Sinead O'Connor Performs "Mandinka" | Letterman

Remembering the talented singer who made her network television debut on "Late Night."
(From "Late Night," air date: 9/7/88)
#sineadoconnor #mandinka #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. The language may strike you as quaint & flowery, the clothing comically lacey & ornate - but that’s how things were back in this colorful and now bygone era.

[@beckyfleming8637]

Her voice was absolutely amazing,such a tragic loss 😢

[@66StevieT]

The band looking totally 80s and Sinead looking totally timeless. Rest in peace lovely lady 💕💕

[@20thCB]

The band just scream 80s L.A. and are totally the antithesis of her music. As well as being about 7 feet tall.

[@cwegers3]

Great observation. She resided in timelessness.

[@patricias5122]

And they're not even looking at her --- it's strange. She's singing like a goddess, but they're looking at each other, as if ....I'm trying to articulate this .... she weren't there, but a recording of her voice only. They seem to have no respect at all for this astonishing artist.

[@joedelaronde3291]

@@patricias5122 Paul Schaffer is staring directly at her the entire performance. Will Lee, bass, is watching her, and keeping an eye on rhythm guitar. Sid on guitar and Anton on drums look to be having a great time. Great song, great performance by lead singer and band.

[@bernlin2000]

They're focused on performing the song effectively, respecting her music. This is Letterman's band...they're professionals, they know what they're doing. Anton (the drummer) is clearly into the music@@patricias5122

[@sheilaterranovabeasley1966]

She was basically crucified for speaking up against the church’s sexual abuse, the music industry, and her refusal to be sexually exploited. An incredibly honest, humble, intelligent, brave, talented beyond belief, sensitive, fragile soul with a heart that broke permanently after her child’s suicide.

[@reedmartin8212]

Sadly, tragically, that’s about the size of it. Where was her record label?

[@miked4309]

she was black lives before the thought. she was pro choice. she spoke out against the wrongs..and that disturbs the masses. 30 years have passed and we're still in the same messes. rip rebel girl.

[@rolandnelson6722]

Never forget she was completely right about the church. She should have been hailed for that alone in her lifetime.

[@fonitronik]

She was banned by the very same NBC that hosted Letterman. Now that she's dead they all want to adorn themselfes with her and earn some more clicks for more revenue. Disgusting.

[@johnotis6764]

Nonsense, Madonna constantly debased Christianity in her music and videos time and again. I don't recall any kind of substantial backlash against O'Connor just because she ripped up a pic of the pope on SNL. It's a tame/lame, self-serving gesture that really got her nowhere because she never bothered to address what the gesture meant contextually. It was just a stunt. She wasn't crucified or martyred or blackballed. Her career wasn't shut down or bliwn up. She just faded away like so many other marginally talented flavor of the day pop chanteuses before her. She had issues and tissues and cause celebre galore, but in the end it all came down to how useful she was to the industry and to the agenda at large. As it turns out, she wasn't very useful at all; at least not in the long run.

[@honer777]

She was an advocate for marginalized people, used her extraordinary voice for good, the world owes her a massive apology…her light will be sorely missed

[@gregcosta4598]

❤

[@jefftaylor844]

Well said.

[@brookegoslin]

Yessssssssssssss 100% ! Brilliant Beautiful Stunning Soul ! Always Loved Her Her Music Magnificent Voice Will Live On Forever In My Heart . 💔😢🙏🏼💫✨

[@tnijoo5109]

So beautifully articulated. And so very true. ❤

[@LeBasfondMusic]

She was a true ally. She was a real one.

[@CassieJazz96]

The way she goes between chest and falsetto/head voice(correct me, is it head voice or falsetto?) here is astounding! What vocal prowess she had!

[@TammyG987]

I’m so late, but she does both head voice and falsetto here.

[@CassieJazz96]

@@TammyG987 thanks!

[@danadoozer9990]

I don’t even have the words for how much I admire this woman! She was a phenomenal force!

[@marikal.5792]

I played the heck out of this album when it came out. She had one of the most magical voices I had ever heard. To this day it still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. People keep asking how she died. She died of a broken heart! 💔 RIP Sinead.

[@bobofwinnipeg9455]

Same .

