Musicians from Public Enemy to R.E.M. have added to the flood of tributes pouring in for Sinéad O’Connor.
Musicians from Public Enemy to R.E.M. have added to the flood of tributes pouring in for Sinéad O’Connor
Their tales of working with the singer – best known for her cover of Prince’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ before her death aged 56 was revealed on Wednesday (26.07.23) – came as actors and the Irish Taoiseach also shared their grief at her passing.
Chuck D said on behalf of his group Public Enemy on the band’s Instagram page: “Rest in beats and power #SineadOConnor who always brought the noise.”
He signed off his post with praying hands and white dove emojis.
Janelle Monáe tweeted about how Sinead’s most famous act was tearing up a picture of the Pope and saying “Fight the real enemy” on live TV.
Comic Rob Delaney – whose son Henry was killed by brain cancer aged two-and-a-half – referenced how Sinéad’s death came 18 months after the mum-of-four’s son Shane, 17, took his life in January 2022 after escaping hospital while on suicide watch in his tribute.
He said on social media: “My son Henry listened to her and I think about him when I listen to her now. I was so sad when her son died. I love her she is my hero in art and honesty.”
Singer ANOHNI said in an Instagram video: “I can’t think of an artist who’s given more than Sinéad and I can’t think of an artist who’s been punished more than Sinéad, for telling the truth,” ANOHNI said in a video she posted on her Instagram account. She then sang a rendition of O’Connor’s 1997 song “I Am Enough for Myself.”
Massive Attack, who collaborated with Sinéad on their album ‘100th Window’, said: “Devastated. How do you eulogise someone that you never knew well, but were blessed to have the honour of working with.
“Honestly. To bear witness to her voice, intimately in the studio. On the road every single person stopped – dropped their tools during soundcheck. The fire in her eyes made you understand that her activism was a soulful reflex and not a political gesture.”
Tegan and Sara shared a video of Sinéad performing in early 2020 – the final concert they saw before the Covid lockdown: “Our mom used to blast ‘Lion and the Cobra’ in our minivan on the way to school.
“We were 7 but screamed along to every word. Sinead fanned the flames of creativity in us from very young. Sad to see the news she's gone. Sending love to wherever we go when we die.”
Tori Amos hailed Sinéad “a force of nature” and added she was “a brilliant songwriter and performer whose talent we will not see the like of again.”
The ‘Cornflake Girl’ singer added: “Such passion, such intense presence. A beautiful soul who battled her own personal demons courageously. Be at peace dear Sinéad, you will forever be in our hearts.”
Tracey Thorn from Everything But The Girl tweeted: “What a singer and what a brave brave woman,” adding Sinéad’s death was “a terrible loss.”
Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, Michael Stipe of R.E.M., Billy Corgan, Margo Price, Sky Ferreira, Empress Of, Garbage, Kelly Lee Owens, Ian Brown, Clipping, Cadence Weapon, Jason Isbell, Melissa Etheridge, Diane Warren, and many others have also shared words of remembrance for the late O’Connor.
Garbage said Instagram: “I’m heartbroken . This disgusting world broke her and kept on breaking her. Godspeed dear fragile dove. Thank you for all the beauty and all the wise teachings you offered up to us. I wish you nothing but peace and I will love you for all of time.”
Alanis Morissette said on Instagram: “Sinead was a profound inspiration to many. And to me. Her passion, poetry, and unapologetic expression raised the bar on artistry and female empowerment. Her questioning of societal norms deeply influenced culture’s appreciation of female complexity. Her ability to vulnerably dwell on the small part of the bell-shaped curve was thought provoking, stirring and inspiring. I’m feeling empathy for Ireland, for the world, and for all of us who are saddened by this news.”
Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan added: “Fiercely honest and sweet and funny, she was talented in ways I’m not sure she completely understood. But Sinead stands alone as a figure from our generation who was always true to the piercing voice within and without. And for that I will always admire and respect her. And never forget that she was cancelled for an act of simple resistance. Her crime? Tearing up a photo.”
Bryan Adams tweeted: “RIP Sinéad O’Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family.”
R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe said on Instagram: “There are no words. #sineadoconnor”
The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess tweeted: “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 x.”
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