The Cranberries ‘devastated’ at death of singer Dolores O’Riordan

The Cranberries have said they are “devastated” at the death of band member Dolores O’Riordan, saying “the world has lost a true artist”.

The musician was in London for a recording session when she died suddenly at the age of 46.

The band – Noel and Mike Hogan and Fergal Lawler – posted a message on Twitter saying: “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 singer was found dead at a hotel on London’s Park Lane, it has been confirmed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police in Westminster are dealing with a sudden death.

“Officers were called at 9.05am on Monday January 15 to a hotel in Park Lane, W1. A woman in her mid-40s was pronounced dead at the scene.

“At this early stage the death is being treated as unexplained. Inquiries continue.”

The singer, from Friarstown, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, was renowned for her distinctive singing voice and the band enjoyed huge success in the 1990s with tracks including Zombie and Linger.

The parish priest from her home town has confirmed her funeral will take place in Ireland, where she will be buried.

Fr James Walton, parish priest at Ballybricken & Bohermore Parish, said: “I only found out this afternoon. Her family is devastated and upset.

“The suddenness of her death has been a shock. I met Dolores two or three times when she was home visiting family. She was a lovely lady.

“Her family are still waiting for more details to come from London about her death.

“The plan is for her to be buried here at home. When that will be will depend on when her body is released.”

O’Riordan’s publicist confirmed her death, saying: “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.”

In May 2017 The Cranberries cancelled a string of shows after O’Riordan, who had bipolar disorder, was instructed by her doctors to stop working for a month for medical reasons associated with a back problem.

A further set of shows in North America, due to take place in September and October, were cancelled in July.

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led tributes to the singer, saying: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dolores O’Riordan, musician, singer and songwriter.

“Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally.

“I recall with fondness the late Limerick TD Jim Kemmy’s introduction of her and The Cranberries to me, and the pride he and so many others took in their successes.

“To all those who follow and support Irish music, Irish musicians and the performing arts, her death will be a big loss.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said O’Riordan was “the voice of a generation”.

He said: “For anyone who grew up in Ireland in the 1990s, The Cranberries were an iconic band, who captured all of the angst that came with your teenage years. 

“The Cranberries were hugely successful not just at home, but also overseas, particularly in the United States where they received critical acclaim. Dolores’ unique voice ensured that the band’s biggest hits sound as good today as when they were released more than 20 years ago.

“As the female lead singer of an international rock band, Dolores blazed a trail and was arguably Limerick’s greatest ever rock star. Her voice and her contribution to music will be remembered far beyond her native county for many years to come.

“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Dolores O’Riordan’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Colin Parry, whose son was killed in the 1993 Warrington bomb attacks, tweeted: “I’m saddened to hear of the death of Dolores O’Riordan at just 46. Her wonderful band recorded a moving song after the Warrington bomb in memory of two innocent victims, Johnathan Ball and my son Tim. RIP Dolores.”