Today marks the second anniversary of the loss of the singer Dolores Mary Eileen O'Riordan (6 September 1971 – 15 January 2018). She was the lead vocalist for alternative rock band The Cranberries from 1990 until they took a six-year hiatus in 2003. They later reunited in 2009, disbanding in 2019 following her death. O'Riordan was known for her lilting mezzo-soprano voice, her emphasized use of keening, and her strong Limerick accent.
We had the chance to speak with Aches about the tribute mural he painted a couple of months ago in Limerick (Dolores’ hometown) for the Drawout Limerick mural festival.
Was there a specific song (or many) or album that inspired this wall?
The album that inspired the piece was "Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We?".
The album was released in 1993, so I researched this timeline and found these great images of Dolores singing at the Troubadour in LA. The images were taken by Donna Santisi.
I wanted to use images of Dolores when she was on the verge of becoming famous.
I loved the idea of a 22 year old from rural Ireland on stage in LA, on the rise to something special, I found this very inspiring as a young Irish artist.
Painting in Limerick for the Draw Out Festival, I couldn't think of a more deserving and fitting woman to base the mural on.
What is your connection with Dolores and her music?
My connection to Dolores and her music is through our nationality I suppose. Ireland is a small country, and for years has always produced internationally know creatives, from Oscar Wilde to Jack B. Yeats. Growing up in Ireland and seeing the likes of Dolores O'Riordan and the Cranberries make such an impact on an international level is really inspiring. Her ability to write songs was world class, and I'm glad it was recognised.
