Sinéad O’Connor: Irish singer dies aged 56

Irish singer and activist Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56.

In a statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad.

“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

She was best known for her single Nothing Compares 2 U, released in 1990, which went on to hit number one around the world.

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar paid tribute to her, saying her music “was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare”.

The singer, who was outspoken in her social and political views, released 10 studio albums in all.

O’Connor’s first album, The Lion and the Cobra, came out in 1987, entering the top 40 in the UK and US.

Her follow up I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, which included Nothing Compares 2 U.

Written by Prince, the song reached number one around the world including in the US and the UK.

The Dublin singer’s 17-year-old son Shane died last year, days after he was reported missing.

Writing on social media following his death, she said he had “decided to end his earthly struggle” and requested “no-one follows his example”.

Converting to Islam in 2018, she changed her name to Shuhada, but continued to perform under her birth name.

In 1992, one of the most notable events of her career took place when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II on the US TV show Saturday Night Live, where she was the invited performer.

Following an acapella performance of Bob Marley’s War, she looked at the camera and said “fight the real enemy”, a protest against the Catholic Church.

Her action resulted in her being banned for life by broadcaster NBC and protests against her in the US, which saw copies of her records destroyed in New York’s Times Square.

“I’m not sorry I did it. It was brilliant,” she said in an interview with the New York Times in 2021.

Social media was flooded with tributes to the singer after her death was announced on Wednesday evening.

Musician Tim Burgess of the Charlatans said: “Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace.”

“How she suffered. Poor, poor Sinead. Rest in peace, you amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder.”

Irish film director Mark Cousins added: “Sinead O’Connor was our Irish wild side. Such a big part of our imagined lives.”

Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste) Micheal Martin said O’Connor was one of Ireland’s “greatest musical icons”.

In a statement on Twitter, he said he was “devastated to hear of [her] passing”.

“One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts go out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.”