O’Riordan’s death is currently deemed ‘unexplained’ by authorities and in a statement posted to social media, the band expressed that she had “died suddenly” but that no further details were available at that time. It’s understood that she was recording in London at the time of her passing.
Many will remember O’Riordan’s distinctive, melodic and often haunting vocals in iconic tracks like ‘Zombie’ and ‘Linger’. Posting on social media, Irish singer Hozier recalled the first time he heard O’Riordan and the imprint she left on his own artistry.
“My first time hearing Dolores O’Riordan’s voice was unforgettable,” he said. “I’d never heard somebody use their instrument in that way.”
Indeed, her voice propelled The Cranberries into fame making them the second best-selling rock band in Ireland following U2, with over 40 million records sold world-wide.
The band was also well recognised for their activism during a turbulent period in Ireland’s history. O’Riordan expressed in an interview with Song Facts last year, that the lyrics to ‘Zombie’ speak about “the Irish fight for independence.” The song was inspired by an IRA bombing in Warrington Cheshire, England on March 20, 1993. Two children were killed in the attack, Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry.
Tim’s father, Colin Parry expressed his sadness over the news of O’Riordan’s passing this morning on Twitter.
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
— Colin Parry OBE (@ColinParryPeace) January 15, 2018
Mere weeks after ‘Zombie’ was released on August 31, 1994, the IRA declared a ceasefire to 25 years of conflict. Many people speculated that the decision was symptomatic of The Cranberries popularity and The IRA’s fear of more songs being penned about them.
O’Riordan told Song Facts in April last year that she knew the song was likely to spark controversy, but was surprised at the social impact and widespread success it had.
People from across the globe have posted a flood of tributes to O’Riordan in the last few hours, celebrating her remarkable and wholly unique talent and describing her as the “voice of a generation”.
For anyone who grew up in Ireland in the 1990s, Dolores O’Riordan was the voice of a generation. As the female lead singer of a hugely successful rock band, she blazed a trail and might just have been Limerick’s greatest ever rock star. RIP.
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) January 15, 2018
I once met Delores O’Riordan when I was 15. She was kind and lovely, I got her autograph on my train ticket and it made my day. She had the most amazing voice and presence. So sorry to hear that she’s passed away today x
— James Corden (@JKCorden) January 15, 2018
Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time.
Vale Dolores, and thank you for a lifetime of musical memories.