Dolores O’Riordan dead: The Cranberries bandmates 'devastated' as they lead tributes to 'extraordinary talent'

Fans were left absolutely shocked by the news
Devastating: The Cranberries lead singer Dolores O'Riordan
AP Photo/Bruno Bebert
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The music world has paid tribute en masse to The Cranberries front woman Dolores O’Riordan, who has died aged 46.

The Irish musician died suddenly on Monday morning in London. She was in the capital for a recording session.

Her Cranberries bandmates led tributes online, telling fans they are “devastated” and describing O'Riordan as an "extraordinary talent".

Noel and Mike Hogan and Fergal Lawler tweeted from the official Cranberries account: "We are devastated on the passing of our friend Dolores.

“She was an extraordinary talent and we feel very privileged to have been part of her life from 1989 when we started the Cranberries.

“The world has lost a true artist today. Noel, Mike and Fergal."

Duran Duran also paid tribute, saying they have been left "crushed" by the news.

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

Irish four-piece Kodaline said they were left “absolutely shocked” by the news, tweeting: “@The_Cranberries gave us our first big support when we toured with them around France years ago! Thoughts are with her family and friends.”

Irish pop star Hozier said O’Riordan's voice was “unforgettable” while fellow Irishman Jim Corr of The Corrs offered his “deepest sympathies” to her family.

Former Kinks guitarist Dave Davies was left “shocked” by the news, and revealed he had spoken to O’Riordan before Christmas about writing together.

Chat show host James Corden recalled a time in his teens when he met O’Riordan, who he said ‘made his day’.

He tweeted: “I once met Dolores O’Riordan when I was 15. She was kind and lovely, I got her autograph on my train ticket and it made my day. She had the most amazing voice and presence. So sorry to hear that she’s passed away today x.”

O'Riordan's publicist confirmed her death in a statement which read: “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.”

Ireland's President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to the singer, saying her death will be “a big loss”.

In a statement, Mr Higgins said: "It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dolores O'Riordan, musician, singer and song writer.

“Dolores O'Riordan and The Cranberries had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally.

“I recall with fondness the late Limerick TD Jim Kemmy's introduction of her and The Cranberries to me, and the pride he and so many others took in their successes.”

O’Riordan is survived by her three children Taylor Baxter, Molly Leigh and Dakota Rain who she had with former Duran Duran tour manager Burton.

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