Dolores O'Riordan dead: The Cranberries​ lead singer dies aged 46

The Irish musician died in London, her publicist confirmed

Dolores O'Riordan performs with The Cranberries in Paris 1999

Dolores O’Riordan, frontwoman of the iconic Irish grunge-rock band The Cranberries, has died suddenly at the age of 46.

Tributes poured in from fans, friends and fellow musicians who praised her as “unforgettable” and inspirational.

Irish President Michael D Higgins praised O’Riordan’s and the band’s “immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally.”

Singer Hozier said: “My first time hearing Dolores O’Riordan’s voice was unforgettable. I’d never heard somebody use their instrument in that way.”

Fan @MayKapes said: “She’s the reason so many young girls saw a place for themselves in rock music. So, so sad.”

A spokesperson for O’Riordan said she died “suddenly” in London, where she had travelled for a short recording session.

The cause of her death has not yet been revealed.

O’Riordan joined The Cranberries, made up of brothers Noel Hogan and Mike Hogan, after reading an advertisement in a local paper in 1989

They went on to sell over 40 million records around the world, O’Riordan later releasing the solo records Are You Listening? in 2007 and No Baggage in 2009.

Below you can read how people paid tribute throughout the day on Monday.

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Follow the international reaction here.

Key Points

• Dolores O'Riordan has died suddenly aged 46
• The Irish band singer was in London for a short recording session
• The Cranberries were forced to cancel part of their European tour due to O'Riordan ill health in May 2017
• Irish President Michael D Higgins has lead the tributes to the star, saying 'her death will be a huge loss'

[15 January 2018 18:25 · Adam Withnall]

Irish President 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."

[15 January 2018 18:33 · Adam Withnall]

Following the success of their debut album, Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, the band released 1994's No Need to Argue which included the lead single 'Zombie'. 

The song, written in the wake of a 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington which killed a three-year-old and a 12-year-old boy, was an angry, anthemic record about The Troubles.

[15 January 2018 18:34 · Adam Withnall]

[15 January 2018 18:39 · Adam Withnall]

Dave Davies, a founding member of 60s rock group The Kinks, expressed his sadness and surprise at O'Riordan's death. 

He said he had spoken to her shortly before Christmas and they had even spoken about collaborating on some songs.

[15 January 2018 18:40 · Adam Withnall]

Ireland's culture minister Josepha Madigan has echoed President Michael D Higgins' comments, saying: 

"I am very saddened to hear news about the death of Dolores O'Riordan at the age of just 46.

"Dolores was an enormously successful artist internationally, first as part of The Cranberries and then as a solo artist. She made a huge contribution to the arts internationally, with millions of record sales worldwide.

"She was an inspiration to many across the world and had a truly unique voice. Her haunting vocals on classics such as Linger and Zombie will live on forever.

"I'd like to pass on my condolences to her family at what must be a very difficult time for them."

[15 January 2018 18:48 · Adam Withnall]

[15 January 2018 18:55 · Adam Withnall]

[15 January 2018 19:08 · Adam Withnall]

[15 January 2018 19:42 · Adam Withnall]

Catholic priest Canon Liam McNarmara, who knew O'Riordan's family in their hometown of Ballybricken near Limerick and was a co-celebrant at her wedding, has also paid tribute. 

He told the Limerick Leader:  "My heart goes out to the family. Dolores was their pride and joy. We all loved her very, very much.

"She got on well all the way through her life. I was very disappointed to hear today that she has left us so early in life. Her family did so much for her and supported her all the way through".  

[15 January 2018 19:45 · Adam Withnall]