In the last hour, news has come through that Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly 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.”
A Metropolitan police statement also confirmed the news, and that O’Riordan’s body was found at a Park Lane hotel. “At this early stage the death is being treated as unexplained,” the statement read.
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.”
The Cranberries enjoyed massive success in the 90’s with hit singles like Zombie.
