Pollstar has posted four new German tour dates and venues for the European leg of the “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” 2002 World Tour. The four dates span from February until May, giving German fans several opportunities to see the band. The complete European itinerary currently stands as:

Sun 02/17/02 Copenhagen, DEN Vega Musikkenshus
Thu 02/21/02 Berlin, GER Columbiahalle
Fri 02/22/02 Dusseldorf, GER Philipshalle
Wed 03/13/02 Madrid, SPA Palacio Vista Alegre
Fri 03/15/02 Barcelona, SPA Palau Sant Jordi
Sat 03/16/02 San Sebastian, SPA Velodromo de Anoeta
Sun 03/31/02 Frankfurt, GER Jahrhunderthalle Hoechst
Wed 04/03/02 Stuttgart, GER Beethovensaal

Source: Pollstar

The Spanish revista “Top Music” has a free double-page poster of The Cranberries in its November 2001 issue. The shot is the band’s “green field” shot, which you can see next to last on the left column of pictures on the mag’s cover.

Source: Exclusive

MCA Records has sent promo CDs for “Time is Ticking Out” to Spanish radio stations, with some wickedly cool cover art, compliments of the band’s photographer, Andy Earl. The CD has the same tracklisting as the German version, but with the obvious improvement in cover art (First “Analyse” and now this. Germany seems to be cheated lately out of good promo art, don’t you think?)

1. Time is Ticking Out (Single Version)
2. Time is Ticking Out (The Marius de Vries Remix)

Source: Exclusive

It’s been over two months since we heard of The Cranberries Windows XP ad campaign, but we now have our first piece of it. At a very recent Microsoft convention in France, 1-track sampler audio CD’s have been distributed for free with the song “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”. The CD is by Universal Music E-Compil and is sponsored by both Microsoft and Compaq.

Judging that the original news was generated from Universal France and that the promo CDs are French, the campaign apparently is for France only. As for the US? Well, we get to listen to Madonna’s “Ray of Light” over. And over. Again.

Source: Exclusive

We have some of the first images from Tuesday’s Movistar Activa press conference where the band officially announced three tour dates for March of next year. We’ll have more images from the conference shortly, so keep it here!

Source: The pretty Cranberries

The French-Canadian magazine “Adorable” has an exclusive interview with The Cranberries this month (and some not-so-exclusive Andy Earl photos).
Check out the scans…

Source: Cranberries Tape Trader

A new Spanish interview, recorded with the band yesterday, airs tonight on the show “El Informal” on the channel Telecino.

A newspaper clip from “El País” (below) summarizes the show saying, “Félix Álvarez interviews the four members of the Irish group The Cranberries (in the image), that are, after two years of absence, launching their latest record, Wake Up and Smell The Coffee”

The band is also in several Spanish papers today, recapping yesterday’s press conference. The papers include “El Mundo”, “El Periódico” and “20 Minutos – Barcelona” (which even includes a photo — if someone can get us a scan, send it!)

Source: Cranberries of Prat

As planned, The Cranberries pre-recorded a mini-concert in Barcelona on Monday of this week for the show “Musica Sí”. The band played a total of four songs for the show, with the setlist being:

1. Analyse
2. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
3. Zombie
4. Time Is Ticking Out

Noel was in fact at the performance, which may suggest that he has decided to be present for the December US radio performance tour.

The webmasters of The Cranberries of Prat were lucky enough not only to be at the show, not only to sit in the front row, not only to get an autograph, not only to get some memorobilia, but to have a short conversation with Dolores during the soundcheck.

However, the recording did not go smoothly — which is all too reminicent of the 1999 “Musica Sí” performance (where first-hand accounts said that at times, the crowd actually boo’ed the band!). Most of the crowd was filler — only 11 of the 300-some-odd attendees were actual Cranberries fans. There were multiple sound problems including small, low-grade speakers, and a system which Cranberres of Prat described as “horrible” and “fatal”. After some uncomfortable exchanges of words between the band and the director, it seemed that the band was prepared to leave, without finishing the concert. However, the band did decide to finish the show, though it may have ended on a sour note.

The “Musica Sí” performance of “Analyse” will air in about two weeks, while the full set will be aired later for a special Chirstmas broadcast.

Source: Cranberries of Prat

MCA Records has released promo CDs this week for the second single of “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”, “Time is Ticking Out”. Below we see the 2- track German version of the promo, which includes black and white art of the “desert” scene seen on the front of the International version of the album.

