amazing voice and presence. So sorry to hear that she’s passed away today x
— James Corden (@JKCorden) January 15, 2018
Nooooo!! Have always adored her songs and voice https://t.co/asBAt1RJl1
— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 15, 2018
I have just heard the new regarding #DoloresORiordan I need a little time to process what has happened. Suffice to say, I am very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and to many people across the world. RIP my songbird
— Stephen Street (@StreetStephen) January 15, 2018
this is horrible news to wake up to. rest in peace dolores. https://t.co/KqPvlIs7r0
— Diplo (@_diplo_) January 15, 2018
RIP Dolores https://t.co/cio6Q92XKz via @youtube
— mark lanegan (@marklanegan) January 15, 2018
Shocked and heartbroken over Dolores O’Riordan’s death. The Cranberries were pinnacle in showing me that it was possible to fully embrace masculine and feminine energy in one cohesive sound. She was a true pioneer ?
— Foster The People (@fosterthepeople) January 15, 2018
I’m really shocked that #DoloresORiordan has passed so suddenly
– I was talking to her a couple weeks before Christmas she seemed happy and well – we even spoke about maybe writing some songs together – unbelievable god bless her pic.twitter.com/Pk2QyAaaBw— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 15, 2018
Devastated for fans and her family- Dolores O’Riorden had such an exquisite voice, so distinctive and defining of an era. She would have continued to be a rare musical treasure late into a long life #gonetoosoon https://t.co/2QH2cPgRf6
— Liz Phair (@PhizLair) January 15, 2018
I'm sad to hear of the passing of Dolores O'Riordan RIP.
— Zane Lowe (@zanelowe) January 15, 2018