Update: Istanbul 2002 Concert to Air on Turkish TV Again

September 30, 2003  |  Comments Off on Update: Istanbul 2002 Concert to Air on Turkish TV Again  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Litsa just sent us a quick tip that CNBC Turkey will repeat the Istanbul concert on October 29th at 10:30 (unknown if AM or PM). If you live in Turkey, be sure to record and share if at all possible!

Turkish site Daffodil Lament reports that the Turkish CNBC television network will be broadcasting The Cranberries’ Istanbul 2002 concert later today. The network filmed The Cranberries’ concert last year for television broadcast. CNBC Turkey will be airing the concert today (September 20th) at 18:00 local time. The concert marked The Cranberries’ first concert in Turkey.

Last month, Turkish radio station Radyo Eksen broadcasted the audio from the concert, which was available streaming live over the station’s website.

Source: Daffodil Lament

“Stars” DVD to Get Limited

September 29, 2003  |  Comments Off on “Stars” DVD to Get Limited  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Universal Music Japan has announced that The Cranberries’ “Stars: The Best of The Cranberries” DVD (as “Best of Videos” is called in Japan) will be part of a November-December campaign of specially priced Limited Edition re- releases. The campaign consists of a total of 84 titles, 29 of which are Western (non-Japanese) music titles.

Although content of the “Stars” DVD will remain the same, all of the titles in the new campaign will receive small packaging changes (new stickers, etc) and a new low price. The new low-price limited editon DVDs will only be available for purchase from November 1st until December 29th. All of the titles in the campaign will have a finite number of printed copies, so once they are sold out, they will not be replaced. Other artists’ DVDs in the promotion include Björk, Eminem, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Jimi Hendrix, Blink 182 and Sting.

The “Stars” DVD was first released in Japan this past March with an expensive retail price of 4,200 yen ($35 US, nearly double the US retail of $20). The new limited editon re-release (catalogue number UIBO-9006) will be marked down to 3,200 yen ($28 US).

The new Japanese version of “Stars” will release on November 1st. Zombieguide will try to have images of the new packaging as its release date nears. If there are any Japanese Cranberries fans who can help us out in locating scans and info, please email us!

Sources: CD Japan, Watch Impress

Cranberries Shift Management to Curtain Call

September 28, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries Shift Management to Curtain Call  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In another quiet business-related update on The Cranberries’ Official Website, the contact page has been changed to show Curtain Call Limited as the band’s management group.

This revelation strikes us as strange since, at least on paper, The Cranberries’ Official Website is run by employees at Timeless Music and not Curtain Call. Perhaps this too will change soon.

This change comes just on the heels of contact info being removed from the Timeless Music website. However, the new “Curtain Call” listing on the contact page still links to Timeless.

All of this leaves us wondering if The Cranberries are planning to merge both companies into one? After last week’s news of the band parting ways with longtime manager Lewis Kovac, it is obvious that The Cranberries are undergoing some large management changes as they embark on their two- year hiatus.

To see the changes made on the official and Timeless websites, check out the current “contact” page vs. the Google cached version and the current Timeless Music page vs the Google cache.

For the record, Curtain Call, Ltd. is based in Limerick and is owned jointly by the four members of The Cranberries, each holding an equal number of the company’s shares. Timeless Music, Ltd., is (or at least was until this point) based in Dublin and is owned half by Dolores O’Riordan, half by Curtain Call jointly, so the lads have less control over Timeless, but some control none the less.

Source: Exclusive

Universo do Rock Wants Your Vote

September 24, 2003  |  Comments Off on Universo do Rock Wants Your Vote  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

They may be on hiatus, but The Cranberries are still creating a buzz. Brazilian-based music station Universo do Rock is hosting another poll with your chance to vote for The Cranberries. Ironically, the poll is asking fans: “Which bands would you like to see come to Brazil in 2004?” Despite the reality that a 2004 tour with The Cranberries doesn’t look very likely at the moment, the poll is a fun way to help The Cranberries maintain a little “top of mind awareness.”

To cast your vote for The Cranberries, logon to Universo do Rock
Thanks to: Emerson Erc.Josh for the information

Source: Exclusive

“Stars” DVD Newly Released in Turkey

September 24, 2003  |  Comments Off on “Stars” DVD Newly Released in Turkey  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

After waiting nearly a year, patient Cranberries fans in Turkey have finally gotten their hands on the DVD of “Stars: The Best of Videos 1992-2002.” The DVD was released in most regions of the world last October. The Turkish version of the DVD is identical to the European version released late last year.