Tracks for the German version are:

1. Time is Ticking Out (Single Version)
2. Time is Ticking Out (Marius de Vries Mix)

We should be seeing other versions of the single in the coming days, so be sure to check back soon.

Source: Exclusive

French magazine FHM has not one, but two interviews with The Cranberries in their December 2001 issue, plus a review of “Wake Up” (which received 3 stars). Below are some scans of the mag, with another new shot of the band.

Source: Cranberries Tape Trader, No Need To Argue

The Official Cranberries Website has updated today, announcing another new 2002 “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” World Tour date for Denmark:

Feb 17, 2002 Copenhagen, Denmark Vega

Also, if you check out the “Shopping” section, there is new “Wake Up” merchandise to be purchased, including (among the most interesting items) a bath robe $90 US, heat-changing “Wake Up” coffee mug (very appropriate!) $25 US and a “Time is Ticking Out” alarm clock $40 US!

Visit the section for more including stress balls, a travel thermos, posters, and more.

Source: The Official Cranberries Website

The Cranberries are among several bands nominated for the NRJ Music Awards 2002, one of the most prestigious awards shows in France; Dolores and Don appeared at the awards show last year to present the award for “Best French Album”. You can vote by clicking here (Link no longer available), but note that you’ll need to register, and the page is in French. If you get lost, you can use AltaVista’s free translation or email Danny Kronstrom (Cranberries Tape Trader webmaster) for assistance.

Source: Cranberries Tape Trader

The Cranberries will be featured next month on the French channel MCM on the show “L’intégrale”. The feature will be showing all the band’s music videos from the first album to the present. Those who get the channel can watch for it on December 12th at 1:15PM local time.

Source: Cranberries Tape Trader

In an article in the Brazilian newspaper “Estado de Minas”, the paper claims that Fergal (and the rest of the band) “has much interest in touching Brazil” during their upcoming 2002 world tour.
If the band decides to plot Brazilian tour dates, it will be the 1st time The Cranberries have visited the country in their 10 years of touring.

Thanks to Marcelo Nery for the news tip.

Source: Estado de Minas

Apparently it won’t be such a merry Christmas at the Vatican for musicians Elton John and George Michael and poor-excuse-for-a-pseudo-musician Britney Spears, according to an article on Worldpop.com. All three have been rejected for next month’s concert for the Pope at the Vatican on the fifteenth of next month, where The Cranberries will be performing.

A spokesperson for the Pope claimed Spears was “too sexy” while John and Michael were turned away due to their strong ties with the homosexual community.

Even more enticing, the article claims that, “Cranberries singer Dolores O’ Riordan is rumoured to be a particular favourite of the Pope, even being offered a solo spot at the concert.” A generous compliment to Dolores, although the entire band is expected to be there (Noel’s presence pending, however).

Source: Worldpop.com

The Cranberries (sans Noel) are in the October issue of the Irish mag “The RTE Guide”. The magazine has a 2-page interview titled “Strange Fruit” (also the title of a great Cranberries bootleg) with Dolores on her present and past life, along with lots of jabber about the new album.

Source: Exclusive

With the success of “Wake Up” in Spain, it is no surprise that España is among the first announced tour dates for The Cranberries’s globetrotting 2002 world tour. The band told Los 40 Principales earlier today of three tour dates scheduled for March of next year.

Forunately or unfortunately, however, the band won’t be alone when they visit the Iberian Peninsula. The Cranberries will be one of several bands on the Movistar Activa tour, an annual festival. Few other bands have been confirmed for the gigs, but Los 40 Principales, who seem to be privy to such info, hint that there will be “a great national [Spanish] rock band and another foreign group” which will be announced shortly.

And so here are the dates for the 2002 Movistar Activa Tour in Spain:

Madrid, March 13th, 2002
Barcelona, March 15th, 2002
San Sebastian, March 16th, 2002

Source: Los 40 Principales

Dolores’s “red furry coat” shot is on the cover of the latest issue of the industry-only magazine “Universal Music News”. The magazine is distributed to retailers, radio stations, and media outlets to promote Universal releases. You can check out an exclusive shot of it below…

Source: Exclusive

We learned back in September that The Cranberries have begun writing more new songs, presumably for an eventual sixth album. Apparently, the band was able to talk more about those songs to “The Age”, in another interview in September.

Along with some general interview questions about the new album, the article ends with this statement:

“The band is already gearing up for a sixth album to come either during or after a world tour they plan to kick off in February.”

