Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan dies at 46

Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer of Irish rock band The Cranberries, has died in London. She was 46.

O’Riordan died in London, where she was recording, publicist Lindsey Holmes said. “No further details are available at this time,” Holmes said, adding that the singer’s family was “devastated” by the news.

During the 90s, The Cranberries became international stars in the ’90s with hits including “Zombie” and “Linger” that melded alternative rock edge with Celtic-infused pop tunefulness.

I’m really shocked that #DoloresORiordan has passed so suddenly
– I was talking to her a couple weeks before Christmas she seemed happy and well – we even spoke about maybe writing some songs together – unbelievable god bless her pic.twitter.com/Pk2QyAaaBw

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 15, 2018

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

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

Statement by the Irish President Michael D. Higgins, on the death of #DoloresORiordan pic.twitter.com/KZGfjenLVS

— Dianne Gallagher (@DianneG) January 15, 2018

O’Riordan was The Cranberries’ chief lyricist and co-songwriter, and her powerful voice was key to the band’s distinctive sound.

The Cranberries released the album Something Else in 2017 and had been due to tour Europe and North America. The tour was cut short because O’Riordan was suffering from back problems.

O’Riordan has had a troubled road, with issues stemming from childhood abuse issues.

In 2014, O’Riordan was accused of assaulting three police officers and a flight attendant during a flight from New York to Ireland. Medical records given to the court indicated she was mentally ill at the time. After her court hearing, O’Riordan urged other people suffering mental illness to seek help.