Featured Image Credit: Jim Dyson/Getty Images. Andrew Chin/Getty Images
Topics: Music
Stewart Perrie
There has been an outpouring of sadness in the music industry following the death of Sinéad O'Connor.
Her death at 56 has sent shockwaves around the world.
A statement from her family revealed the tragic news as it 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."
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Musicians and regular folk have taken to social media to praise her talent and highlight what an incredible artist and activist she was.
O'Connor had her fair share of problems due to her stance on particular issues.
She was banned from NBC following a stunt on Saturday Night Live in 1992 when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II and said 'fight the real enemy'.
That was one of several controversies she courted during her life and each one affected her career.
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That's why singer Morrissey has spoken out about all the celebrity tributes that have trickled through since news of her death was announced.
He's asked where was all this support when she was alive.
"She was dropped by her label after selling 7 million albums for them," he wrote on his website.
"She became crazed, yes, but uninteresting, never. She had done nothing wrong.
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"She had proud vulnerability … and there is a certain music industry hatred for singers who don’t ‘fit in’ (this I know only too well), and they are never praised until death - when, finally, they can’t answer back."
Then he centered on the celebrities directly.
"You praise her now ONLY because it is too late. You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you," he said.
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Morrissey also compared O'Connor to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry who died well before their time.
"Why is ANYBODY surprised that Sinead O’Connor is dead?" he began.
"Who cared enough to save Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Marilyn Monroe, Billie Holiday? Where do you go when death can be the best outcome? Was this music madness worth Sinead’s life?
"No, it wasn’t.
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"She was a challenge, and she couldn’t be boxed-up, and she had the courage to speak when everyone else stayed safely silent.
"She was harassed simply for being herself. Her eyes finally closed in search of a soul she could call her own."