“Very Best Of Unplugged 2” Released in Germany

March 4, 2003  |  Comments Off on “Very Best Of Unplugged 2” Released in Germany  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In 1995, The Cranberries’ MTV Unplugged performance featured a captivating acoustic version of “Zombie”. Now, that version is being included on The Very Best of MTV Unplugged Volume 2. First released in the UK, The Very Best of MTV Unplugged 2 was released yesterday in Germany, selling for approximately $16.00 online. Cover art in higher quality than our last news story can be viewed below.

As the album is released in more countries around the world, Zombieguide will keep you updated.

Source: Amazon.de

Blue Jean Magazine Includes Cranberries Booklet

March 4, 2003  |  Comments Off on Blue Jean Magazine Includes Cranberries Booklet  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Turkish music magazine Blue Jean has a very special Cranberries bonus packed in with their March issue, which has just hit newsstands. Apart from the magazine itself, the issue carries a 18-page bonus Cranberries mini booklet filled with the usual suspects: biography, lyrics, and a discography. Also included are eight Cranberries stickers that you can pull out and stick onto your favorite stuff. Best of all, the bonus booklet includes previously- unseen photos, claimed to be exclusive to Blue Jean.

The timing may seem strange for such a lavish promotional item, but Blue Jean is no strangers to such unexpected releases. In late 2000, while The Cranberries were in the studio recording “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee,” Blue Jean issued a promotional CD/CD-Rom entitled “Greatest Hits,”seemingly out of nowhere. (The Blue Jean “Greatest Hits” promo is not related to “Stars.”) The magazine has given equally good treatment to the Limerick quartet since then, giving them a cover article with the release of “Wake Up” in 2001, and a 2-page interview this past December.

The booklet does not bear any marks of licensing from Universal Music, which would only make sense after January’s announcement that The Cranberries were terminating their contract effective immediately.

Below is a shot of the cover of the booklet, showing an alternate photo from the “Stars” cover.

Huge thanks to Yagiz for the news. If you live in Turkey (or by some other act of God have managed to obtain a copy of the newest Blue Jean) and can make more scans of the new booklet, please send them to us! In the meantime, Zombieguide will have new scans posted as soon as they are available.

Source: Exclusive

The Cranberries Back With Stephen Street (And Other Official News)

February 26, 2003  |  Comments Off on The Cranberries Back With Stephen Street (And Other Official News)  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries Official Web Site was updated February 26th with some important announcements regarding the band’s current state of affairs. Most newsworthy, The Cranberries announce that new material will be recorded this week in London with hit producer, Stephen Street (‘Everybody Else…’, ‘No Need To Argue’, ‘Wake Up And Smell The Coffee’). The band is planning to use this new material to finalize distribution arrangements for the forthcoming album, and announce that one of these new songs may be included in an upcoming film or television production. Concertgoers may also be able to hear some of the new material prior to its release during The Cranberries tour with the Rolling Stones.

Also, The Cranberries are still interested in discovering the origin of a mysterious “Salvation” remix. Dolores first caught wind of the version while watching a UK-based “reality” television program on Sky Digital Satellite at her home in Ireland. Now, the Official Site has been anonymously tipped with an .MP3 of what may be the song, available for download. If you’ve ever wondered what a metal version of “Salvation” might sound like, this is your chance to find out!

European fans awaiting the confirmation of additional dates will be pleased to know that the Official Site plans to post confirmation for a show in Belfast as well as one or two “warm-up” performances.

And finally, The Cranberries are seeking input from fans regarding styles and colors of upcoming T-shirt merchandise. Providing modeled pictures of each style, the Official Site is hosting a survey in which fans can e-mail their preferences.

Source: Cranberries Official Site

Crans to Play Cirkus Krone Bau in June

February 26, 2003  |  Comments Off on Crans to Play Cirkus Krone Bau in June  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

According to a listing updated today on Pollstar, The Cranberries are slated to open for a sixth date for The Rolling Stones this coming June.

The date is for June 6th at the Cirkus Krone Bau in Munich, Germany. Tickets for the June 6th gig have been sold out, and an allotment of special tickets reserved for the Rolling Stones fanclub have all been distributed.

Although the Cranberries’ Official Site has yet to confirm the date, an update today reveals that “one or two other ‘warm-up’ date(s) will be confirmed shortly,” possibly referring to the Rolling Stones tour dates. As of late, Pollstar has been very accurate with their Cranberries listings, confirming the June 10th Milan date several days before The Cranberries Official Site.

