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martyb writes:

The Guardian is reporting Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan dies aged 46:

Death of Irish singer, whose band sold more than 40m records, is being treated as ‘unexplained’

[...] The news was confirmed by her publicist in a statement, but no cause of death has yet been announced. O’Riordan, who had to cancel a tour with a reunited Cranberries in 2017 because of a back problem, had been in London for a recording session.

The statement described the death as sudden, and added: “Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

A Metropolitan police statement also confirmed the news, and that O’Riordan’s body was found at a Park Lane hotel. “At this early stage the death is being treated as unexplained,” the statement read.

A spokeswoman for the London Hilton on Park Lane said: “It is with deep regret that we can confirm a guest sadly passed away at the hotel on Monday 15 January. We offer our sincere condolences to their family at this difficult time.”

Irish president Michael D Higgins said he learned of the news with “great sadness”, adding: “To all those who follow and support Irish music, Irish musicians and the performing arts, her death will be a big loss.”

Musicians have started to pay tribute, including Irish songwriter Hozier, who said he was “shocked and saddened”, and that O’Riordan’s voice “threw into question what a voice could sound like in that context of rock. I’d never heard somebody use their instrument in that way.”

The Guardian also has a story up The Cranberries: five of Dolores O’Riordan's best performances which has background stories on — and links to — five of her performances.

Also covered by the BBC.

Though I was not a huge fan, I most certainly recognized a unique and unmistakable voice that carried passion and power. RIP.

Original Submission