When contacted earlier this year for comment, a representative for Universal Music Turkey cited “serious import problems” as the cause of the delay. The representative promised that the DVD would be shipped to stores in September, and Universal Music Turkey has made good on their promise.

Turkey hasn’t been the only country to receive the DVD late; Japan only received the “Stars” DVD this past March, although that version included added Japanese subtitles and a new Japanese sticker on the cover.

Thanks to Haluk Uslu for the news.

Source: Exclusive

The Cranberries Music Videos on WAM!

September 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on The Cranberries Music Videos on WAM!  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Forget MTV…at least as far as Cranberries videos go. Here in the U.S., a Cranberries fan has just about as much chance of seeing the video for “Analyse” on MTV as seeing Dolores drive by in her gold BMW. It’s just not going to happen. But here’s a glimmer of encouragement: U.S.-based WAM Network, part of the Starz/Encore package, is airing promos of their “Get Reel” program airing on Thursday nights at 8:00 pm. The program showcases pop-rock music videos; and guess which video was included in the promo clip! Yes, it’s true. “Analyse” got approximately 0.10 seconds of air-time on U.S. television with the suggestion of a whole lot more.

Though the channel is dripping with pre-teen programs and off-the-wall movies, “Get Reel” takes an inside look at the world of entertainment and throws out the occasional music video. And if the promo is any indication of what to expect from the new season, this could be one of the few chances U.S. fans get to catch post-1996 Cranberries music videos on television without the need for a VCR. New episodes of “Get Reel” is currently slated to air on Thursdays at 8:00 pm, but may be shuffled around with WAM’s habit of haphazard scheduling.

The WAM Network is available through satellite television providers including Direct TV and Dish network, and through select cable companies as part of the Starz/Encore Superpak.

Source: Exclusive

Storm Chasing

September 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on Storm Chasing  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Yesterday, music channel VH1 premiered their newest addition in their line of countdown specials, “The 50 Greatest Album Covers.” For the special VH1 interviewed Storm Thorgerson, considered one of the greatest album art designers of all time, working some striking pieces for Black Sabbath, Led Zepplin, Mike Oldfield, Phish, and perhaps most famously, Pink Floyd. Thorgerson, half of the team known as Hypnosis, was responsible for two of VH1’s top ten covers, with Led Zepplin at #6 and Pink Floyd at #4.

Of course Cranberries fans will know him best for the surreal dreamscapes that grace the covers of “Bury the Hatchet,” “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee,” “Beneath the Skin,” and all related singles. So of course we were on the lookout for a Cranberries nod during the segment, and sure enough, Thorgerson was interviewed while seated in front of two of his own pieces for The Cranberries and Pink Floyd. Apparently Storm Thorgerson enjoys his work for The Cranberries so much as to put it on the walls in his own office.

Thanks to our own Saeed Ali for the tip.

Source: Exclusive

5 Songs Televised from the Istanbul Show

September 20, 2003  |  Comments Off on 5 Songs Televised from the Istanbul Show  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

While contemplating the possibility of a no new live Cranberries experiences in the near future, at least there’s the vicarious thrill of a “re-run”. Today, the Turkish CNBC station re-aired The Cranberries concert performance recorded live from Istanbul on November 5, 2002. Though the actual show boasted a full set list with a whopping 22 songs including an interesting blast from the past with “Put Me Down” and a look into the more recent era of “Stars” and “New New York”, the abbreviated televised version that aired today contained only 5 songs from the show. “Zombie”, “Animal Instinct”, “Empty”, “Promises” and “Dreams” were the songs that made the cut.

And if the abridged version doesn’t quite capture the full concert experience for you, feel free to do what we did, read the fan reviews, including an image of the full set list from the show, posted on the Official Site.

Thanks to Yaðýz Murat Aksu for the news.

Source: Exclusive

Noel’s Collaboration with Nishat Khan Cancelled

September 19, 2003  |  Comments Off on Noel’s Collaboration with Nishat Khan Cancelled  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Just days ago, it looked as though both Dolores and Noel were each working on collaborations with outside artists: Dolores with Germany’s Jam & Spoon, and Noel with Indian artist Nishat Khan. Today, however, in a rather low-key update on the Official Site, it’s been revealed that Noel’s collaboration with Nishat Khan will not take place as suggested earlier. The Official Site cites Khan’s touring schedule as the reason for the change of plans.

Editor’s Note: Pay no attention to that “Latest Update September 1” on the Official Site’s main page. Updates on the Official Site are happening. And Zombieguide will keep bringing you the latest.

