Sinead O'Connor has announced that she will retire from the music industry this summer in an open letter posted on her website.
|
|
Sinead O'Conner: wants a private life
|
The controversial 36-year-old singer has asked fans to let her lead a private life as she no longer wishes to be "a famous person". From July she intends to retire from the music business "in order to pursue a different career".
It is believed that her decision may be linked to the chronic fatigue syndrome that recently forced O'Connor to cancel several appearances with Massive Attack.
Her last recordings will be a track for Dolly Parton's upcoming tribute album and a track for Sharon Shannon's forthcoming album.
On, www.sineadoconnor.com, the singer said: "I am a very shy person, believe it or not. So I ask with love, that I be left in peace and privacy by people who love my records too. And I hope it doesn't sound rude. It ain't meant [sic] rude. I am glad that you are helped by my songs. So help me too, by giving me what is best for me, a private life".
A spokesperson for her record label has confirmed the message is authentic.
The singer's 22-year career in music has had its share of controversy. After scoring massive chart success with her 1990 cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares to U, she angered many ripping up a picture of the Pope onstage. She also refused to perform in New Jersey if "The Star Spangled Banner" was played prior to her appearance.
In 1999 she was ordained a priest at the controversial Latin Tridentine Church, undertaking her duties as "Mother Mary Bernadette".
Her most recent album, Sean Nós Nua, was released last year.