'PEACE BE WITH YOUR COURAGEOUS HEART'

TRIBUTES FLOOD IN FOR SINÉAD O'CONNOR FOLLOWING THE SINGER'S TRAGIC DEATH AT 56 LAST WEEK

- RHIANNA BENSON

From the moment she was given her first guitar as a teenager, by a nun in a training centre in Dublin, Sinéad O’Connor was inspired to make music her career. Although she later explained, “I didn’t want to be a pop star, I wanted to be a protest singer.”

A defiant performer with unmatched talent and strong political views – she famously shaved her head in the name of feminism and tore up a picture of the Pope on live television – the Irish vocalist consistently poured her troubled yet brilliant soul into her raw and evocative music.

But, as those who have followed Sinéad’s career from the beginning are more than aware, her musical journey has been an emotional roller-coaster.

And last Wednesday, following an endless series of gut-wrenching heartbreaks and mental health battles, the much-loved singer died aged 56 at her home in south London. At the time of going to press, no medical cause has been given, although her death is not being treated as suspicious.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” her loved ones later wrote in a statement. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

Following the tragic news of her passing, tributes from big-name stars heaped praise on the late, great singer for her rhythmic gift and revolutionary spirit.