Dolores O’Riordan, Lead Singer of The Cranberries and Voice of a Generation, Has Died at 46
Oof. I’m going to need some time with this one. Dolores O’Riordan, Irish lead singer of The Cranberries and the voice of an entire generation (hell, an entire country) has died suddenly. She was 46. O’Riordan was in London working on a new album, when she passed away unexpectedly in her hotel room. She leaves behind 3 children, devastated friends and family, and millions of fans.
Dolores O’Riordan, as the lead singer of iconic ’90s band The Cranberries, was quite possibly one of the most memorable and powerful voices in music.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUOCVdtjrIv/?hl=en&taken-by=thecranberries
The band shot to international stardom in 1993, with their album “Everyone Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” (if you don’t own this album, buy it immediately, it’s perfection). Hits like “Linger” and “Dreams” helped the band sell 40 million copies of the album, and cemented their place in rock history. Their follow-up album, “No Need to Argue” was equally amazing, and “Zombie” is quite possibly one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
For many kids and young adults who grew up in the ’90s, Dolores’ was the voice of their musical awakening (mine included). Her death is devastating.
The Cranberries embarked on a world tour in 2017, but had to cancel the remainder of their European dates in May, citing Dolores’ health issues. The official website said “medical reasons associated with a back problem” prevented Dolores from performing. But in late December, the singer posted a message to fans on their Facebook page, saying she believed she would be back on stage soon.
https://www.facebook.com/TheCranberries/posts/10155328592472106
Just over a week ago, she tweeted a picture of herself bidding farewell to her kitty, Gio.
bye bye Gio. We're off to Ireland 🍀 pic.twitter.com/d6HKOFJqGB
— Dolores O'Riordan (@DolORiordan) January 4, 2018
Her death shocked the music world, and broke the hearts of fans around the world. Yes, the majority of us didn’t know her personally, but we definitely felt connected through her music.
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
So sad to hear about Dolores O'Riordan. @The_Cranberries have always been an inspiration to me and what drew me in was her voice. Outstanding lady. RIP Dolores ❤️💙
— Emma McGann (@emmamcgann) January 15, 2018
So saddened to hear about the sudden death of Dolores O’Riordan. Our sincerest condolences to @The_Cranberries and all of her loved ones.
— Garbage (@garbage) January 15, 2018
Devastated to hear of the tragic death of Dolores O'Riordan, a true Irish legend who really put Ireland and indeed Limerick on the map and will continue to inspire through the incredible lyrics – "when you're gone"
Ar dheis DĂ© go raibh a hanam pic.twitter.com/NuWKQDBz1Y
— Ciamhie Mc Digital (@CiamhieMc) January 15, 2018
Details surrounding her death are scarce, and the family has asked for privacy at this time. What an absolute loss for the music world, and the world in general.
Rest in peace and power, Dolores. “I miss you, when you’re gone”.
(Image: Facebook/The Cranberries)
