UPDATE 1 – ‘The Cranberries’ singer Dolores O’Riordan dead at 46

Photo of author

By BNO NEWS

Irish singer Dolores O’Riordan, who was well-known as the lead singer of the “The Cranberries” as it became one of the most popular bands of the 1990s, has died in London, her publicist says. She was 46 years old.

A brief statement from her publicist said O’Riordan “died suddenly” while in London on Monday. It provided no details about the possible cause of her death, but O’Riordan and the rest of the band were in the British capital for a short recording session.

“Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today,” the statement said. “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.”

O’Riordan was just 18 years old when she became the lead singer of “The Cranberries,” which went on to become one of the most popular bands of the 1990s, selling more than 40 million records worldwide. Their hits include “Linger,” “Dreams,” “Zombie,” Ode to My Family,” and other songs.

In addition to her work for “The Cranberries,” O’Riordan also released two solo albums while the band went on a break from 2003 until 2009, when they reunited. O’Riordan and her husband Don Burton broke up in 2014 after a relationship of about 20 years, during which they had 3 children.

O’Riordan was arrested at Shannon Airport in Ireland in November 2014 after she assaulted a police officer following a disturbance on a flight from New York City. The incident, for which she received a fine, revealed that she was suffering from mental illness, including bipolar disorder.

“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dolores O’Riordan,” Irish President Michael Higgins said. “Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally.”

(Copyright 2017 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: sales@bnonews.com.)

Images Courtesy of DepositPhotos