Certainly, it’s still too early for any concrete plans, but if the band were able to record another album and release it within a year, it would make it the shortest span of time between two Cranberries albums. If you’re interested in reading the entire interview at “The Age”, you can do so here (you should find it very similar to the “La Press” interview).

Source: The Age

MCA Records released a press release earlier today regarding the band’s planned radio tour of the US next month. The release includes quotes from Dolores, excerpts from several magazine/newspaper reviews, and a completed chart of the band’s itenerary. As you can read in the release, Noel’s daughter is very unfortunately still ill, which means that a backup guitarist will take his place during the tour.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ —

 

MCA Recording artists, The Cranberries, make their return to the stage in the United States for concerts at radio station Christmas shows in December. The Irish super group were due to visit the continent in October and December in support of their new album, “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee,” but postponed their October schedule due to the uncertainties in the world as a result of the American tragedies.

 

“I was really concerned for my two little children at a very difficult time following the uncertainties arising out of the conflict in Afghanistan. Our guitarist (Noel Hogan) is going through challenging times in his family, and the band felt we should be home with our families and we have always followed our hearts. Now it’s time to get back to work and bring some happiness to our fans in America with a few performances before we begin our next world tour in February 2002,” stated the band’s Dolores O’Riordan. A session guitarist will once again accompany the band due to an illness with Noel Hogan’s two-year old daughter.

 

“Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” was released in October to rave reviews heralding the band’s return to form’ with producer Stephen Street (The Smiths, Morrissey, Blur).

 

USA Today — “Echoes of dreamy, driving ambience are evident on wistful tracks such as ‘Never Grow Old’ and the single ‘Analyse’ and the sinuous bass- driven ‘Time Is Ticking Out’.”

 

The Toronto Sun — “… this 13-song collection is marked by Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals up-front, with gorgeous guitar moments from guitarist Noel Hogan.”

 

The New York Daily News — “Cranberries fans who fell in love with the band for it’s chiming guitars and bright melodies will feel warmly welcomed by the group’s fifth album.”

 

Alternative Press — “Hard Rockers like ‘This is the Day’ and the title track satisfy expectations”

 

Marie Claire — “Distinctive as always, Dolores O’Riordan’s keening Celtic voice is perfectly paired with the crystalline melodies of Wake up and Smell the Coffee”

 

The Cranberries arrive on December 1 to the United States performing at the following Radio shows:
December 3 Boston, MA – Fleet Center – WBMX Christmas
December 4 Philadelphia, PA – Finnigans Wake – WMIX Christmas show
December 5 Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square – WQAL Christmas
December 8 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Arena – WMIX Christmas
December 9 Tampa, FL – M

 

Proceeds generated by the radio stations are being donated to a variety of charities supported locally and nationally.

 

www.cranberries.ie

Source: KW Musica

The Italian website KW Musica has confirmed that The Cranberries are indeed among several artists to play in front of Pope John Paul II at the Concerto di Natale in Vaticano, which will take place on Dec. 15th

KW Musica confirms that The Cranberries will be performing two songs, the first being Analyse, the second a traditional Irish Christmas song. Other artists slated for the event include Ray Charles, New Millennium Voices Gospel Choir (New York), Sascha, Josè Feliciano, plus Italian singers. As is done yearly, the concert will be broadcasted nationally on Canale 5 in Italy. Those wishing to check out the concert’s official homepage can do so here.

Thanks to Francesca for the news tip.

Source: KW Musica

The Cranberries are the November “Artists of the Month” on MTV Spain, where “Wake Up” has been performing very well. To celebrate, the channel will be running a 4-hour block of uninterrupted Cranberries specials beginning at 20.00 and running until 0.00 this coming Saturday night, November 24th.

20.00h-21.00h MTV Live
21.00h-21.30h MTV Rockumentary (1996)
21.30h-22.30h MTV Unplugged (Brooklyn Academy of Music, February 14th, 1995)
22.30h-00.00h MTV Videography

In the event that you miss it, the shows will be repeated the following day (the 25th). Thanks to Jesús Castillo for the news.

Source: Exclusive

On the Cadena 40, the most important radio airplay countdown in Spain, the single “Analyse” has gone to #1 after a long, slow, struggle to the top. The long climb is a traditional one — “Promises” hit #1 only a week before the release of the second single, “Animal Instinct”. Thus far, “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” has had an overwhelmingly positive response in Spain, more so than any other country.