Source: Official Site

Contact Info Removed from Timeless Music Site

September 19, 2003  |  Comments Off on Contact Info Removed from Timeless Music Site  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Just hours ago, the website for The Cranberries’ self-owned management company, Timeless Music, contained a phone number, a fax number and an email address for the band’s Limerick-based offices. The page, which was minimalist to begin with, has today been stripped down to only a logo and an email address in another quiet update.

No word on why the contact information just simply “disappeared.” We learned on Wednesday that along with the band’s hiatus, they have parted ways with head manager Lewis Kovac and will now be doing the largest portion of their business through Timeless Music Limited. (No word on how these changes will effect their other self-owned company, Curtain Call Limited, if at all.)

Source: Exclusive

Official Site to Update “Once We Have Confirmed Info”

September 19, 2003  |  Comments Off on Official Site to Update “Once We Have Confirmed Info”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Hoardes of anxious fans have emailed The Cranberries Official Site over the past two days regarding a press release which states that The Cranberries will be taking an extended official break, much like they did after the release of “To the Faithful Departed.” Today, all inqueries received the same response: “We will update the site once we have confirmed information, as always. Thanks for your inquiry. Webmaster.” Fans have been anxiously waiting for an Official Site statement.

It’s been nearly three days since Cranberries publicists Lindsey Holmes Publicity sent out a press release to all major Irish news outlets on Tuesday evening, according to The Irish Times, national network RTE, and others. Up until now, the Official Site has been quick to squash any false rumors, but their current delay is just another inidication that an unusual situation is taking place.

Thanks to many fans for the notice.
More news coming very soon. If you’ve heard a report that we haven’t posted

yet, please send it to us!

Source: Exclusive

Jam & Spoon’s New Album To Be Released In October

September 18, 2003  |  Comments Off on Jam & Spoon’s New Album To Be Released In October  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Despite Dolores’s less than enthusiastic reaction to ADAM’s dance cover of “Zombie”, she’s now lending a hand to the club-based music scene as guest-vocalist on German dance group Jam & Spoon’s upcoming release. Currently scheduled to hit stores on October 26th, Jam & Spoon’s new album contains a track featuring vocals by Dolores O’Riordan. How will Dolores’s rock ‘n roll style blend with the techno/trance sounds of Jam & Spoon? Find out October 26th.

Currently, very little is known about the album (not even its title), nor have any press materials been released on the CD. Expect those details soon here on Zombieguide.

Source: Official Site

Publicist Lindsey Holmes Speaks to Hot Press

September 17, 2003  |  Comments Off on Publicist Lindsey Holmes Speaks to Hot Press  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Despite their headline, it was Cranberries publicist Lindsey Holmes who spoke with Hotpress.com today, not Dolores O’Riordan herself. (Dolores was only quoted from yesterday’s press release.)

Holmes tells Hot Press, “She’s also recorded a song for Mel Gibson’s controversial new film about Christ, The Passion. Noel (Hogan), meanwhile, has been working on some demos of his own with the Indian sitarist Nishat Khan. There’s no word on where and when they’re going to come out yet, but I imagine you’re looking at sometime in the New Year.”

Dolores, meanwhile, remains in Canada with her husband’s family. “Dolores is staying on in Canada for longer than planned because her husband Don’s step-mum hasn’t been well.”

Holmes maintains that although the band are taking an official break, she believes that they will reconvene at some time. “They’re still on good terms and in regular contact with each other, so I think fans can take the contents of the statement on face value.”

The most shocking news to come from Hot Press — aside from Dolores’s contribution to the film “The Passion” — is that Noel, Mike, and Fergal may take up their own project under a new name without Dolores as singer. We kid you not. Here’s what Hot Press says:

As part of their “temporary shutdown in activities”, the Cranberries will no longer be represented by co-manager Lewis Kovac. Kovac will, however, continue to work with Fergal Lawlor and Noel and Mike Hogan who are planning an album together under a new name.

HUGE thanks to Jessica van Kessel for the news, we will have more news as we know it.

More news coming very soon. If you’ve heard a report that we haven’t posted yet, please send it to us!

Source: Hot Press

Dolores to Hot Press: “We are NOT Splitting Up”

September 17, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores to Hot Press: “We are NOT Splitting Up”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Earlier today, Dolores O’Riordan spoke directly to hotpress.com to refute the Irish press’s claim that The Cranberries are permanently breaking up.

She assures that the next two years will be used for “a temporary time-out to experiment on solo projects,” and not as an excuse to quit the band.

We will have the full article with quotes as soon as the lovely Jessica van Kessel can get them for us.

