Earlier today, Sinéad O’Connor’s family confirmed that the Irish singer and songwriter died at age 56. In the wake of that news, countless figures from across the music industry have paid tribute to the late artist, remembering her unparalleled voice and unconventional spirit.
“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 Sinead O’Connor on their album 100th Window, penned a tribute of their own. “Devastated. How do you eulogise someone that you never knew well, but were blessed to have the honour of working with,” they wrote. “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 & not a political gesture.” They then quoted from their collaboration “When Your Soul Sings.”
Tegan and Sara shared a video of O’Connor performing in early 2020; the final concert they saw before the COVID-19 lockdown. “Our mom used to blast Lion and the Cobra in our minivan on the way to school,” they added. “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.” Perfume Genius shared one of his favorite songs, “Troy,” adding, “She really inspired me in every way.”
Tori Amos, a contemporary and longtime admirer of O’Connor’s, called the musician “a force of nature.” She added that O’Connor was “a brilliant songwriter & performer whose talent we will not see the like of again.” “Such passion, such intense presence,” Amos continued. “A beautiful soul who battled her own personal demons courageously. Be at peace dear Sinéad, you will forever be in our hearts.”
“What a singer and what a brave brave woman,” Tracey Thorn of Everything But the Girl wrote on Twitter, adding that O’Connor’s death is “a terrible loss.” Kimya Dawson also remembered O’Connor as brave: “Brave people inspire other people to be brave,” Dawson tweeted. “Strong people inspire other people to be strong. Sinéad was one of the bravest and the strongest.”