The world is mourning the passing of The Cranberries singer and songwriting force Dolores O’Riordan, who died unexpectedly on Monday. While the cause of death is yet to be determined, facts and recent events suggest the singer was going through difficult times.
After 20 years together, O’Riordan split with husband and father of her three children, Duran Duran tour manager Don Burton in 2014.
In 2015 she pleaded guilty to a November 2014 incident in which she was verbally and physically abusive towards crew on a flight from New York to Shannon, Ireland. She also headbutted and spat at police when they arrested her on landing. Medical records revealed she was suffering from mental illness at the time.
She opened up about her struggles with bipolar disorder in 2017, saying she had been diagnosed two years earlier. In May 2017 The Cranberries cancelled a number of tour dates due to her having “back problems”.
Her death was confirmed by her publicist who said “Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time”.
Police confirmed a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at a hotel in Park Lane, Central London on Monday.
The Cranberries are the second most popular group ever from Ireland after U2 and have sold more than 40 million records.
Known for O’Riordan’s distinctive Irish lilt, their hit Zombie made number one on the Triple J Hottest 100 in Australia, while other songs such as Linger, Ode To My Family, Dreams, I Can’t Be With You, When You’re Gone, Daffodil Lament, Salvation and particularly Ridiculous Thoughts will be on high rotation for fans in the coming weeks.
To celebrated the remarkable life of Dolores O’Riordan, here’s our 5 essential Cranberries songs:
RIP Dolores O’Riordan.