On a completely editorial note, The Cranberries need to seriously consider changing their PR staff. This “splitting up” / “not splitting up” chaos has been going on for a full year now and it has yet to cease. The band’s main publicity company, Lindsey Holmes Publicity, has no website and no email address, despite the fact that The Cranberries have a strong online fanbase. Something is seriously wrong with this picture. The fact that HotPress.com has had to publish three news stories within the past few months with the headline “Cranberries NOT Splitting Up” should be a clear sign that The Cranberries and their promotional staff need to be better equipped to handle such potentially lethal publicity. True, The Cranberries themselves are partially to blame for the chaos, since their own quotes have been used against them. However, to issue to a press release that can be construed to mean that The Cranberries are “no more” is simply a PR catastrophe.

More news coming very soon. If you’ve heard a report that we haven’t posted yet, please send it to us!

Source: Hotpress.com

Cranberries Spokesperson: “It’s Just a Break”

September 17, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries Spokesperson: “It’s Just a Break”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

A spokesperson for The Cranberries was quoted in today’s “Irish Times,” saying that the band’s two-year hold on group projects is “just a break and that nothing was ruled out for the future”.

Dolores has been in Canada since mid-June. The family illness previously mentioned on the Official Site is that of Don Burton’s mother, Dolores’ mother-in-law. Dolores has been working in Toronto with progammer Matt Vaughan on several new solo songs.

“The Irish Times” adds that Noel Hogan is working on what they describe as “a solo album.” Of course we will await further confirmation of this (since the term “solo album” has been thrown around quite a lot lately). The Official Site reported on September 1st that Noel was working with world-renowed sitarist Nishat Khan on an undisclosed project.

Dolores continues to work on her autobiography with RTE producer Paul Russell, which is still on track for release next year.

More news coming very soon. If you’ve heard a report that we haven’t posted yet, please send it to us!

Source: The Irish Times (Ireland)

Irish Celebrities and Personalites Comment on Cranberries’ Hiatus

September 17, 2003  |  Comments Off on Irish Celebrities and Personalites Comment on Cranberries’ Hiatus  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

It is very possible that September 17, 2003 will forever be known as the day The Cranberries officially announced their breakup. The press release is very open-ended as to the future of the band. Whether or not The Cranberries will continue even in (gulp) 2005 is still undecided. They will take a break and “see what happens.”

The irony is, seven years ago, TO THE DAY in 1996, the three Limerick lads and a lass said almost the exact same thing. The conditions are different now, however. They are not bowing out due to stress, they are bowing out due to personal and family obligations which came, ironically enough, as almost a direct result of their first hiatus from 1996 until 1998.

Unfortunately, most of the Irish press is not taking such an “open-ended” approach to the news, proclaiming that The Cranberries are dead and that Dolores will embark on a solo career. Truth is, they could be right.

An unnamed insider quoted in The Mirror stated, “They just aren’t the music power they used to be and people have moved on to new bands. Dolores is a realist and she knows when the game is up. She didn’t see the point in taking the band any further. Without their lead singer the band simply can’t carry on because she is the one that everyone goes to see live. They had a meeting about it and decided it was best to call it a day and see what the future holds.”

Other Irish stars have immediately chimed in with their own thoughts on what they believe to be the band’s dissolution.

Famous Irish DJ Dave Fanning, who has continually supported The Cranberries throughout their career said, “They were a lovely bunch of people and I wish them all the best in the future. It will be interesting to see what they do next and I think Dolores can make it as a solo artist.”

Mickey Joe Harte, winner of Irish reality show You’re a Star commented that, “I think they were a great band and they did a lot for Irish music. They are a big loss to the Irish music industry.”

However, Westlife dicta-, er, manager Louis Walsh slammed the group when he heard the news. “It’s the best news I have heard all day. I never liked them. I admired their success but I didn’t like Dolores’ voice. It sounded like she was wailing like a banshee.”

As if a boyband manager would know anything about music. It’s only natural that he would admire the profit, but not the talent.

Comedian Deidre O’Kane, who often incorporates a Dolores O’Riordan impersonation into her act, professed her liking for the band. “I definitely am a fan of them. I think they’re great, they had two amazing albums. Dolores’s voice is fantastic and I’m gutted. It’s a sad day for Limerick. Her family came to some of my gigs and they all took it great.

DJ Ryan Tubridy added, “I’m sure she’ll have a great solo career. I used to listen to them in college. Dolores has a unique voice. The band were ridiculed for pretentious lyrics, but they were a pop band and were allowed to do that. They will never be at the same level as U2, but they were a great band. Goodbye The Cranberries, Hello The Frames.”