Source: Pollstar

“Zombie” On MTV’s Very Best of Unplugged Volume 2

February 24, 2003  |  Comments Off on “Zombie” On MTV’s Very Best of Unplugged Volume 2  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

What happens when you pull the plug on “Zombie”? You get one of the finest MTV Unplugged performances ever… and we’re not the only ones who think so! Today, February 24th, the Very Best Of MTV Unplugged 2 has been released in the UK. This compilation features The Cranberries hit Unplugged rendition of “Zombie” from February 1995. Though this information comes from the UK’s HMV, Very Best of MTV Unplugged 2 will most likely follow its predecessor (which included “Linger”) and end up as a worldwide release.

TV commercials currently airing in the UK show a brief clip of The Crans’ performance on MTV Unplugged in promotion of the new CD. The classic gig was recorded on Valentine’s Day 1995 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.

Very Best of MTV Unplugged 2 is made up of the following memorable Unplugged performances:

1. Sting – Every Breath You Take 2. Chris Isaak – Wicked Game
3. The Cranberries – Zombie
4. R.E.M – Imitation Of Life
5. Eric Clapton – Layla
6. Crowded House – Four Seasons In One Day
7. Tori Amos – Cornflake Girl
8. Rod Stewart – Have I Told You Lately (That I Love You)
9. Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone
10. Björk – Human Behaviour
11. Seal – Crazy
12. Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning
13. Sheryl Crow – Run Baby Run
14. Bryan Adams – I’m Ready
15. Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight
16. Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Very Best of MTV Unplugged 2 is available for online purchase now fromHMV.co.uk for approximately $22.00. Thanks to IrishPhil for the tip!

Source: HMV.co.uk

All Music: Dolores O’Riordan – Double Life of a Star

February 23, 2003  |  Comments Off on All Music: Dolores O’Riordan – Double Life of a Star  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Earlier, Zombieguide promised you an English translation to this month’s Italian ‘All Music’ interview with Dolores, taken last December during her stay in Rome. Never going back on our word, or at least trying not to, here it is:

Dolores O’Riordan: Double Life of a Star
The singer reveals herself after the end of the “Stars” tour.

I phone Dolores in her suite of a Roman hotel (the singer had just returned to Italy after the last stop on her tour for a special exhibition in Vatican for the Pope.) You may recall that recently, the prestigious Irish magazine “Hot Press,” dedicated an entire issue of their publication to the rock foursome from Limerick. Now, despite thousands of engagements and a hectic schedule, Dolores’s voice is calm and relaxed. She receives my phone call with a sigh of relief after leaving her children in another room.

It occurs to me that speaking with her is not at all like speaking with someone who boats six or seven costume changes in a single concert and can hold the unwavering attention of tens of thousands of people. Instead, I find her in an intimate moment of her life: the double life of a mother and a female rocker with an awareness of being successful in two fronts: a woman raising two children and an artist in a ten-year career, with five albums, selling millions each, and a new compilation, “Stars,” to mark the end of the first 10 years of their artistic life. It’s as if the celebrity must balance between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; and my interview is my chance to discover what is real and what is a facade.

Q: Dolores, after ten years of hit records, what prompted you to release your “best of” compilation?
A: We had to show the fans and ourselves that 10 years of success has meant a lot. So we asked the fans to vote on the only non-single of the compilation; and they chose “Daffodil Lament” from No Need To Argue.

Q: If you had to choose a non-single, what song would you choose? A: Difficult. I’d ask the other members of the group to do it.

Q: Is your compilation a way to declare the end of a cycle?
A: More or less, it is the end of a cycle. We can’t linger on what we’ve done up to now, running over and over again with the songs that made us famous.

Q: So “Stars” is not a marketing ploy?
A: Absolutely not. We’ve just finished an exhausting tour that we could have avoided if we didn’t believe in “Stars”.

Q: What sensations did you get from the tour here in Italy?
A: Big energy and big love. Our shows in Italy have been quite sold-out. Playing live is the most emotional part of a singer’s life, but also the most devisive. You’re far from home, from your children, from the things you love most.

Q: You said that ‘Stars’ is like the end of an era. What can we expect from a new beginning?
A: These 10 years have been as much generous as they have been intense. I don’t know what we have to expect from the next 10 years. I’m not sure that the Cranberries’ sound will change very much. Maybe it’s just time to pull the plug for a while and see our families and the world from a different side than a hotel room.

