It’s hard to know if Sinead O’Connor was of her time or ahead of her time, but one thing is for sure, her legacy lives on. Over the years many considered her to be an attention seeking pop artist who would do any radical act in order to get noticed. But Sinead was much more than that.
Having watched the Nothing Compares, a documentary about Sinead O'Connor's rise to fame, fall from grace & life's struggles, it's clear that the turning point in her career occurred in 1990 at a concert in New Jersey when she refused to go on stage after a performance of the American National Anthem. To her, this was a matter of principle as she said “I sincerely harbor no disrespect for America, but I cannot condone patriotic fervor in a time when there’s so much suffering in the world... I will not go on stage after any national anthem.” Prior to this her music career had been on the up and up gaining popularity both stateside and globally with her albums “The Lion and The Cobra” (1987) and “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” (1990). But this backlash against American traditions resulted in many public figures condemning her as an artist, concert organisers banning her performances and some radio stations pulling her songs. (Frank Sinatra allegedly saying that he'd like to 'Kick Her Ass'.)
Most of us know what happened next when Sinead famously tore up a picture of the then Pope, John Paul II, on an episode of Saturday Night Live saying “Fight The Real Enemy” in 1992. This led to further public outrage in the States as the documentary reveals footage of a 30-ton steamroller crushing a mound of her CDs outside Chrysalis Records in New York City the following October. Sinead's public protest against the Catholic Church instantly went viral with worldwide news media broadcasting the SNL clip that became widely regarded as an act of blasphemy, sacrilege and deep disrespect.
Although these public acts caused much controversy at the time, Sinead stood her ground. Fame was not her goal. Protest and change was her passion and for the next thirty years she continued to advocate for women, LBGTQ+ movements, refugee’s rights and anti-racism campaigns, often feeling profoundly alone on her journey.
Her singing voice is uniquely haunting and her songs are one of a kind. Often collaborating with other artists across various musical genres, Sinead’s voice is instantly recognisable as it elevates songs into something more special.
She is renowned for speaking publicly about mental health issues being open about her bi-polar disorder and PTSD. Her honesty is said to be responsible for destigmatizing mental health in Ireland and abroad with other famous artists taking on the baton affirming that it’s okay not to be okay.
How will Sinead O’Connor be most remembered? Aside from her exquisite voice and lifetime of musical success, Sinead will forever be remembered for speaking the truth.
"I’m not a pop star. I’m just a troubled soul who needs to scream into a mic sometimes."
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