More news on the so-called “temporary shutdown” of the Cranberries coming in the next few minutes here on Zombieguide.

Source: The Mirror (Ireland)

More From Cranberries “Shutdown” Press Release

September 17, 2003  |  Comments Off on More From Cranberries “Shutdown” Press Release  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Today’s issue of the Irish tabloid “The Mirror” has reprinted excerpts from yesterday’s press release from Lindsey Holmes Publicity, which states that The Cranberries — as a group — will be taking a break from the music industry for at least two years. Excerpts are below.

“Dolores is also keen to be a regular mum for her two young children, preferring to be at home with them and not always on tour as was the case last year.”

“As part of the temporary shut-down in activities, The Cranberries have parted company with co-manager Lewis Kovac who is currently setting up his own entertainment agency.

“The band will continue its business dealings through the Irish based Timeless Music company.”

In the statement, Dolores says, “I’d prefer to be at home with them [my family] and not always aways on tour.”

More news on the so-called “temporary shutdown” of the Cranberries coming in the next few minutes here on Zombieguide.

Source: The Mirror (Ireland)

BREAKING: CRANBERRIES TO TAKE 2 YEAR BREAK

September 17, 2003  |  Comments Off on BREAKING: CRANBERRIES TO TAKE 2 YEAR BREAK  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In a shocking press release released last night by Cranberries’ public relations company, Lindsey Holmes Publicity, Dolores O’Riordan regretfully revealed that the band is about to go on two-year break from their careers. In the release, Dolores states, “We’ve been together for 13 years and it’s a much needed break. It was getting predictable and lacking in a challenge and now it’s time to experiment.”

The jaw-dropping announcement comes after months of rumors flying about the band’s break-up. The Irish press — particularly tabloids like The Mirror — are having a feild day with the story, pronouncing the band as DOA. Quotes have popped up from Irish personalities all over the country.

We at Zombieguide are rushing to gather all the reports that we can and will have more reports in the coming hours.

Sources: RTE, The Mirror

Touring Unprofitable for The Cranberries

September 14, 2003  |  Comments Off on Touring Unprofitable for The Cranberries  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In an article published in Ireland’s “Sunday Tribune” this past June, the newspaper claims that touring in recent years for The Cranberries has not been very profitable — in fact, the article claims, the band has lost money in tour expenses.

Public accounts for Curtain Call Ltd., the band’s in-house money management company, for the years 2000 and 2001 show that touring in 2000, which consisted mostly of European summer festivals, generated a gross profit of €3.7 million.

However, the hefty costs for travel and lodging, a whopping €1.3 million, quickly wiped out over a third of that touring profit. Crew expeses during the 2000 tour were €609,000, while the comparatively smaller 2001 promo tour drained another €224,000 in crew costs. Sound and lighting equipment costs totalled €308,000, while trucking came to €145,000. The band lost an additional €308,000 for the two years due to foreign currency exchange.

The band’s management received nearly €1 million in commission for the two years. The band paid €189,000 in other wages and an additional€436,000 to video directors. The article also notes that production costs for the “Beneath the Skin” DVD totalled €375,000.

In all, The Cranberries accumulated €3.86 million in touring expenses with only €3.7 million profit. Some simple math will show that the band lost approximately €160,000 on their 2000 and 2001 tours.

But the news is not all bad — after all, the band makes a healthy profit off their album sales. “The Sunday Tribune” cites that the band received a €3.9 million recording advance as part of their 2000 contract with MCA Records. Studio costs came to €276,000 while recording “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee.” No word on how much the band received as commission from actual sales of the CD.

“The Sunday Tribune” cites promoter Peter Aiken as saying, “It is the bands who make off with the lion’s share of the cash from concerts.” Aikenpromoted the band’s concert in Belfast this past May, and was spottedhanging out with Dolores and Don at a Bruce Springsteen concert in May.

Source: The Sunday Tribune (Ireland)

Dolores Auctions “Just My Imagination” Jacket for Charity

September 14, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores Auctions “Just My Imagination” Jacket for Charity  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Zombieguide has learned that The Cranberries participated in yet another charity event over the summer, this time to the benefit of Ciara’s Crusade, a Limerick-based charity founded this year by The Irish Sun newspaper to fight cystic fibrosis. Dolores O’Riordan donated the wine-red jacket worn in the “Just My Imagination” video, while all four members of The Cranberries contributed an autographed Certificate of Authenticity and a copy of the 4CD “Treasure Box.” The band also donated tickets to the Killarney Summerfest concert, where they played with Counting Crows.

Mr. Kieran Murray is now the proud owner of the designer-brand “Just My Imagination”
jacket, a copy of “Treasure Box,” and autographs from the entire band.

