Sinéad O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor

Born: December 8, 1966
Died: July 26, 2023
in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland
Sinéad O'Connor (8 December 1966 – 26 July 2023) was an Irish singer and musician. She was born December 8, 1966, in Dublin, Ireland. After a difficult childhood (her parents divorced early on and her mother was frequently abusive), O'Connor was sent to reform school after being caught shoplifting. Her music career began when she was "discovered" by the drummer of the popular Irish band In Tua Nua and co-wrote their hit song "Take My Hand." Before finishing school, O'Connor ran away to Dublin, where she sang and played guitar on the street and in pubs and worked for a singing telegram service. While performing with a Dublin band called Ton Ton Macoute, O'Connor caught the attention of the two owner-managers of a small London record label called Ensign Records. Ensign released her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, late in 1987. Critics lauded O'Connor's powerful and expressive voice and noted the complexity of her songs, even while acknowledging their decidedly uncommercial nature. Though it had no major hit singles, the album eventually sold over 500,000 copies and went platinum. With the 1990 release of O'Connor's second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, the baldheaded singer-songwriter became an international star. Driven by the phenomenal success of the smash hit single "Nothing Compares 2 U" (a once-obscure song written by Prince and first recorded by a band called the Family), the album shot to the top of the Billboard charts and nabbed O'Connor four Grammy Award nominations including Best Album, Best Song, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Alternative Album. The video for "Nothing Compares 2 U" won the MTV Award for Video of the Year, and O'Connor was named Artist of the Year in 1991 by Rolling Stone. Her next two albums, Am I Not Your Girl? (1992) and Universal Mother(1994), made far less of an impact either critically or commercially. Soon, however, O'Connor became famous for her controversial public outbursts, beginning in 1989 when she announced her support for the radical Irish Republican Army (IRA); she retracted the statement one year later. She again made headlines in 1990 when she refused to appear onstage in New Jersey if "The Star-Spangled Banner" were played before the concert. In 1991, O'Connor boycotted the Grammy ceremony and refused her award for Best Alternative Album, maintaining that her absence was a protest against the extreme commercialism of the Grammy Awards. Even more publicity surrounded a 1992 performance by O'Connor on Saturday Night Live, during which she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, denouncing the Catholic Church as "the real enemy." Despite her contempt for the clerical hierarchy, O'Connor maintained she was a Catholic and devoutly spiritual.

Movies for Sinéad O'Connor...

Sinéad O'Connor at the BBC
Title: Sinéad O'Connor at the BBC
Character: Self (archive material)
Released: March 16, 2024
Type: Movie
A look back through the BBC's archives at the work of an artist with whom nothing compares – the acclaimed, unique and always controversial Sinéad O'Connor
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Sinéad
Title: Sinéad
Character: Self
Released: January 8, 2024
Type: Movie
With contributions from David Holmes, Christy Moore, Imelda May, Don Letts, BP Fallon and more, this documentary reflects on Sineád O’Connor’s influence on Irish life and people. Five months after her shocking passing, SINÉAD revisits the late singer’s tumultuous life and the film is both a deeply sad and celebratory tribute. Drawn together from RTÉ’s own expansive archive of her TV appearances and footage from around the world, it is an absorbing take on a story that many of us already know very well. However, looking back now after her death, the film pulls into sharp focus just how brave and defiant Sinéad really was.
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Title: Sinéad
Character: self
Released: January 8, 2024
Type: TV
The death of Sinéad O’Connor was both sad and shocking and the reaction to her premature passing, in Ireland and from across the world, was instant and profound. Tributes poured in from home and abroad, ranging from President Michael D Higgins to music royalty such as Madonna. With contributions from David Holmes, Christy Moore, Imelda May, Don Letts, BP Fallon and many more, this documentary reflects on Sinéad O’Connor’s influence on Irish life and Irish people throughout her life. Using a wealth of unique archive footage from RTÉ and international sources, it features an Ireland she fought against and the kind of Ireland she desired. From Pope John Paul arriving in Ireland to Charles Haughey and Gay Byrne, and on to the struggle for Irish women’s 'right to travel’ - it provides a visual backdrop to a changing society. Sinéad’s body of work provides the soundtrack.
