Dolores O'Riordan Passed Away.

“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.”

Michael Higgins, President of Ireland

The world has lost another fantastic musician. The lead singer of the band, Cranberry, died earlier this January. Dolores O’Riordan died at the age of 46 at a London hotel.

We are devastated on the passing of our friend Dolores. She was an extraordinary talent and we feel very privileged to have been part of her life from 1989 when we started the Cranberries. The world has lost a true artist today.
Noel, Mike and Fergal

— The Cranberries (@The_Cranberries) January 15, 2018

History of the Band

Cranberries started in 1989 iries?n Limerick is an Irish rock band. Originally, the band was led by Niall Quinn only to be replaced a year later as O’Riordan became the lead singer. The name then changed to simply The Cranberries shortly after.

Along with guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler, they made up the indie rock back that brought classics such as “Linger” (1993), and “Zombie” (1994). During the 1990’s they had risen to global fame with O’Riordan as their new lead singer. Through the 1990s, Cranberries sold over 15 million albums in the United States alone.

My first time hearing Dolores O'Riordan's voice was unforgettable. It 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. Shocked and saddened to hear of her passing, thoughts are with her family.

— Hozier (@Hozier) January 15, 2018

“‘Linger’ was the first song I wrote after joining the Cranberries,” O’Riordan told Rolling Stone in 2017, “We never imagined it’d be such a big hit.”

She wrote the song after being publicly dumped by a guy. O’Riordan explains in an interview with The Guardian.

“I couldn’t wait to see him again. But at the next disco, he walked straight past me and asked my friend to dance. I was devastated. Everyone saw me being dumped, publicly, at the disco. Everything’s so dramatic when you’re 17, so I poured it into the song,” She continues.