The auction, held in Limerick’s Brazen Head Sports Bar on April 24, attracted a large crowd. The winning bid for what was touted as Dolores’s “favourite jacket” was placed by businessman Kieran Murray. Murray also won two other lots up for auction that night, a rugby ball signed by the Munster squad and a Majorca, Spain vacation package. His winning bid amount for the JMI jacket was not disclosed. Meanwhile, music lover Caroline Hayes won the pair of Killarney Summerfest tickets, the main raffle of the night.

Ciara’s Crusade was founded by The Irish Sun newspaper on January 21, 2003, named after cystic fibrosis sufferer Ciara Kelleher, a 10-year-old Limerick girl who died while waiting on a lung transplant. Proceeds from the aucion will be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and the children’s Sunshine Unit in Limerick Regional Hospital, where Ciara was treated.

The Cranberries were planning to visit Ciara, but she died before it could be arranged. Dolores told The Irish Sun, “The band was really touched when we heard about Ciara’s story in the Irish Sun. Being parents ourselves, we felt compelled to help out. We really hope that this campaign will encourage others to learn more about this dreadful disease.” When Ciara’s grandmother, Joan Kelleher, found out about the band’s donation, she remarked, “It’s a wonderful thing to do. Ciara just loved the band. They were among her favourites.”

Earlier this year, The Cranberries Official Website auctioned off the shoes worn in the “I Can’t Be With You” video for nearly $3000. Dolores plans to hold more clothes auctions for charity in the near future.

Source: The Irish Sun (Ireland)

Dolores: “I Had to Get Out Before [Fame] Drove Me to Suicide”

September 14, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores: “I Had to Get Out Before [Fame] Drove Me to Suicide”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries have done very little press this year, as they’ve spent most of their time at home with their families and writing new material. Today, however, Zombieguide has learned of one low-profile interview that Dolores did for the UK tabloid The Mirror this past April in promotion of the band’s short summer tour.

Dolores has some very interesting quotes on the effects of fame on her personal life and how she has no plans to return to the media spotlight, pitying younger stars like Samantha Mumba and Westlife. It is clear that she has reached a level of almost zen-like happiness, one which she seems unwilling to let go of, no matter what the consequence — or reward.

The full article is below.

FAME WAS A LIVING HELL..I HAD TO GET OUT BEFORE IT DROVE ME TO SUICIDE; CRANBERRIES STAR TELLS OF HER STRUGGLE WITH CELEBRITY

April 1, 2003
BYLINE: PAUL MARTIN

BACK ON SONG: Dolores and band decided to play a few select gigs after years away SPEC-TACULAR: Dolores O’Riordan; JUKEBOX STAR: At home during the height of her fame with the Cranberries in the mid-1990s; REMOTE: Dolores lives near Dingle, Co Kerry, with her husband and three children

DOLORES O’Riordan has tasted glory and despair in equal measures over the years.

She has hit immense lows, suffering a nervous breakdown and vowing to turn her back on music for ever.

But for the first time since she burst into the pop charts as a wide-eyed teenager, the 31-year-old Cranberries singer is truly happy.

She may not sell the enormous number of albums that she did in her heyday, and she may not be one of the prominent faces on the showbiz circuit.

But after suffering a level of fame and intrusion on her private life that, she admits, could have driven her to suicide, being a No1 mum instead of a chart-topping pop star is a million miles better.

She spoke for the first time in nearly a year as the band prepare to hit the road for a small number of concerts.

Dolores explained: “I’m 100 per cent content, and that’s the first time I can honestly say that since I became famous.”

When we met, Dolores had just finished her daily five-mile ride through the countryside.

She is chirpy, relaxed and looks as if she doesn’t have a care in the world – and why should she? After all, she’s amassed an estimated pounds 30million over the years.

Rather than the madness and mayhem of tours, promotions and video shoots, Dolores says her life now is an idyllic blend of family days out and the odd live concert.

She added: “I have been there and done that as far as the whole rock star madness thing goes.

“I’m never going back there, I’m relieved to be out of it all to be honest.

“No, people don’t recognise me as much anymore and the papers don’t hassle me.

“But that’s a good thing, not something that I feel I am missing out on.

“Fame is great for a while but when it robs you of who you really are then that is a different game altogether.

“I don’t think I was the easiest person to be around when I was at a real low.

“I would’ve been unhappy about doing interviews and making appearances in public. It’s not a great way to be but that’s life.

EVENTUALLY all the pressure of fame gets to you and you aren’t acting like yourself anymore. That’s exactly what happened to me.”

