Formed in the early 1990’s Irish rock band The Cranberries, from Limerick, shot to fame with their 1993 album release of Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?
About The Cranberries
The band gained worldwide fame in the early 1990s with their unique blend of alternative rock, post-punk, and Irish folk influences. Their sound is characterized by the haunting, ethereal voice of lead singer Dolores O'Riordan, coupled with distinct guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that often addressed themes of love, loss, and social issues.
They are celebrated for their role in bringing Irish music to the global stage during the 1990s. They remain one of the best-selling alternative rock bands of that era, with over 40 million albums sold worldwide. Dolores O' Riordan's voice, with its emotional delivery, is often regarded as one of the most recognizable and influential voices in modern rock.
Early days of The Cranberries
The Cranberries formed in Limerick in 1989. Originally, the band was founded by brothers Noel Hogan (guitar) and Mike Hogan (bass), with drummer Fergal Lawler and a singer named Niall Quinn. At first, they were just another local band trying to find their sound, playing cover songs and some original material under the name The Cranberry Saw Us.
After Quinn left the band in 1990, the remaining members placed an ad looking for a new singer. That's when Dolores O'Riordan auditioned and instantly impressed the band with her unique voice. O'Riordan quickly joined, bringing along her lyrics and melodies, which shifted the band’s direction and gave them their distinct sound. The band shortened their name to The Cranberries, marking the start of their rise to fame.
Their early demo tape, including tracks like "Linger," attracted attention from record labels. Eventually, they signed with Island Records in 1991 and went on to release their debut album, "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?" in 1993.
The meaning behind Zombie
The Cranberries' song "Zombie" is widely regarded as one of their most iconic tracks. It serves as a powerful protest song that addresses the violence during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The song specifically reflects on the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, England, which tragically claimed the lives of two young boys, Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry.
"Zombie" is a raw and emotional response to the devastating effects of terrorism and war. Its lyrics express deep frustration and sorrow over the seemingly unending cycle of violence, O'Riordan emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll on innocent people, particularly children.
The title "Zombie" symbolizes the numb, disconnected state that prolonged violence and conflict can impose on individuals. O'Riordan uses the metaphor to illustrate how people become desensitized to suffering, turning into "zombies" who are emotionally detached due to the repeated exposure to violence. She was deeply affected by the Warrington bombing, wrote the song out of anger and grief for the innocent lives lost. Through "Zombie," she condemns the violence driven by ideology and nationalism, highlighting the personal cost amidst broader political conflict.
Studio Albums
The Cranberries released 8 studio albums:
- Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? (1993) - Includes hits like "Linger" and "Dreams."
- No Need to Argue (1994) - Features their most iconic song, "Zombie."
- To the Faithful Departed (1996) - Singles include "Free to Decide" and "When You're Gone."
- Bury the Hatchet (1999) - Known for the song "Promises."
- Wake Up and Smell the Coffee (2001) - Includes tracks like "Analyse."
- Roses (2012) - Released after their reunion.
- Something Else (2017) - Acoustic versions of their hits and three new songs.
- In the End (2019) - Released posthumously, featuring Dolores O'Riordan's last recordings.
The initial breakup of The Cranberries
In 2003, The Cranberries decided to take a break after years of intense touring and recording. O'Riordan expressed a desire to step back from the music industry to focus on her family and personal life. Other band members, particularly Noel Hogan, also wanted to pursue different creative projects.
During this period, Dolores embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like "Are You Listening?"(2007) and "No Baggage"(2009). Similarly, Noel Hogan formed the band Mono Band and experimented with producing music.
In 2009, The Cranberries reunited after six years of being apart. Dolores O'Riordan stated that she felt ready to make music again, and the band released the album "Roses" in 2012. The reunion was marked by several tours, but it wasn’t permanent.
The death of Dolores O'Riordan
Dolores O'Riordan passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2018, at the age of 46. She was found dead in her hotel room at the London Hilton on Park Lane. At the time, she was in London for a recording session with the band Bad Wolves, who were working on a cover of The Cranberries' hit song "Zombie."
Initially, the cause of death was unclear, leading to speculation about her health and personal struggles. In September 2018, an inquest revealed that O'Riordan's death was due to accidental drowning in a bathtub following alcohol intoxication. The coroner found no signs of self-harm or foul play, concluding that her death was a tragic accident. Her blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal driving limit at the time.
O'Riordan had faced numerous personal challenges in her life, including mental health struggles and substance abuse issues. She had publicly discussed her battle with depression and bipolar disorder, and had also experienced physical ailments, including back pain, which had led to the cancellation of some of The Cranberries' 2017 tour dates.
Dolores O'Riordan's death was a massive loss to the music world. Fans and fellow musicians alike mourned her passing, remembering her unique voice and contributions to 1990s rock music. Her bandmates, devastated by the loss, completed The Cranberries' final album, "In the End" (2019), as a tribute to her, using vocals she had recorded before her death.
