We are sad to report on the passing of Sinead O’Connor. She was fifty six years old, and her death is a mere eighteen months after the tragic death of her son.
O’Connor took the music world by storm in the late 1980s with the song “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The song was penned by Prince, and it’s haunting melody, sound, and video was jaw dropping in a world in which hair metal and pop ruled the day.
O’Connor’s striking looks, with a closely shorn head, could not have been farther from the pop music ideals of the day. According to rock music lore, she shaved her head after being told by record executives to pretty up her looks.
This was not the only controversy courted by the Irish singer- she faced backlash and controversy after tearing up a picture of the Pop on Saturday Night Live. Her life and career included many tales of her life’s challenges. She often shone the light that fame brought to her on mental health issues.
O’Connor was able to achieve something that is rare in art and music: uniqueness. Her voice sounded like no other, and her spirit and rebellious nature went beyond the spirit of punk, and all the way to breaking down norms of gender an entire generation before it was more common, and to challenging a record industry that really only knew a few ways to promote an artist.
She was 56 years old. Our deepest condolences go out to her fans and her family.
For anyone struggling with mental health and struggling, there is a national hotline you can dial. Simply dial 988, 24 hours a day.
To submit an article an article or review, or to just say hello hit us at [email protected]
Also- check out the search feature in the upper right hand corner and search for your favorite artist, event, venue or genre. You’ll be surprised at what you find!
Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.