Source: Cadena 40

The Cranberries are one of several artists featured in Issue 54 of the CD- ROM based US magazine “Launch”. The disc includes the same interview and “Analyse” performance found on Launch.com’s website, but can now be found in sweet sweet high framerate. Surprisingly, this is one of the only major “magazine” features the ‘Berries have had in the US.

Source: Exclusive

Although orders began earlier this month for “Mistletoe Meltdown” seats, tickets had not been printed until earlier this week. Those that ordered them received them throughout the week. The Cranberries will be playing @ The Mistletoe Meltdown on December 8th. And yes, this means that Cranguy DID receive his tickets, so Zombieguide.com will be reporting with every single thing we can get our hands on, on location — setlist, impressions, and hopefully a whole lot more!

Source: Exclusive

In an update on the Official Cranberries Website, the director for “Time is Ticking Out” has been announced. The band will be filming the video in Dublin this week with director Maurice Linnane, who directed the live video/DVD “Beneath the Skin: Live in Paris”. The video will be available on the official page in streaming format once available.

In other downloadables news, a remix of “Time is Ticking Out”, done by Marius de Vries, will also soon be available on the official page. Like the B- side “Many Days”, the download will require the original CD for “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”, along with a downloadable “CD Key” plugin.

Currently, the band is at home in Limerick, practicing for the the upcoming US promo tour in December. The official site also confirms that the band will also be doing TV and print work while in the States. (Note to anyone with prestige reading this: Talk show appearances such as Rosie and Letterman are more than a good idea!)

 Source: Official Cranberries Website

Dolores is on the November 10th cover of “Weekend”, a supplement of UK newspaper “The Examiner”, in an article titled “Scent of a Woman”. There’s a 2-page interview with the Cran singer inside, along with one solo shot and two Cranberries group shots. Zombieguide’s got some exclusive scans of the cover and and inside shot, just for you.

Source: Exclusive

In the new issue of the Spanish magazine “Emol”, there’s a 1-page photo and interview with Dolores. Below is a scan of the article, thanks to C. Meunier.

Source: Exclusive

“One day you’re a bitch, another day you’re a goddess,” said Dolores O’Riordan about the press to MTV Rockumentary in 1996. Apparently, not much has changed — except that now she’s both on the same day. Case in point? The new issue of the Spanish edition “Rolling Stone”.

On one page in the magazine, we have a “Hot Interview” with Dolores, obviously complimentary. See below.

In another section of the magazine, we have a section called “Ojo de Pez”. The article claims that The Cranberries made a pact with Island founder, and “anti-Christ of the industry”, Christ Blackwell, and as a result, Dolores’s two children are “two demons”. And what’s sure to make fans angrier, the paragraph claims that the rumors of Dolores’s anorexia were actually true. This is either a blantent sign of lack of research, or just an intentional attack on the band.

Once you’re finally over all of that, check out another article in the free magazine “MMM”, titled “Analysis from the Heart”.

Source: Cranberries of Prat

What is sure to be non-news to those outside the Maryland-DC region, the venue for the December 8th Christmas radio festival gig has been announced, and tickets are now on sale. The event, Mistletoe Meltdown 2001 is being held at the Baltimore Arena, and includes other major artists including Alanis Morisette, Better than Ezra, Train, and American Hi-Fi. Got tix? They’re on sale now on Ticketmaster, under “Mistletoe Meltdown 2001′′.

Oh yes. I myself (and a friend) will be there. Section 3. Row GG.
Two words. Kick ass.

Source: Exclusive

According to 40 Principales, The Cranberries will appear in Barcelona, Spain on the 29th of this month for the annual “Premios Ondas” (“Wave Awards”). The event, which will take pace at the Palau Nacional de Congresos, will host a massive amount of artists, including Cher, Jennifer Lopez, and La Oreja de Van Gogh. For those in Europe, the ceremony will be broadcasted on the station Telecino.

Source: 40 Principales

A new single for “Analyse” has been released in Italy, including 5 tracks, plus CD-ROM features. And what’s the best part? It’s free.
The 5-track CD is included with the November issue of “Tutto” magazine, with Lenny Kravitz on the cover (see below). The disc also includes the video for “Analyse”, playable on PC. The tracklisting is:

1. Linger (Live) (5:24)
2. I Can’t Be With You (Live) (3:10)
3. Salvation (Live) (2:22)
4. You and Me (Live) (3:36)
5. Analyse (Oceanic Long Version) (5:40)
+ “Analyse” Video CD-ROM

Scans of the magazine, CD cover, CD, and back are below!

Source: Exclusive