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Nothing Compares
Title: Nothing Compares
Character: Self
Released: September 23, 2022
Type: Movie
Since the beginning of her career, Sinéad O’Connor has used her powerful voice to challenge the narratives she was surrounded by while growing up in predominantly Roman Catholic Ireland. Despite her agency, depth and perspective, O’Connor’s unflinching refusal to conform means that she has often been patronized and unfairly dismissed as an attention-seeking pop star.
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The Busk - A Decade of Christmas on Grafton Street
Title: The Busk - A Decade of Christmas on Grafton Street
Character: Herself
Released: December 22, 2020
Type: Movie
Glen Hansard takes a look back at the most memorable moments from the Grafton Street busk over the years with powerful new live performances from Dermot Kennedy and Irish Women in Harmony, all to raise awareness and funds to address homelessness.
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Citizens Of Boomtown: The Story of the Boomtown Rats
Title: Citizens Of Boomtown: The Story of the Boomtown Rats
Character: Herself
Released: May 23, 2020
Type: Movie
The story of The Boomtown Rats, who fought a conservative Ireland, broke through the UK punk scene, scored global No 1 hits and revolutionised the world with Bob Geldof’s Live Aid.
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The Irish Rock Story: A Tale of Two Cities
Title: The Irish Rock Story: A Tale of Two Cities
Character: Self
Released: March 13, 2015
Type: Movie
This musical celebration charts the lives and careers of some of the biggest selling acts in Irish rock, punk and pop from Van Morrison and Thin Lizzy to The Undertones and U2. From the pioneers of the showbands touring in the late 50s through to the modern day, the film examines their lineage and connections and how the hardcore, rocking sound of Belfast merged with the more melodic, folky Dublin tradition to form what we now recognise as Irish rock and pop.
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Irish Rock at the BBC
Title: Irish Rock at the BBC
Character: Self
Released: March 13, 2015
Type: Movie
A whistle-stop tour of rock from over the water, taking in some of the finest Irish rock offerings from the early 70s to the present day, as captured on a variety of BBC shows from The Old Grey Whistle Test and Top of the Pops to Later... with Jools Holland.
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Meteor Choice Music Prize 2014
Title: Meteor Choice Music Prize 2014
Character: Nominee
Released: March 5, 2014
Type: Movie
The Choice Music Prize, known for sponsorship reasons as the RTÉ Choice Music Prize is an annual music prize awarded to the best album from a band or solo musician who is born in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland or holds an Irish passport.
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Music
Title: Music
Character: Self
Released: October 15, 2010
Type: Movie
The story of music and the music industry told through interviews with musicians, composers and producers across genres.
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Sinéad O'Connor - Theology (Live & Accoustic)
Title: Sinéad O'Connor - Theology (Live & Accoustic)
Character: Herself
Released: January 1, 2008
Type: Movie
This concert film was recorded live at the Sugar Club, Dublin Ireland, and published on the DVD set of Sinéad O'Connor's album Theology. The set was limited to 2000 copies only.
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Title: The Graham Norton Show
Character: Self
Released: February 22, 2007
Type: TV
Each week celebrity guests join Irish comedian Graham Norton to discuss what's being going on around the world that week. The guests poke fun and share their opinions on the main news stories. Graham is often joined by a band or artist to play the show out.
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Top of the Pops: 40th Anniversary 1964 - 2004
Title: Top of the Pops: 40th Anniversary 1964 - 2004
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: November 8, 2004
Type: Movie
Forty years is a long time in pop music, but through the swinging sixties, glam rock, punk rock, new romantics, dance, rap boy bands, r'n'b - and all pop points between - Top of the Pops has showcased the finest in chart sounds. The show forms part of nearly everyone's life and the best performances, as seen on this DVD, will remain with us forever.
