Sinéad O’Connor Spoke Out About Singers Being ‘More Valuable’ Dead Than Alive (and Labels ‘Raping the Vault’) Before She Died

Sinéad O’Connor Speaks Out on the Exploitation of Artists Even After Death

Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, known for her powerful voice and outspoken nature, passed away in July 2023. However, her legacy continues as she sheds light on the exploitation artists face even after death. Before her passing, O’Connor was vocal about the mistreatment of artists and their works, especially in the music industry.

According to a report by U.K. newspaper The Sun, probate records revealed that O’Connor left behind a fortune of £1.4 million (approximately $1.75 million) for her four children. Additionally, she made a poignant request for her albums, which sold 6.2 million copies worldwide, to be released posthumously, encouraging her children to “milk it for what it’s worth.”

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in 2021, O’Connor discussed the importance of protecting her art and finances for her children in case of her untimely demise. She expressed her concerns about how artists tend to become more commercially valuable after death, citing examples like Tupac, whose posthumous releases surpassed his albums during his lifetime.

The singer highlighted the exploitation of artists by record companies, emphasising the surge in album releases and profiteering from the deceased artists’ works. She underscored her instructions to her children, urging them to safeguard her legacy from such exploitation and ensure transparency in handling her music catalog.

O’Connor also recalled a poignant encounter with the late musician Prince, revealing her disappointment with the industry’s handling of his unreleased music after his passing. She vehemently condemned the commercialisation of artists’ unreleased works, stating that it disrespects their artistic integrity and personal wishes.

The probate records signed by O’Connor in 2013 further revealed details of her wishes regarding her legacy. The singer entrusted different aspects of her estate to her children, specifying how her assets, including religious regalia and her guitar collection, should be passed on.

Tragically, O’Connor’s family experienced the loss of her son Shane, who died by suicide at the age of 17 in 2022. Despite her personal struggles and losses, O’Connor remained dedicated to preserving her artistic legacy for her remaining children and ensuring they were well-equipped to handle her estate responsibly.

The prolific artist’s untimely passing in London in July 2023 was attributed to health complications, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma. As her music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, O’Connor’s advocacy for artists’ rights and protection of their creative works serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by musicians even in death.

In conclusion, Sinéad O’Connor’s fervent stance against the exploitation of artists, her legacy planning for her children, and her unwavering commitment to artistic integrity showcase her enduring impact on the music industry. Her legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honouring artists’ wishes and protecting their creative output, both during their lifetime and beyond.