never forget that this was done as a protest against sexual abuse of children by the catholic clergy. sinead was decades ahead of her time in calling this shit out and it destroyed her career
Apparently, the picture in question was one her late, abusive mother's most prized possessions, too, so the action had incredible personal meaning for O'connor as well as its symbolic significance.
Thank you for the reminder! That was a very strong episode, which is saying something considering what an incredible podcast YWA is. Gonna give it a re-listen tonight.
It probably negatively impacted her career, but by no means was the SNL controversy a career-ender for her. She was only 2 or 3 albums into what would become a 10-album career, to say nothing of songwriting and producing apart from her discography. She was a force of nature.
There was a show on British TV called 'After Dark.' It was a late night discussion show that ran until everyone got tired of talking. One night Sinead O'Connor was interested in appearing, called in, and showed up for the last ten minutes of the show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWxz_1TPwEk
Before all else, Sinead O’Connor was a survivor of horrific sexual abuse. Her artistry was part of her coping mechanism. So was her activism.
Over the years, many have said to me, “I love Sinead’s music, but . . . .”
Still pisses me off that Joe Pesci, whom I adore as an actor, said he would've smacked her if he had been the host that night. Violent misogyny disguised as humour aside, his comments also show that Catholicism ruins people in many different ways.
In Joe's case, the church robbed him of empathy and perspective. The misogyny and violence, well, those could have come from anywhere. It was a disturbing and disappointing comment, and the Letterman crowd laughed. Y'all, the 90s were a fucking mess. Sinead's deed is the only sane moment.
Comments
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sinead-oconnor-snl-pope-memoir-1174191/
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sinead-o-connor-booed-pope-bob-dylan-concert-1176338/
The first thing I said when I learned of her death was how the saddest thing now is that she'll never get it.
Over the years, many have said to me, “I love Sinead’s music, but . . . .”
As for me, I stand in solidarity with Ms. O’Connor.
https://youtu.be/TKeJifOXAnA