Dolores O’Riordan dies aged 46

Irish musician and singer-songwriter Dolores O’Riordan, who came to fame as lead singer of The Cranberries, has died suddenly aged 46.

The band’s facebook page was updated two hours ago with the following message:

“Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today. She was 46 years old. 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.

Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

The Cranberries released seven studio albums during their career and enjoyed international success with their 1994 long-player No Need To Argue. Produced by Stephen Street, that album has sold 17 million copies to date and features the single Zombie –  a number one hit in Australia, Germany and France.

Less than a year ago The Cranberries issued Something Else an album that featured unplugged and orchestral versions of ten previously released singles and three new songs. The band’s 1993 debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? received an audiophile vinyl reissue last year, courtesy of US label Analog Spark.