Dolores admits she was completely out of her depth when fame and fortune landed on her 18-year-old lap.

She said: “Suddenly money was rolling in and the fame was huge, I’m talking about going anywhere in the world and people know who you are.

“At first it was great fun and I loved it, gradually it become a living nightmare and I didn’t know how to get out.

“At my worst moment I was having a nervous breakdown so I left the band for a year and went and lived on a tropical island.

“That did more for my sanity than hours of counselling could ever have done. It was so important for me.

“After that I finally got my head together and started moving my life forward the way I wanted it to be.

“I look back on old photographs of me and it brings back a lot of memories. It was great fun for a while and we were all very naive and innocent going into the music business.

“But after a while you start to go into the self-destruct mode and that can be scary.”

Dolores has kept the doors to her private life closed for the most part over the years.

In a rare insight into her family life she revealed how she has spent the past five years building a strong family unit, rather than concentrating on band commitments.

She said: “I have three kids and a great husband. We have been together nine years and are still going strong.

“My home is like a sanctuary to me. The kids run around the grounds and play to their hearts content.

“We go out on long walks, picnics, just normal family things. “It gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

“About five years ago I had the choice of touring for a couple of years with the band or raising my family. I made the right decision.

“I’m a very healthy person and have always been into eating a good diet and keeping fit in a big way.

“I go out on the bike for about two hours each day and cycle around five miles.

“Sometimes I go out and get completely lost among the hills and scenery around where I live and I have to ring my husband to come and get me.

“I’m much happier just sitting up on a grass verge watching the world around me as I am going to a big showbiz party or something.”

Dolores is relieved of the heavy burden that success placed on her life.

She looks at other young Irish pop acts like Samantha Mumba and Westlife and is glad to be out of the game.

“I feel sorry for them because there is this huge media spotlight constantly on their lives,” she said.

“Like happened to me. They will eventually hit a crisis point where they will feel like they can’t go on. I’m lucky in the fact that I got my head together and didn’t go down the whole road of self- destruction.

YOU can end up in some very lonely places when you are famous, and at the end of the day there are very few people who can offer you a way out.

“Being a celebrity now is even more intense than it was when I first became a star so I’m glad I’m not just coming into the game now.

“I think everyone is under a huge amount of pressure to keep an act going the whole time.

“With all these TV shows that create pop bands the whole standard of music is getting much worse. It’s just not my cup of tea.

“My advice to any young stars is that they should enjoy it as much as possible but not get carried away with all the bulls**t that goes with it.

“It’s easy to forget when the pressure is on that you are doing something that is meant to be fun.”

With the success of albums like No Need To Argue and Bury The Hatchet, the Cranberries have amassed 33 million album sales over the years.

Dolores recalled: “When I got my first pay cheque it was like a dream come true. I was in LA for a few months and I did the whole splashing out on designer clothes thing.

“I had every fancy item in my wardrobe for a while. I almost became addicted to it.

“But that’s just not me anymore.

“Now I’m content just running around like a real scruff.

“But you know what? At least I’m happy now.”

THE Cranberries will be launching their tour of Europe at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on May 29.

The Mirror: Dolores Has Written 5 Songs for “Helen of Troy”

September 13, 2003  |  Comments Off on The Mirror: Dolores Has Written 5 Songs for “Helen of Troy”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

An article published on July 31st in the high-profile British tabloid (we emphasize “tabloid”) The Mirror reveals that Dolores has already written five songs for Brian Johnson’s “Helen of Troy.” Brian Johnson is, of course, the lead singer for rock greats AC/DC.

The Mirror quotes an unnamed insider from the show as saying, “It’s going to give the whole thing a real rock dimension and Dolores has a great talent for writing all kinds of music. She has really thrown herself into the work and has been having a ball. It’s given her a chance to do something away from the Cranberries material that she has been doing for 10 years.”

The article goes on to quote Dolores on her upcoming solo material. Aspreviously stated by the Official Site, the method of release for these side- project solo tracks are still unknown; they may be released as an album, part of a soundtrack, or some other means.

“It’s going to be totally different to the stuff I have done with the band,” Dolores is quoted as saying. “I want to experiment a bit and push the boundaries more. Hopefully it will appeal to all sorts of different music fans.”

According to the article, “Helen of Troy” is set to open in London’s West End at the end of the year.