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Sinéad O'Connor Live
Title: Sinéad O'Connor Live
Released: October 1, 2003
Type: Movie
The Value Of Ignorance (1988): Jackie - Just Like U Said It Would B - Mandinka - Just Call Me Joe - Never Get Old - Jerusalem - Troy - I Am Stretched On Your Grave The Year Of The Horse (1990): Feel So Different - The Emporers New - Clothes - I Want Your (Hands On Me) - Three Babies - Black Boys On Mopeds - Irish Ways - I Am Stretched On Your Grave - The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance - Nothing Compares 2 U - Jump In The River - Jerusalem - Troy
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Kinky Gerlinky
Title: Kinky Gerlinky
Character: Self
Released: June 6, 2003
Type: Movie
Kinky Gerlinky was the biggest, most fabulous, most stylish nightclub London has ever seen. This documentary edited from over 200 hours shot on 21 nights, conveys the experience of one full night out at the club, and gains unique intimacy with most of the action directed to camera.
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Sinead O'Connor - Goodnight, Thank You. You've Been a Lovely Audience
Title: Sinead O'Connor - Goodnight, Thank You. You've Been a Lovely Audience
Character: Herself
Released: January 1, 2003
Type: Movie
A stunning live performance from O'Connor's native Ireland, at the end of her first Irish tour in 6 years serves as O'Connor's self-imposed farewell to the entertainment industry. Also included as bonus features is a documentary on the making of "Sean-So
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Greatest Hits of the 70's & 80's
Title: Greatest Hits of the 70's & 80's
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: October 3, 2002
Type: Movie
01 Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U 02 Mike Oldfield - Moonlight Shadow Vocals - Maggie Reilly 03 Marillion - Kayleigh 4 Feargal Sharkey - A Good Heart 05 Ultravox - Vienna 06 Robert Palmer - Simply Irresistable 07 Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues - For You 08 Mel & Kim - Respectable 09 Charles & Eddie - Would I Lie To You? 10 Baltimora - Tarzan Boy 11 Boy George - Everything I Own 12 Paul Hardcastle - 19 13 Climie Fisher - Rise To The Occasion 14 Heaven 17 - Temptation Vocals - Carol Kenyon 15 China Crisis - Wishful Thinking 16 Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) 17 The Babys - Every Time I Think Of You 18 The Specials - Ghost Town...
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The Beatles Revolution
Title: The Beatles Revolution
Character: Self
Released: November 17, 2000
Type: Movie
A primetime special celebrating The Beatles and exploring the lasting impact on pop music of Beatles innovations like stadium concerts, music videos, and the idea of rock album as art form. The filmmakers were provided rare, previously unseen footage from the Apple archives, and afforded complete access to their recorded music and film library.
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Gael Force
Title: Gael Force
Released: May 30, 2000
Type: Movie
Recorded at Dublin's Point Theatre and introduced by Emmylou Harris, Gael Force combines stunning live performances, beautiful melodies, and virtuoso playing from Ireland's greatest musicians and performers.
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Title: Rove
Character: Self
Released: September 22, 1999
Type: TV
Rove, formerly Rove Live, was an Australian television variety show which premiered on the Nine Network on 22 September 1999, before moving to Network Ten which aired the program from 2000 until November, 2009. The show was hosted by comedian Rove McManus, and featured an ensemble cast, who presented various segments throughout the course of the show. The show won the Logie Award for "Most Popular Light Entertainment Program" five times.
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The Righteous Babes
Title: The Righteous Babes
Character: Self
Released: December 22, 1998
Type: Movie
The Righteous Babes shows how the self-affirmative music of young women is renewing the 90's feminism. In the film, audience can experience feminism not in the library but in the rock concert hall. The film shows interviews and performances. In addition, controversial feminists along with American and British women journalists share their views on pop culture.
