Sinead O’Connor dies aged 56

Nothing Compares 2 U hitmaker and Irish superstar Sinead O’Connor has died at the age of 56, her family have confirmed in a statement. 

The star was a pioneer and feminist icon, known for her political views as well as her music. 

Sinead was also known for her signature look, which rendered her instantly recognisable.

Early in her career, the singer opted to start shaving her head – a bold move for a woman trying to make it in the music industry during the late 80s. 

While some believed it was simply a trademark fashion statement, Sinead eventually revealed the heartbreaking reasons behind her decision to keep the cropped style. 

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Sinead first shaved her head when she was just 20 years old, deciding on a more androgynous look despite producers requesting that she look more feminine. 

However, there were much darker reasons behind the hairstyle, as she explained in an emotional interview with TV psychologist Dr Phil.

The Irish star admitted in the 2017 talk that she opted to stay bald because she didn’t want to be viewed as “pretty”.

This was because, due to past experiences, she fears that appearing to attractive to men would put her in danger. 

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She explained at the time: “My sister had the most beautiful red hair, glorious red hair, the type you’d be jealous of. But my mother took it into her head that my sister’s hair was ugly, and horrible and disgusting.

“And she started, when I had long hair, she would introduce us as her pretty daughter and her ugly daughter. And that’s why I cut my hair off. I didn’t want to be pretty.”

“It was dangerous to be pretty because I was getting raped and molested everywhere I went. That was a huge part of it,” she continued. 

“I didn’t want to be raped or molested, I didn’t want to dress like a girl, I didn’t want to be pretty. Other girls beat you up if you were pretty too.”

The singer also hoped that, by keeping a more androgynous image, her looks would not distract people from her talent. 

She added: “I was asked one day would I grow my hair long and wear short skirts because they wanted to sell me on my sexuality.

“I didn’t want to be sold on that. If I was going to be successful, I wanted it to be because I was a good musician.” 

Yesterday evening, Sinead’s family announced her death with the statement: “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.” 

Sinead’s son Shane died last year aged 17 and the Irish singer is survived by her three other children. 

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