James Corden, Hozier and More React to the Unexpected Death of The Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan

Stephanie Petit
Updated

Fellow musicians and fans are mourning the loss of The Cranberries’ lead singer Dolores O’Riordan, who reportedly died in a London hotel at the age of 46.

“The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session. No further details are available at this time,” O’Riordan’s publicist said in a statement to the BBC. “Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

Many shared their condolences and personal experiences with the Irish musician on Twitter.

“We are crushed to hear the news about the passing of Dolores O’Riordan,” Duran Duran wrote. “Our thoughts go out to her family at this terrible time.”

Singer Hozier added, “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.”

Heartbreaking. Dolores O’Riordan was a massive influence for me. I grew up listening to The Cranberries with my mother and learned so much about having an unconventional singing voice. Dolores taught me how to use my voice in a manner that was emotive, even if I wasn’t classically skilled. That people will love it when you MEAN what you SAY. Her voice was beautiful to me. And she was a fierce BADASS trailblazing woman in the rock landscape. (I also learned a thing or two about changing my hair every week it seems). Always an inspiration to me and I’m devastated to hear about her death. Rest In Peace, you were far too young. ??

A post shared by halsey (@iamhalsey) on Jan 15, 2018 at 11:05am PST

Dolores O'Riordan "We are all saddened to hear the news. Dolores was a brilliant and generous spirit with a quick humor and a stunning voice. Our love to the band and to her family and fans." -Michael Stipe & the whole of R.E.M. and REMHQ

A post shared by R.E.M. (@rem) on Jan 15, 2018 at 5:22pm PST

Delores O'Riordan ??

A post shared by Adele (@adele) on Jan 15, 2018 at 9:49pm PST

Dolores O'Riordan
Dolores O'Riordan

James Corden recalled meeting O’Riordan when he was just 15 years old.

“She was kind and lovely, I got her autograph on my train ticket and it made my day,” he tweeted. “She had the most amazing voice and presence. So sorry to hear that she’s passed away today x”

The Irish band Kodaline, Questlove and others also posted tributes on social media.

Damn. Delores O’riordan passed of #TheCranberries. rip.

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Jan 15, 2018 at 9:42am PST

O’Riordan is survived by her three children, 20-year-old son Taylor, 16-year-old daughter Molly and 12-year-old daughter Dakota.

“The best time in my life was the years spent at home with my family,” she told the Irish News in May 2017. “I love being a mum. My kids don’t see me as a famous person, or have any kind of expectation; I’m just their mum.”