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A Song for Eurotrash
Title: A Song for Eurotrash
Character: Self - Special Guest
Released: May 12, 1998
Type: Movie
A satirical look at Eurovision featuring cover versions of classic songs.
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The Butcher Boy
Title: The Butcher Boy
Character: Our Lady/Colleen
Released: February 20, 1998
Type: Movie
Francie and Joe live the usual playful, fantasy filled childhoods of normal boys. However, with a violent, alcoholic father and a manic depressive, suicidal mother the pressure on Francie to grow up are immense. When Francie's world turns to madness, he tries to counter it with further insanity, with dire consequences.
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The Best of Sessions at West 54th: Vol. 1
Title: The Best of Sessions at West 54th: Vol. 1
Character: Self
Released: December 19, 1997
Type: Movie
Collecting highlights from the debut season of the acclaimed PBS series "Sessions at West 54th," this compilation video captures performances by musical greats such as trumpet maestro Wynton Marsalis and Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Other artists making appearances include Emmylou Harris, Ani DiFranco, Rickie Lee Jones, Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega, Sinéad O'Connor, Keb' Mo', Patti Smith and more.
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Title: Behind the Music
Character: Self
Released: August 17, 1997
Type: TV
An intimate look into the personal lives of pop music's greatest and most influential artists.
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Title: The View
Character: Self - Guest
Released: August 11, 1997
Type: TV
ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Meghan McCain, and Abby Huntsman, discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment are all part of The View.
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The Great Hunger: The Life and Songs of Shane MacGowan
Title: The Great Hunger: The Life and Songs of Shane MacGowan
Character: Self
Released: March 17, 1997
Type: Movie
A look at the colourful lifestyle and inspiring music and lyrics of Shane MacGowan, former lead singer of the Pogues. Featuring specially-recorded performances of MacGowan's songs.
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A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who
Title: A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who
Character: Self
Released: December 16, 1994
Type: Movie
A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who, also known as Daltrey Sings Townshend, is a music event and later album documenting a two-night concert at Carnegie Hall in 1994. It broke Carnegie Hall's two day box office gross record, and was the fastest sell-out in the historic venue's history. The concert also raised money for Columbia Presbyterian Babies Hospital. This event was produced by Richard Flanzer and Roger Daltrey of English rock band The Who in celebration of his fiftieth birthday. The Who's music was arranged for orchestra by Michael Kamen, who directed The Juilliard Orchestra for the event. Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, Eddie Vedder, Sinéad O'Connor, Lou Reed, David Sanborn, Alice Cooper, Linda Perry, The Chieftains and others performed as special guests.
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Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Title: Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Released: March 2, 1993
Type: Movie
On October 16, 1992, an impressive and eclectic group of artists gathered at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the purpose of celebrating the music of Bob Dylan on the occasion of his 30th anniversary of recording. Bringing together musical greats as far-flung as Johnny Cash and Eddie Vedder, The Clancy Brothers and Lou Reed, the four-hour show celebrated a truly remarkable lifetime of songs in front of a sold-out audience of over 18,000. Warmly dubbed the Bobfest by participant Neil Young, the show was broadcast around the world and featured a cast of musical notables performing carefully chosen and often surprising selections from the incomparable Dylan songbook. At evening's end, the man of honor himself appeared on stage and gracefully brought it all back home again. In a world where all-star celebrity gatherings have become commonplace, the Bob Dylan celebration stood out as, first and foremost, a legitimately memorable musical event.
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Wuthering Heights
Title: Wuthering Heights
Character: Emily Bronte (uncredited)
Released: October 16, 1992
Type: Movie
Young orphan Heathcliff is adopted by the wealthy Earnshaw family and moves into their estate, Wuthering Heights. Soon, the new resident falls for his compassionate foster sister, Cathy. The two share a remarkable bond that seems unbreakable until Cathy, feeling the pressure of social convention, suppresses her feelings and marries Edgar Linton, a man of means who befits her stature. Heathcliff vows to win her back.