[@booster330]

Always thought this was a b52s song

[@crispereira2020]

I believe that too,that she died of a broken heart

[@carlodave9]

One of the great albums. Drink Before the War never fails to give me the chills.

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

🙏

[@jefftaylor844]

No pre-recorded vocal tracks - just pure talent. RIP Sinead.

[@steveleeart]

Yeah! I just watched a clip of her on Arsenio and she did a song with no instruments, just her beautiful powerful voice. Magical.

[@tylero8595]

She was 22 here. Simply the best.

[@kaspinet]

I forgot how tiny she was. Makes her fierceness even more impressive. So strong yet so vulnerable. She was amazing.

[@user-ze8jl3dv1j]

Cheers... for a minute there I thought every guitarist in America was about 16ft tall

[@dHolbach77]

Would you say that if she was a small man? Refer to him as "vulnerable" or "small, yet strong"? No. Her dedication to feminism obviously did not alter your bigotry.

[@kaspinet]

@@dHolbach77 aw. Who hurt you. Show us on the doll.

[@BonzoKilbourn]

@@dHolbach77 Strong yet vulnerable is a very important combination. You don't want to be weak, but you also don't want to have a wall up all the time either.

[@JDC701]

​@@dHolbach77you're really stretching to be offended here. Many men have these comments made about them. Small, strong and vulnerable describes many artists. David Bowie described Trent Reznor of NIN in the same way back in the 90s, in an interview with Trent sat to his side. These comments are not made in any way negatively, so I'm finding it real hard to see any bigotry here. Relax!

[@illiamdeebe7579]

I remember hearing this song for the first time on CFNY Toronto.. Instantly fell in love with her voice. So strong and yet so fragile. She had been through so much in her life and fought back how she could. Took her moment when she was at the top to expose and strike back, and paid a heavy price. More Christ like than all the people who condemned her. Rest in Peace.

[@heliotrope3345]

I too remember the first time I saw Sinead, I LOVED her so much!! Still do! She was a total TRAILBLAZER!! So brave and unique!! The world is worse off without you, Sinead! We REALLY needed you here!!

[@joyegreg]

Solid take.

[@TheHistrionics]

Yeah, CFNY was where we heard everything before everyone else. Not in the UK though, but here in Canada it was the window to the past-future of music. I too heard Sinead O'Connor early on with her first record when she was still considered something of an alternative outsider. I don't remember "Mandinka" as much as the power of "Troy" which seared into my head in a way that few songs ever did. My sister's friend went out and bought the record and left it at our place. I put it on tape and would listen on my Walkman and one time a friend asked me what that weird record was. It crept under people's skin and made an impression, but O'Conner was still a fringe artist at the time. Thankfully, not for long though and the whole world got to know her soon enough. I still have the record today.

[@kevinknuckles25]

Amen

[@ledzepandhabs]

CFNY was where all new and cool things were heard waayyyy before everyone else, and this song was new and cool at the time, her ethereal voice captivated me the moment I heard her. RIP punk warrior.

[@sovietsoldierz]

That vocal control is wild!

[@adamd.4242]

Unapologetically original. Tortured. Iconic.

[@ThePlace420]

Couldn’t have said it better.

[@kenadams5504]

The best artists are tortured .you suffer for your art .Her suffering is ended now, though, and Her art will persevere . Rest in Peace Sinead ,and as a proud Irish native , we will love you forever .

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor, you will be missed

[@CaptainSpalding72]

So full of herself.

[@CaptainSpalding72]

​@@kenadams5504pretentious

[@inca3370]

She wrote that song herself. The Mandinka tribe. This is my favourite Sinead song.

[@thequizwizards]

I remember this performance from our beloved Sinead. If you made Letterman and were Irish, it was a big deal. Sinead, Dolores, 2 of the most amazing female voices Ireland has produced, both had big performances on Dave’s show, both now sadly gone, both utterly loved and adored. Forever.

[@willieweeseArt]

Grew up with both of them. RIP

[@bcpme8637]

I remember the performance as well. And I remembered back then thinking how I could tell David respected (and admired) her based on how he rushed over to thank her and shake her hand.

