Tommy Fleming says Dolores was ‘inspirational’
THE sudden death of The Cranberries lead singer Dolores O’Riordan has sent shockwaves through the music industry.
Tributes have been flooding in from musicians and fans alike around the world for Dolores, as Books of Condolences have also been opened for people to pay their respects.
Local singer/songwriter Tommy Fleming said her death at the young age of 46 was terribly sad.
The singer met the Limerick native on a number of occasions and said she was hugely inspirational, particularly to young musicians.
He told the Sligo Champion: “Dolores’s death is extremely sad and sudden.
“I mean for such a young woman and such a talent it is such sad news.
“I didn’t know her personally but I did meet her a couple of times over the years at different award ceremonies, including a few times at the Meteor awards.
“It’s just such tragic news and it’s almost at this time of the year that you hear this type of sad news unfortunately.”
Tommy said Dolores paved the way for a lot of other musicians during her hugely successful career.
“She was such a great inspiration, such a determined woman and she paved the way for a lot of women in the industry.
“She’s a year younger than me and inspired so many artists with her music.
“The Cranberries sold 40m records worldwide and one album alone sold 17m which is huge.
“The news is just so tragic and sad really. My sympathies and prayers go to her family and children, may she rest in peace.”
Tommy said that Dolores will be greatly missed not only in Ireland, but around the world.
“Dolores will be missed across the globe, she was so well known and such an inspiration in the music industry,” Tommy added.