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Title: Terry Wogan's Friday Night
Character: Self
Released: October 9, 1992
Type: TV
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Hush-a-Bye Baby
Title: Hush-a-Bye Baby
Character: Sinéad
Released: April 8, 1992
Type: Movie
In 1984, a pregnant Irish girl tries to contact her boyfriend in British prison but her letters are not allowed through to him because she writes in Irish.
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The Ghosts of Oxford Street
Title: The Ghosts of Oxford Street
Character: Ann of Oxford Street
Released: December 25, 1991
Type: Movie
Malcolm McLaren, writes, directs and narrates the "history" of Oxford Street. With musical performances by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, Tom Jones, Sinead O'Connor, Happy Mondays and more.
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Two Rooms: A Tribute to Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Title: Two Rooms: A Tribute to Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Character: Self - Guest
Released: October 1, 1991
Type: Movie
This film celebrates the long and successful collaboration of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, including a compilation of Elton John performances and in-depth interviews with both men.
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Sinéad O'Connor - The Year of the Horse
Title: Sinéad O'Connor - The Year of the Horse
Character: Self
Released: July 16, 1991
Type: Movie
Recorded live at "Forest National", Brussels (Belgium), on 29th October 1990 and "Ahoy Sport Paleis", Rotterdam (Netherlands), on 30th October 1990. Tracklist 1 Feel So Different 6:19 2 The Emperor's New Clothes 4:41 3 I Want Your (Hands On Me) 4:14 4 Three Babies 4:58 5 Black Boys On Mopeds 3:40 6 Irish Ways 3:59 7 I Am Stretched On Your Grave 5:01 8 The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance 5:50 9 Nothing Compares 2 U 5:45 10 Jump In The River 5:15 11 Jerusalem 4:16 12 Troy 6:06
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Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter
Title: Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter
Character: Self
Released: December 1, 1990
Type: Movie
This music special is dedicated to dispelling the prejudices associated with the HIV infection and raising money for AIDS research and relief. Some of today's most celebrated recording artists performing their interpretations of the classic songs of Cole Porter.
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Title: Stars 90
Character: self
Released: September 3, 1990
Type: TV
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Roger Waters: The Wall—Live in Berlin
Title: Roger Waters: The Wall—Live in Berlin
Character: Self - Vocals
Released: July 20, 1990
Type: Movie
A global television broadcast of the event in which former Pink Floyd leader singer and composer Roger Waters led an all-star cast in a mammoth benefit performance of his acclaimed concept album, The Wall. Set in Berlin, Germany less than a year after the destruction of the hated Berlin Wall, Waters was accompanied by disparate talents such as Cyndi Lauper, James Galway, Joni Mitchell and Albert Finney in the classic dark musical tale of a rock star's descent into madness and back.
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Sinéad O'Connor: The Value of Ignorance
Title: Sinéad O'Connor: The Value of Ignorance
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1989
Type: Movie
Live recording of Sinéad O'Connor's concert at the Dominion Theatre in London, on June 3, 1988, in support of her debut album "The Lion and the Cobra" (performed in its entirety except for two songs).
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Title: MTV Video Music Awards
Character: Self
Released: September 14, 1984
Type: TV
An annual award ceremony presented by MTV to honor the best in the music video medium.
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Title: Verstehen Sie Spaß?
Character: Self
Released: January 31, 1980
Type: TV
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Title: Saturday Night Live
Character: Self - Musical Guest
Released: October 11, 1975
Type: TV
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
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Title: A Kettle of Colour
Character: Self - Musician
Released: January 29, 1972
Type: TV
The show was meant to compete with those on West German television. To this end it was fairly successful even attracting a following in parts of West Germany which could receive Eastern TV. Its production values were high. Apart from song and dance numbers and appearances from East German celebrities, almost every broadcast featured well-known stars from the west, often after their popularity had peaked in their home countries.
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Title: Top of the Pops
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1964
Type: TV
The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.