[@stoicsavage509]

Took the words out of my mouth Delores and Sinead... 2 absolute Titans.. 2 of the strongest, inspirational, iconic Irish women to ever exist... You'll be missed Sinead... You really were one of a kind 💪💙😭😭

[@phlhoran12396]

​​@@stoicsavage509Amen to that. 🙏💕 Two female musical better still Irish icons. RIP both. Sinead was a warrior. ♥️

[@irishguy200007]

Don't forget Lisa Hannigan

[@MitchellRoboto]

Sinead O'Connor wasn't fearless. She was brave enough to push past her fear to deliver the goods. Time has proven that she was right about everything. Now the industry leaders who turned their backs or exploited her fragile state time and again are now brave enough to praise her over her grave. They now stand where they should have been standing from day one. I'm sorry that she's not here to see and hear it.

[@adrianpoesiat]

Agreed. The only people who were courageous enough to have her back when the press attacked her were musical friends like Kris Kristofferson.

[@Qrtuop]

And Morrissey.

[@TheEvilDrR]

Bravery isn't "having no fear," it's fighting on despite your fear. Overcoming fear. That is bravery.

[@johnotis6764]

True, but the industry does that to all the people they destroy--Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, and on and on.

[@AgusNizami]

That s**t happen to brave people that way ahead of their time. There are only a few good people like this

[@glezpik]

From Alanis Morrisette yo Björk, from Suzzanne Vega to Shakira, from Tori Amos to Dolores O`Riordan, she influenced a ton of talented singers. Rest in power.

[@stopbunsen]

Fiona Apple was another

[@aarongleim4336]

I don't think Bjork was influenced by anyone

[@aarongleim4336]

She didn't influence Bjork... Bjork been singing since she was a kid, before Sinead... if anything Bjork influenced Sinead

[@drvp1996]

Letterman invited so many up and coming artists back in the 80s. Sinead was just getting recognized in 1988 and he gave her a chance to perform.

[@HRHDMKYT]

Yes. I think Paul Schaeffer had a lot to do with suggesting & choosing the musical talent invited to perform on the show - he was so plugged in, and truly recognized awesome talent. He & his band, arguably the best ever group of musicians on tv, provided fantastic backup for so many of them. So talented. I miss them as much as I miss the old Dave.

[@hustler3of4culture3]

​@@HRHDMKYT I mean how amazing is it that they could play a version of this song so close to the album version like, the MONTH that this song came out! Amazing band. And then she gives a killer performance that is spot on! Rest in power Sinead O'Conner🌹

[@phlhoran12396]

​​@@hustler3of4culture3 Just utterly brilliant stuff! 🙏🎵💕Rest easy Sinead, fearless and a rebel to the end.

[@PeteDavidson-yl3ps]

How to make Dave 40 again? Shave that dam beard lol

[@phlhoran12396]

@@PeteDavidson-yl3ps How very true!!!....... 😅 That always works when I shave! 😛

[@NotARussianBot999]

Wowee... she was 21 years old there, just a kid but such a powerhouse. A real revolutionary. RIP sweet Irish lassie. ❤

[@Missjunebugfreak]

She had one of the most striking voices in music and was such a fearless rebel. I truly hope her soul is resting in peace. 🤍

[@alecjohnson5269]

AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND OF TALENT

[@BlackPrimeMinister]

I don't have any clever words, I'm just unbelievably sad. Rest in peace, Sinead. I loved you very much.

[@gpsart8286]

That's the 80's for you right there. The band, polished slick, coiffed and looking and sounding like cardboard cut outs. And Sinead, bristling with feral energy, channeling spirits, visceral, and alive - howling out the gate. Undeniably REAL.

[@aredbee]

Couldn't agree more!

[@NotARussianBot999]

Meh, not all 80's bands. The Clash, Descendents, X, Specials, Selecter, GoGo's, Red Hots, Minutemen, Pretenders... I could go on and on. You weren't listening to the right bands. ❤

[@aredbee]

@@NotARussianBot999 i interpreted their comment as referring to the house band, not '80s bands as a whole.

[@stevef.2549]

It was a really jarring contrast, this glorified wedding band mugging and goofing around while Sinéad was trying her best to focus. Very awkward to watch.

[@MsDidi38]

And breathtakingly beautiful ❤

[@mikefields2243]

She was an original. The highest compliment a singer can receive.

