Why Sinead O’Connor’s estate has taken aim at Donald Trump

The estate of the late Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has unleashed a scathing rebuke against former US President Donald Trump for using a version of her hit song, Nothing Compares 2 U,  at his political rallies.

In a joint statement with record label Chrysalis Records, the estate demanded Trump “desist from using her music immediately”, asserting that O’Connor, known for her soul-stirring vocals and fierce moral code, would have been “disgusted, hurt, and insulted.”

“Throughout her life, it is well known that Sinead O’Connor lived by a fierce moral code defined by honesty, kindness, fairness, and decency towards her fellow human beings,” the statement read.

“It was with outrage therefore that we learned that Donald Trump has been using her iconic performance of Nothing Compares 2 U at his political rallies.

“It is no exaggeration to say that Sinead would have been disgusted, hurt and insulted to have her work misrepresented in this way by someone who she herself referred to as a ‘biblical devil’.

“As the guardians of her legacy, we demand that Donald Trump and his associates desist from using her music immediately.”

The demand places O’Connor in the company of a growing list of artists who have similarly requested Trump refrain from using their music for political campaigns. This list includes prominent figures such as The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, Rihanna, Neil Young, Linkin Park, the late Tom Petty, and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.

O’Connor, known for her fearless persona, passed away at the age of 56 on July 26, 2023.

The loss of the iconic Irish singer-songwriter sent shockwaves through the music community, leaving fans reeling with grief.

At the time, O’Connor’s family released a statement announcing the passing of the Nothing Compares 2 U hitmaker.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” the statement read.

“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

O’Connor’s impact on the music scene is undeniable. Beginning with the acclaimed debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, in 1987, she solidified her place in musical history with the groundbreaking success of I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got in 1990, featuring the iconic hit Nothing Compares 2 U.

Her ten studio albums, including Am I Not Your Girl? (1992) and Universal Mother (1994), both achieving gold status in the UK, showcased O’Connor’s unapologetic exploration of spirituality, activism, socio-political issues, and personal struggles.

Despite her untimely departure, O’Connor’s musical legacy lives on. With gold recognition in Australia for Faith and Courage (2000) and gold certification in Ireland for Throw Down Your Arms (2005), she continues to inspire and resonate with fans globally.

O’Connor is survived by her three children, leaving behind a musical legacy that will undoubtedly continue to impact and inspire generations to come.

-with PA.