Those lucky enough to attend the intimate gigs of the current US promo tour have speculated much on the absence of Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan. The Cranberries E-mail Newsletter was able to chat briefly yesterday with Cranberries backup singer Steve Demarchi regarding Noel’s absence, among other topics. Demarchi is currently filling in for Noel on lead guitar. He told the Newsletter that Noel was back at home tending to “family problems”. Of course, fans needn’t fear too much — Demarchi assures that Noel fully intends to remain an active member of the band.

Demarchi also had some tidbits on the next world tour. The tour will begin in January or February of 2002, but the exact date will depend on album sales of “Wake Up”. In addition, the band hopes to begin the tour in a region that is “warm”, which can leave some speculation — South America? Mexico? Africa? Australia?

Source: The Cranberries E-mail Newsletter