[@michaelparks6120]

She was a passionate and talented woman. Her eyes were windows to that soul. Rest well, Sineade .

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Aren't all eyes just that

[@ZainiZaudi]

Semoga ia bersama orang baik dalam ketaatan pada tuhan yang satu Al-Fatihah to sinéad shuhada ameen

[@Lulumac-p9l]

Maybe spell her name correctly 🤔

[@michaelparks6120]

@@Lulumac-p9l it's rather telling of your nature that all you had to add about a person's death was a comment on my misspelling.

[@Lulumac-p9l]

@michaelparks6120 not really it's called respect! If you're gonna comment on someone's death have the decency to spell their name correctly..js

[@brian32151867]

She had such a rough go of it and lived through a time where it was sadly more about piling on than offering kindness and help. Rest In Peace, Sinead.

[@adrianpoesiat]

She was ahead of her time in her criticism of the Catholic Church and it’s abuses. As we are finding out more now.

[@Obamaisgey]

And it’s just getting worse

[@elizabethshah]

Sadly, the piling on is still here.

[@meg-k-waldren]

​@@adrianpoesiatI chuckled when CNN recently reporting on her death called it controversial instead of what it is. Very sad its this reality that can't be spoken of. CNN and FOX News are one in the same to me.

[@nutmegriot209]

​@@meg-k-waldrenpeople don't realize Fox, Cnn, Nbc are all part of the same entity (comcast). the rich and religious institutions are all on the same side & its getting worse. i'm glad Sinead could cut through them like a knife. i think they were threatened by her honesty

[@keithgrillo8096]

Mandika was reportedly written when she was 16 years old, a great talent gone too soon. RIP Sinead

[@jayg4636]

It’s Mandinka. Missing the n

[@think-islam-channel]

She wrote it?! Are you sure.

[@RazorMouth]

​@@think-islam-channelyes

[@think-islam-channel]

@@RazorMouth amazing. Not just a good voice then.

[@knaal1671]

Love how she sings this song, one moment a sweet catholic choir girl and the next a defiant punk rocker. She made these songs herself, between the age of 15 and 18. Het explanation afterwards: "I just needed to shout..." Brings tears to my eyes every time.

[@sdl1ishappy]

She was a force of nature. Saw her live in 1988 when I was a teenager. It was so amazing to see such a fierce young woman fighting the power and being brilliant. RIP.

[@patriciakho3258]

I love Sinead so much! One of the best singers ever!

[@kstepko]

Sinead wasn’t afraid to take risks in a business driven by beauty and popularity, even when she paid a price: shave her head, release a music video that was just a close up of her face as she sang, and use the platform of her newfound fame to bring light to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t yet ready to heed her warning when it came to the final one. May she rest in peace now.

[@steelethescene]

Kstepko: 👍👍👍👍

[@drvp1996]

Well said.

[@janetglover999]

Very well sad. Is she dead?

[@willieweeseArt]

Unfortunate how through many years, the church warnings are still heard.

[@kstepko]

@@janetglover999 Yes - she died today at age 56.

[@fenwayify]

Unbridled ferocity. Janis Joplin and Bjork, perhaps a select few others immerse themselves so deeply in a song. None had the purity of tone and range as Sinead. She could melt your heart and scare you into a corner in the same song. I don't think I ever heard a more gifted voice.

[@sonnyonny4900]

I want to personally thank the Lettermen folks for putting this wonderful song up. I started high School in 1987 in Baltimore and I can remember standing on the bus stop (we didn't have yellow buses we had to take MTA) talking about this wonderful lady and her musical impact on us. We really liked this lady and I really miss those old friends.

[@eamonnleyden7040]

Absolutely beautiful inside and out always told the truth and a proper Irish mother.

