Tragic news this evening as it’s been confirmed that Sinead O’Connor has passed away. She was just 56.

If Sinead had played the music establishment game, she could have been a bigger star. But she didn’t, committing herself to not being sexualised, to calling out the abuses of the Catholic Church, and always speaking her mind. She wasn’t bigger, but as a result she was more important.

The singer’s family 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.”

No cause of death has been given.