Dolores O’Riordan was the soul of a generation. We know her songs, her signature vocal style. Take a look back at her legacy, life, and what you may not know about her.
She Was Uncomfortable Being on Stage
Dolores shared how many of her difficulties came from too much fame at a young age. Understandable, since she was 19 when The Cranberries were touring the world at sold-out venues everywhere.
But hers was a different kind of angst. Dolores loved performing, but being watched all the time gave her anxiety. She attributed it to different attitudes toward music. In traditional Irish gigs, people tend to go into themselves and listen. Music was not so much about looking but listening. Stages elsewhere made her feel like everyone was watching her all the time.
She Bonded with Princess Diana
She met Princess Diana after performing at a charity concert in 1995. The two ended up chatting over dinner and a glass of wine. While it’s difficult to picture the two women bonding, they did – over the price of fame.
She Encouraged Discussions on Difficult Topics
Dolores never gave up her Catholic faith. Despite religious affiliations, she encouraged women to discuss women’s rights. In 2009, the band’s music featured in a film called “South Dakota: A Woman’s Right to Choose.” The singer moderated a post-screening panel that hundreds of teenage girls attended.
An Advocate for Mental Health
Even though mental health conversations were not as widespread in the 90s, Dolores shattered conventions. She was always vocal about her mental health. During interviews, Dolores opened up about being a survivor of abuse and its impact on her. She often struggled to keep up with The Cranberries’ newfound international fame. The stress resulted in panic attacks, insomnia, anorexia, and depression.
She Was Proud of What She Achieved
Dolores never shied away from confronting her mortality and what she might leave behind. She believed she could pass away and be happy about the incredible songs she brought to life.