[@zmazzyhtx]

I’ve honestly been tearing up about her death all day listening to her music. She’s been such a massive inspiration to me. She was a true warrior queen. I’m so grateful for the truth she dragged into the light so bravely. Her authentic truths and sound will forever be remembered and respected by those who truly understand. Rest in Power 🖤

[@redmanmr2]

Warrior queen 😂😂😂

[@soleknight3212]

@@redmanmr2 An absolute beast. Anyone who can endure mental suffering - the worst pain in the universe - not to mention stand up to that crowd at the Dylan concert is a true warrior in my eyes

[@rip8564]

Her voice was an absolute weapon. In word and in song. So much talent is that small body. She was amazing. Her drummer was having an absolute blast BTW. ☘️❤️☘️

[@MamaJewels99]

I had never seen this before and I’m glad that I have. Chills all over. She was exceptional. RIP.❤

[@MatimoreAgain]

Many many decades from now many singers will be long forgotten or mentioned as an afterthought, but Sinead will be a bright star forever and still inspiring.

[@playlistpro]

I don't know no shame! I feel no pain! I can't! I don't know no shame! I feel no pain! I can't...see the flame gives me chills every time. your strength will live on Sinead

[@heliotrope3345]

I think this was the first time I saw Sinead and she blew my mind. Here was this tiny woman with an amazing voice and the attitude of an absolute WARRIOR!! I LOVED her and always will!!

[@CAG0629]

Truly extraordinary

[@mattyboyd4045]

One of the greatest artists EVER.

[@haych27]

Rip gorgeous Sinead. The Lion and the Cobra is magnificent. One of my favourite women artists from the 90's that I crushed on. You gave me many hours of joy trying to reach your high notes and the opportunity to release pain through your lyrics. Thanks for being here. 💖🙏

[@honestreviewer3283]

My god she was beautiful when she was young. What an amazing talent, and advocate for issues the rest of society wasn't ready to talk about yet. Rest in peace.

[@96wordpass]

This song is such the perfect combo of punk rock and pop. She was a goddess!

[@bcpme8637]

Well stated! I couldn't agree more.

[@phlhoran12396]

It's an absolute belter of a song for sure!!!....... 🎵🙏💕 RIP Sinead. 😓

[@yinzthrone8703]

When people say Pop Punk I wish this is what it meant. Instead of Blink 182.

[@reedmartin8212]

What is great about this performance is how it starts to dawn on the band that they are catching lightning in a bottle and backing a new superstar, not just some rando, mid-week musical guest. R.I.P. Sinead.

[@stevef.2549]

I don't think they had a clue what Sinéad was about. It's obvious they thought her music was beneath them, the way they were goofing around and mugging through the whole thing. It wouldn't be the last time she had to deal with music-boy condescension, unfortunately.

[@michaelrobinson529]

Someone else noticed that the drummer was having a blast, it is noticeable how quickly they picked up on her energy.

[@loosilu]

had to watch it again because 0f your comment. Wow you're right!

[@kristyeldredge2308]

@@loosilu They're totally into it by the end. I don't get why Dave seems underwhelmed. Normally he'd say "That was great!" Instead he just thanks her. But maybe he was full awe and struggling not to cry like the rest of us who hear this.

[@SandiByrd]

That was a bloody hard song to sing - and one of my favorites to sing on stage in my bedroom lol 🥰 I loved her so much. Breaks my heart to think I'll never hear this live. 😥

[@pancake_ghosty]

I never knew this was her song...I love this song

[@lizzieon7275]

I can just see her sitting there at the start... silently putting up with absolute TV bullsh*t... just wanting to sing her song. RIP Sinead... ❤

[@20thCB]

Absolutely. Also why is Jerry Vale holding her hand like a creepy granddad at the end. Yuck.

[@magneto44]

first thing I noticed lol, she was having none of it

[@mrkdrm]

She meant so much to so many of us. I hope she knew that and carried it with her. She'll be so terribly missed.

[@heliotrope3345]

I agree, I felt like she was speaking for me and standing up for me, it was so personal! And the emotion in her voice could get into your heart and soul!

[@arrrg3846]

Her soul would burst out and dance with her voice ... and touch my soul. 🖤

[@MichaelSmith_123]

Stunning, haunting voice still unmatched to this date. Controversial, unapologetic, with convictions. Really stood up for what she believed in, rarer and rarer to find nowadays.

[@juliawirch2454]

Beautiful lady, beautiful soul.

[@DrRufiIREAL]

Paul is so happy to both witness and be part of, such a display of raw talent, unique charisma and outstanding voice in such a historic televised moment

[@rosemaryspafalmouth2609]

I remember when this song was all over the alternative radio scene back then. Love her style and sound so much!