Source: The Mirror (UK)

Dolores on Cover of Dave Fanning Compilation

September 8, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores on Cover of Dave Fanning Compilation  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

A singing Dolores O’Riordan is on the cover of a pack-in promo CD included with yesterday’s issue of Ireland’s “Sunday World.” The promotional CD, entitled “Dave Fanning’s Best of Irish Rock Vol. 2,” includes “Linger” as its sixth track. The CD was issued as a one-day-only promo for the September 7th issue of the “Sunday Times” and is not likely to be available through other means.

Tracklisting:
1. “Follow Me (Live)” by Rory Gallagher
2. “This Is” by Aslan
3. “Something for the Weekend” by Divine Comedy
4. “Mad Pit” by Horslips
5. “We Don’t Need Nobody Else” by The Whipping Boy
6. “Linger” by The Cranberries
7. “Some People Smile” by Paul Cleary
8. “Mary” by The Four of Us
9. “Bone Deep” by The Walls
10. “Sweet Suburban Sky” by Paddy Casey
11. “100 Boys” by The Golden Horde

The live cover image of Dolores is also silkscreened onto the CD itself. The back of the case shows a photo of the band taken last year during the “Stars” videoshoot in Wicklow, Ireland.

Source: Exclusive

M6 Nominates “Zombie” as One of the Best Songs of the Past 30 Years

September 4, 2003  |  Comments Off on M6 Nominates “Zombie” as One of the Best Songs of the Past 30 Years  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In 1973, Dolores O’Riordan was only two years old. Who’d have thought then that she’d someday write what would become nominated as one of the best songs of her first thirty years?

French music channel M6 is selecting the best singles of the past thirty years and The Cranberries’ “Zombie” is in the running in the top 60 nominees. From punk rock of the early nineteen eighties to grunge rock in the nineties, even the pop rock of today, M6 is tracking down the best of the best from the last three decades of music. And in all of its political-angst glory, “Zombie” may be included in M6’s final pick. There’s a huge varitey of other songs chosen, such as the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe,” Tom Jones’s “Sex Bomb,” Michael Jackson’s “Thiller,” and a long list of French artists.

French fans can guess what song was picked as of the past 30 years via their mobile phone by dialing 08 92 683 583 or by SMS service by dialing 61888 (fees may apply). A vacation is awarded to the winner. “Zombie” is ID #060 on the list. Check out the magazine scan below for more details.

The list that makes the final cut will air on M6 this Saturday, September 6th at 20h50 local time. If you have access to the French channel, tune in to view the final results. If not, check back here at zombieguide.com to find out how “Zombie” fares in the end.

(IMAGES NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Source: Lescranberries.fr.fm

Sunday Times: Dolores “May Play Helen”

September 1, 2003  |  Comments Off on Sunday Times: Dolores “May Play Helen”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Even more signs are now pointing to the possibility of Dolores O’Riordan taking up a full acting part in AC/DC’s Brian Johnson’s “Helen of Troy.” An article published yesterday in the UK’s “The Sunday Times” had this to say:

Helen of Troy is tipped to make its UK debut in November and Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer with Irish group the Cranberries, may play Helen, who is kidnapped on her wedding night by Paris, with the help of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Although this still isn’t a confirmation, it does appear to be fresh information. The rest of the article carries new quotes from Johnson and others involved with the play, which suggests that the information above may have been given by someone working first-hand on the project.

Click here to read the full article. (LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Source: News.com.au

More New Projects Officially Unveiled

September 1, 2003  |  Comments Off on More New Projects Officially Unveiled  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries Official Site has been updated today for the first time in nearly a month with news of several new Cranberries projects in tow.

The most surprising of which is that Dolores has contributed vocals to an upcoming album by German electronic/dance duo Jam & Spoon. The official site notes that Jam & Spoon’s new album could be out within a month, but after a bit of researching, Zombieguide could find no definite release date other than “autumn/winter 2003,” and very little detail beyond that. It’s our guess that you won’t be seeing it quite so soon as September.

Dolores contines to record at Metalworks in Toronto (where much of “Bury the Hatchet” was conceived), presumably with Matthew Vaughan in her company. She has just completed a “new recording” (no specification if that is a song or more than a song) for “for a possible soundtrack, which is scheduled to be released around the Spring of 2004,” the site reads. “Once we have confirmed details, we will give another update.”

Meanwhile, the rest of The Cranberries — Noel, Fergal, and Mike — remain at home in Limerick, also working on new material. Noel has also enlisted the help of Nishat Khan, a sitar player, “for a new composition Noel has just written for an undefined outside project.”

The official site promises to have “more news soon” and so do we.

Source: The Cranberries Official Site

News

Cranberries World (Present - 01/2012) Cranberries Press (01/2012 - 10/2011) Zombieguide (09/2007 - 07/1999)