On July 27, very shortly after learning of Sinéad O’Connor’s passing, Third Eye Blind paid special tribute to the beloved Irish singer. Performing at the recently reopened Atlantis in Washington, DC, 3EB performed a cover of O’Connor’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” which originally appeared on the 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, which also included her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”

Stephan Jenkins has also shared a written tribute to O’Connor, where he remembers playing “The Emperor’s New Clothes” together backstage:

When my own voice as an artist was in a state of formation, Sinéad’s style illuminated to me what was possible. She could be raw and in focus, brave without being needlessly exhibitionistic, powerful and beautiful. Although the subject was often heavy, there was always something lively and free about her music. Something both celebratory and longing, we were seeing a unique, honest, troubled and worthy spirit in myriad states of aliveness. I found her profoundly encouraging as an artist.

Years after she got canceled for her Pope picture protest, Sinéad was playing early in the day at a festival in Boston, while the crowd was still walking in. I got to watch from the side of the stage while she humbly made the music that was real to her. I thought it was cool and legit and I wanted everyone to see it.

I got to meet her backstage and invited her to play with my band later in the day and she obliged. We played “The Emperor’s New Clothes” together. I don’t think people really knew it. We loved it. I danced around playing my acoustic guitar while she sang. We hugged and smiled onstage when the song was done and I was delighted. It was the last time I ever saw her.

We got the news of her death when playing the reopening of DC storied punk rock club Atlantis and put this together backstage before the show. We opened with it and the audience still didn’t know it, but they felt the spirit. My whole show was quietly dedicated to her. It was a great night. Thanks for all of it Sinéad, rest in peace.

Watch Third Eye Blind perform “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”