[@HeeHawCapital]

She led the way to so many female singers Vishnu in Peace

[@gilliangirl1]

Tiny but mighty. Thank you for sharing our world for this too-short time. RIP.

[@sch7194]

Amazing live performance....she sounds great 🕊

[@angellacanfora]

Fierce! I feel honored to have seen her live when she was at the top of her game back in the day. That she endured so much abuse and persevered to become the great artist she was is such a testament to her strength. RIP Sinead. Gone but never forgotten.❤🌹

[@t.walker7928]

Hello everybody, my heart was broken today. We are the same age and I love her so. I have fond memories of how I discovered her great voice when she arrived on the scene. I was actually watching the night she performed this on the Grammys. We will always be able to enjoy her great music. God bless everybody, love, Tommy ... she was my favorite female singer. Ironically, my favorite male singer is also from Ireland, shout out to Bono. And U2 is my favorite band. I've seen them 4 times. Thank God for the concerts in Chicago and Indianapolis.

[@pendragonU]

Too bad to remind you, mr. Bono cuddled so much in-bed-ded with World big shots he sold out his soul. Sinead was crushed for exposing one of the biggest honchos in Pedophilia and other clerical A-BUSES. She was railroaded, she expected a different mass reaction than what done against her, however she knew there would be some price to pay, but she said she would do it again a 100 times until listened, if only stopped or reduced, spared some off the abuses.

[@MrTodo6969]

She truly had a beautiful voice

[@olazet3069]

The soundtrack of my young and wild years. Thank you Sinead, I miss you already 💔

[@DoctorRevers]

People are cruel cruel cruel. Covering up for cruel people. We need more people like sinead here not less. Amazing song.

[@PC-iv5so]

I always loved this performance. glad David posted it. pure talent. live no tricks.

[@ericm4053]

That pre-chorus, wow. Not much makes the hair stand up on my neck but that does it in spades. Amazing and unforgettable. She delivered more impact in those few seconds than I have in a lifetime of flailing away at guitar noisemaking

[@susanbarrera2073]

Right, her voice is causing chills to travel up and down my body !

[@TippiGordon]

What a voice! What a soul! The world is a darker place without Sinead O'Connor.

[@eyetech08]

Bless her soul!!! Her courage, strength and foresight is legendary!!!

[@KatieCooper1990]

This is such an incredible & amazing track. Sinead is spellbinding. Her cover of Nothing Compares 2 U was number one in the charts when I was born so I think I have this almost spiritual connection to her music. Miss You Sinead x

[@robertpirsig5011]

Thanks David, such a lovely thing to put out. She was one of a kind. RIP Sinead

[@joycefriedman-jr3hp]

WHAT A VOICE! Sinead was also a voice for marginalized people and suffered great pain herself. A huge loss. She will be so missed.

[@vibes7144]

So glad they posted this. I needed more content of my queen. She was so BRAVE. She called out an institution and got absolutely pummeled for it, but then it turned out she was RIGHT. Her mother was terrible to her and society was terrible to her. This Angel is finally back where she belongs. She’s too good for this world. 😢

[@ansuajo]

Good words

[@bridaw8557]

Beautiful lady so real and raw and too sensitive for this world. Talented and misunderstood.

[@Darkdog65]

I remember seeing this and thinking she had the most beautiful face. Over the years it was evident she had a extremely hard go of things and in hindsight my heart breaks for a very wounded soul. This song just killed it though.....and she did it live, on her own, on national tv and she owned that 5 mins. She really was amazing.

[@rosie245]

Love this song, powerful performance. Rest in Peace Sinead O Connor. True talent. 🇮🇪

[@patrickryan5570]

She was absolutely gorgeous both inside and out - her singing talent was truly enormous - she ruffled a lot of feathers - certainly left her mark on this fractured planet - We can only hope she at peace now and her son Shane is on the other side waiting to give her a hug.

[@craigbutler6243]

Alot of mental, physical & sexual abuse victims dont have a voice. This lady did her best to be their voice. R.I.P. Sinead.

[@robclarkson5356]

Amazing performance. What a wonderful voice.

