Remembering Sinéad O'Connor: A fierce Irish singer who was unapologetic, non-conformist

music world mourns loss of Irish singer and activist Siné O'Connor as she passes away at age of 56. Her family announced devastating news but stopped short of disclosing  cause of her death. Siné O'Connor rose to global fame with her single 1990 Nothing Compares 2 U, which topped charts worldwide upon release.

2 things you need to know

• Nothing Compares 2 U was composed and penned by Prince.
• Lion and Cobra was her debut studio album that released in 1987.

O'Connor's early life and musical journey

Born on December 8, 1966, in Dublin's affluent Glenageary suburb, O'Connor's early life was marred by challenges. She faced a tough childhood, including a period in Dublin’s An Grianan Train.ing Centre, known to be a notorious institution for young girls deemed promiscuous. However, a nun’s act of kindness - providing her with a guitar and music teacher - set her on a musical path. It's said that her musical talents were evident from a young age and she found solace in songwriting and performing.

(Sine O’Connor performs during Italian State RAI TV program Che Tempo che Fa in Milan, Italy | Image: AP)

O'Connor's career skyrocketed when she joined band Ton Ton Macoute in 1980s. Her debut album Lion and Cobra came out in 1987 and achieved critical acclaim, earning her a Grammy nomination.

O'Connor's views often sparked debate

In 1980s, as she was starting out, O'Connor relocated to London where she met Fachtna Ó Ceallaigh, an experienced manager who h prior experience working with U2. In dition to providing musical guidance, Ó Ceallaigh also influenced her with his own political beliefs, leaning towards republicanism. This stirred debate when she expressed miration for Provisional IRA, though she later offered an apology for her remarks.

Eventually in 1992, Irish crooner me an appearance on NBC's Saturday Night Live, where she sang a modified version of Bob Marley's War, turning it into some sort of a protest against child sexual abuse within Catholic Church. In a bold and controversial move during her performance, she also held a photo of Pope John Paul II up to camera and ripped it in half.

This act sparked massive outrage among viewers, leing to NBC receiving over 4,000 complaints, and some individuals even chose to destroy ir copies of her records in response.

Like her professional life, musician's personal life was also a struggle. O'Connor disclosed in 2007 that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder four years earlier and she also struggled with painful ailment of fibromyalgia.

Despite her anti-Catholic views, she was ordained as a priest in Latin Tridentine Church, which is an independent Catholic church not affiliated with Rome. Though she h strong disapproval of Church's hierarchy, O'Connor consistently affirmed that she remained a practicing Christian and a committed Catholic.

(Sine O’Connor performs at Akvarium Kub in Budapest | Image: AP)

In recent years, she converted to Islam and released a memoir, Rememberings, in 2021. Her life was marked by moments of triumph and tribulation, but she always remained true to herself and her beliefs.

Her world came crashing down in January 2022 when her 17-year-old son, Shane, passed away. O’Connor cancelled live performances for rest of year due to her grief. 

Siné O'Connor's untimely demise leaves a void in music industry, and her impact on world will be remembered for years. As fans and fellow artists pay tribute to her legacy, her unapologetic spirit and unique voice will continue to inspire generations of musicians and activists alike. singer, however, remained unwavering and unapologetic about her life choices, stating, "I always say, if you live with devil, you find out re's a god." Rest in peace, Siné O'Connor.