Sinéad O’Connor’s management have revealed she had “wonderful plans” to release new music and go on tour before her death.
The legendary musician, who shot to fame in the 90s for her cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U, sadly passed away on Wednesday at the age of 56.
In a heartbreaking tribute to the singer, which was released today, 67 Management also confirmed she was considering “opportunities” to turn her best-selling memoir into a movie.
The statement on their website reads: “We would like to take this opportunity to send our love, our thoughts, our prayers to Sinead O’Connor’s Family at this time.
“We would like to thank the incredible love and support for Sinead from her fans first and foremost who have prevailed in their support and kindness throughout.
“To our business partners in the industry who have been nothing less than devoted to Sinead and again have shown nothing but love and compassion for her throughout our tenure, that cannot be overstated. Sincere and heartfelt thanks. You know who you are.
“To the wonderful musicians, artists and supporting teams who have been nothing short of incredible in the time that we knew Sinead. Incredible as musicians and incredible as true friends to Sinead. Those that worked with her and those that supported her from the sidelines, thank you,” they continued.
“As tribute to those who were part of Sinead’s team over our tenure it has to be mentioned that Sinead was completing her new album, reviewing new tour dates for 2024 and considering opportunities in relation to a movie of her book.
“Wonderful plans were afoot at this time. Testament and tribute to those who have put their hearts first for Sinead, to whom we are forever grateful.
“It has been an honour to have worked with Sinead professionally, as musicians, producers and her artist managers over the last nine years, but much, much more than that Sinead was family. May she rest in peace,” they concluded.
The Dublin native was pronounced dead on Wednesday, after being found “unresponsive” at a residence in London.
The London Inner South Coroner’s Court has since confirmed an autopsy will be conducted, but the results could take “several weeks”.
The court statement said: “The death of Sinead O’Connor in Lambeth was notified to the Coroner on Wednesday July 26 2023.
“No medical cause of death was given. The Coroner therefore directed an autopsy to be conducted. The results of this may not available for several weeks.
“The decision whether an inquest will be needed will be decided when these results are known and submissions have been heard from the family. If an inquest is to be opened, the date of the brief public hearing will be provided on our website.”
On Thursday, the Met Police revealed Sinéad was found “unresponsive” at a residence in London before being pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement to The Sun, cops said: “Police were called at 11:18hrs on Wednesday, 26 July to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the SE24 area.”
“Officers attended. A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Just over two weeks before her death, Sinéad showed fans around her new flat in London in a Twitter video posted on July 9th.
Hey, some folks been asking I make video to prove identity .. Now, I’ve been up all night listening to Hindu Aestheticism books on You Tube. And Madonna’s stylist told me to eat a giant dick just now when I asked if she/he/they would rush over.. so deal with it ; ) pic.twitter.com/U4YOgdYuBj
— Sinead Marie-Bernarde Aoibheann O’Connor (@786OmShahid) July 9, 2023
She started the video by saying: “I’ll make a video because some of you are saying you don’t believe it’s my account; it is my account. But fret not, I’m going to be a good girl.”
“I look like s**t either way, which is why I didn’t want to make a video,” the singer joked.
Referring to the tragic death of her 17-year-old son Shane, who died by suicide last year, Sinead continued: “But you know the way your kid, unfortunately, passes away, it isn’t good for one’s body or soul to be fair. But anyways, let’s not dwell on that.”
The songstress panned the camera around the living room and kitchen, and apologised for the mess, joking that her flat looked like a “s***hole”.
Sinead also displayed a stunning vase of sunflowers, which were a gift from a friend, and showed off her black Martin DX Johnny Cash guitar, which she said she was going to “write some tunes on”.
Sinead’s family confirmed her passing in a statement on Wednesday, which said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Sinéad, who changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018 after converting to Islam, released 10 studio albums during her career.
The Grammy-winning artist also hit headlines in 1992 when she famously ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II during her appearance on Saturday Night Live in the US.
She is survived by three of her children – – Jake, Roisin and Yeshua.
Her death comes over a year after her 17-year-old son Shane took his own life in January 2022, after he left a hospital in Dublin – where he had been admitted for care.
At the time, she wrote on social media: “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.”
“May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.”
In one of her last tweets, which was posted on July 17, 2023, Sinead posted a photo of herself and Shane and wrote: “Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul.”
“We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭#lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022.
Been living as undead night creature since. . He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him pic.twitter.com/aC8BOmLQ9N— Sinead Marie-Bernarde Aoibheann O’Connor (@786OmShahid) July 17, 2023
Following her son’s passing last January, the singer cancelled her scheduled gigs for the rest of the year.
A statement released by her management at the time said: “We would like to respectfully announce that due to continuing grief over the tragic loss of her beloved son Shane earlier this year, Sinead O’Connor will not be performing live in 2022.”
The singer’s management added that it was not “an easy decision”, but it was necessary for her “own health and wellbeing”.
The statement continued to thank Sinéad’s worldwide agency ICM, who handled the situation “with the utmost respect and dignity,” and thanked “local and international promoters” for the continued “support and understanding.”
Her management team concluded, “Thank you also to Sinead’s friends and fans whose support and understanding we hold in the highest esteem throughout this period.”
“The love being shown has been a source of great comfort and peace for Sinead.”
Her last public appearance took place back in March, when she was presented with the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards.
Sinéad O’Connor last March.
Via RTE Choice Music. pic.twitter.com/MiYnJqBjIX— Martine St-Victor (@MartineMontreal) July 26, 2023
Sinead received a standing ovation at the event, as she dedicated the award to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community”.
“You’re very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness,” she said.
In 2021, the songstress released a memoir called Rememberings.
The following year, a docu-film called Nothing Compares, directed by Kathryn Ferguson, was released about her life.