[@SkullCrusherzz]

I am.seeing this for the first time and gosh, she is just so original and different from anyone else.

[@shelly8043]

Rest in Peace Sinead. Hope the pain you had to endure has ended. Thinking of you and your family tonight. You were one of a kind who had a truly beautiful and unique voice.

[@dw1200-w6d]

I remember this like it was yesterday! Her voice could lull a baby to sleep one moment and cut through steel the next. Such amazing range. She was so small, so shy and so fragile… yet she stood up to an institution so powerful it almost crushed her. RIP Sinéad. You were right and we love you for it.

[@phlhoran12396]

Amen. 🙏♥️🎵 RIP Sinead O'Connor.

[@SKMarcusA]

Purely original and authentic. Thank you for your gift to all of us....RIP

[@AnnettePerez-f1t]

Omg that voice.... always n will never forget... people just don't no what they lost...💜💜💜 U Sinead

[@mariehatton6268]

People like this woman are authentic...they lead with their hearts. They go places others are afraid to go ..and yes, "they are touched by fire."

[@djrinpoche]

Letterman's band having the time of their lives. Miss you so much Sinead.

[@williammesser6064]

RIP. Love this song!!

[@GhOsTkIlLeR1944]

Loved this woman. ❤️

[@RayAFlanagan]

Just amazing. Unique and powerful.

[@Justfactsi812]

Wow I enjoyed the video ❤ She was a vocal genius . She died much to young 💔 only 56yrs . There's lots of empathy in my heart for her and now her family . 😢 😢 😢

[@kstepko]

Now that the sexual abuse crisis and her own abuse by her mother has come to light, we realize how cruel and undeserved all of the jokes made about her in the 1990s were.

[@toreckman8899]

@@kstepkono.

[@Justfactsi812]

@@kstepko I do know she was abused , but she was I'm sure loved by many, some in her family aswell ! She conveyed her pain in her music and behavior. I hope her abusers are carrying a heavy guilty burden .

[@Crystalcloudzz]

What a voice!!

[@Inc0gnit0229]

"unique and striking singer-songwriter from Ireland". Rest in peace Sinead O'Connor.💗

[@therootoflife5290]

We respect you in Tanzania 🇹🇿

[@rogeriodacuica9238]

2024 and I still get goosebumps what an angel sent to make us think

[@paulaelizabethg]

TY for posting this. I remember watching the broadcast just loving her. The attitude, the song, the look....pure Rock and Roll. I couldn't get The Lion and the Cobra, her first album, fast enough. A true original voice that was misunderstood in her time. RIP Sinead. May you now have the peace that eluded you in life.

[@kpodonnell7924]

Iconic, beautiful- so sad.

[@angiestrobel2240]

She was way before her time!!

[@TheElectricBallroom]

The band killed it. The best session players in NYC.

[@bcpme8637]

They always did!

[@phlhoran12396]

Just epic really. 🙏🎵♥️

[@stevef.2549]

Yeah, session hacks who were all about unexciting competence. They didn't kill it, they just did a loud cover band copy of it. The contrast between Sinéad's intense commitment and the band's glib nonchalance was pretty apparent during the second verse, when Sinéad is getting more and more emotional while Will Lee is goofing off behind her back.

[@briangoodman8990]

@@stevef.2549 totally. she deserved better for this performance.

[@kilburncounty]

They had a solid mullet game, that's for sure

[@KarenYChan]

Wow. This song... just wow.

[@nickhaswell6011]

Fabulous what a great song R.I.P to the lovely and incredible sinead What a performance

[@sylvandelacruz]

That was amazing. Dang, she really put her body and soul into singing. RIP, darlin' love

[@JackSilbert]

What a performance. What a performer. We failed her. Rest in peace, Sinéad.

[@balbutie]

we failed her, so true.

[@JackSilbert]

@@amoxzi She spoke the truth about abuse by the church; we didn't listen. She admitted personal troubles and we stared and poked fun instead of sympathizing and offering a helping hand.

[@kencraig5824]

I bought her albums man. If by "we" you mean an industry that sells polish over substance and a world that uses power to marginalize off side voices then I guess. But we are not complicit by living. It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive. That being said: "Fire On Babylon!"