Tributes paid to Dolores O'Riordan

Singer Dolores O’Riordan, who was the lead singer with the band The Cranberries, died in London yesterday aged 46.

A statement from her publicist said the singer had been in London for a short recording session.

The statement said there were no further details available and requested privacy for the singer’s family.

The Cranberries, formed in Limerick in 1989, had a number of massive international hits, including Linger, Zombie and Dreams. They sold more than 40 million records worldwide, and were particularly successful in the US, helped by O'Riordan's unique voice. She also released two solo albums.

The Cranberries released a new album called Something Else last year, but a number of planned tour dates in Europe and North America were cancelled as O’Riordan suffered with a back problem.Nadine O’Regan spoke to her about the new album in The Sunday Business Post last year.

Her fellow band members said they were "devastated" by the news.

President Michael D Higgins said he had learned of her death with great sadness.

“Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally,” he said, adding that her death would be a big loss to all who followed and supported Irish music, musicians and the performing arts.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described her as "the voice of a generation". He said her voice and her contribution to music would be remembered for many years to come.

A book of condolence is being opened at Limerick City and County Council’s headquarters at Merchant’s Quay in Limerick at 10am this morning.