Q: Speaking of your views on the world, if I simply follow the track list of ‘Stars’ with my finger, it’s evident that the subjects of your songs have gone from a local, more specific dimension, to topics that are now broader, and more world-wide. For example, “Salvation” is perhaps the division between “Zombie,” where ‘No Need To Argue’ seemed to contain more Irish themes, and songs like “Time Is Ticking Out,” where it’s as if you are thinking in more global terms with ‘Wake Up And Smell The Coffee’.
A: Before, we saw the world from a particular perspective, I mean geographically as well. We saw it from Limerick. Now, my perspective on things comes from the window of a hotel room or from the seat of an airplane. What has remained in our songs is the spontaneity in talking about important themes, both personal and collective. In that way, there isn’t that much difference between “Ode To My Family” and “Analyse.” Maybe the biggest change has been in our feeling more mature in talking about problems that pertain to everyone, everything from love to the future of our children, with a soft touch.

Q: There was an evolution within your music that resulted in “pop” melodies…
A: That was a natural movement to melodies that made us feel good while we were playing them. In ‘Stars’ there is an unpublished track which sounds very heavy, not “pop” at all.

Q: “New New York”. What kind of feelings did you have in seeing the new New York?

A: I didn’t see it just after the Towers were brought down, instead I got there for the first time in May 2002, when the pain inside the hearts had already changed into the wish of rebirth. Everything is in that song that I think about the new New York: pain that generates energy

Q: The change in your music hasn’t anything to do with the economic boom in Ireland?
A: The boom changed the appearance of our nation, but it also brought forth advantages. However, that’s not the reason for a change in the music; during the last years I haven’t really had the chance to experience the changes in Ireland because I don’t really live there anymore.

Q: Where then, do you live? A: Hotels.

Q: Are you tired of hotel rooms?
A: They are the other side to the warmth of the being with the people we meet on Tour. Hotels are the cold and sterile side; it’s what makes me start thinking that I should be at home getting ready for Christmas celebrations. When a tour is over you feel happy but very tired.

Q: Are you going to still be an on-stage musician in twenty years?
A: I really don’t know. Maybe yes, perhaps my children will be grown-up and they won’t need me so I’ll keep on playing.

Q: When you were speaking about the upcoming changes in The Cranberries’ music, were you referring to a solo project?
A: That’s what everybody has been waiting for, for ages. It’s possible; but for now I am enthusiastic about being a member of The Cranberries.

Q: Of course, but as a soloist, you could vent any artistic ideas repressed by the group, and do something completely different.

A: In that case, I would do something extremely different than The Cranberries’ style, maybe a sort of sound track for a film. I really like film sound tracks, the sound of a warm atmosphere inclined through a crescendo. Lately, I’ve listened to Marconi’s soundtracks (he’s a film-music composer), and generally I listen to David Lynch’s films soundtracks with pleasure. But for now, my favorite pop band is Travis.

My conversation with Dolores continues on for several minutes. She talks about her impressions from various gigs, Ireland, music… and then, there’s a Christian good-bye from the rocker-mom. And that’s when we see the synthesis of the two halves of Dolores’s nature: the thoughtful one, and the angry one:

“God bless you, man!”.
Thanks to Mattia and Eva for help with the translation!

Source: Exclusive

Filipino Fashion Show Interprets British Celebs

February 23, 2003  |  Comments Off on Filipino Fashion Show Interprets British Celebs  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Earlier this month, a fashion show put on in Manila, Philippines, “showcased a hodgepodge of classic and experimental British fashion.” Part of the gala, entitled “Through the Looking Glass,” showcased designer’s interpretations of British icons, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, David Beckham, the fictional James Bond, and none other than The Cranberries’ own Dolores O’Riordan.

O’Riordan’s look-alike model was handled by two award-winning fashion designers. Willy de la Vega, champion of Hair Asia’s Salon Spectacular competition, designed the hair in tribute to Dolores’ distinctive look. De la Vega collaborated with noted designer Lito Perez, former President of the Fashion Designers’ Association of the Philippines, who is currently a designer for Camp Suki, which specializes in costumes and exotic clothing.

“Through the Looking Glass” was held earlier in February at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manila. The fashion show was part of a celebration of the “UK Fortnight,” a two-week long festival held by Filipino British Council to showcase “all things British.”

Source: Manila Times

Official Site Update: Touring, Recording, and Release Date Info

February 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on Official Site Update: Touring, Recording, and Release Date Info  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Official Cranberries Web Site has recently revealed more of The Cranberries plans for the summer and the release of their sixth album. Four more dates will be added soon to the band’s European Tour in support of The Rolling Stones. And though The Cranberries had opportunities to tour with Live and Matchbox 20 in North America, they have decided to continue writing and rehearsals in preparation for the recording of their sixth album.

Currently, the band expects to have the recording completed by September 2003 and the album released in early 2004. Once The Cranberries finish recording, they plan to begin their World Tour in support of the album’s release, with South America possibly being the band’s first stop.

Source: Cranberries Official Site

Dolores Wants To Know: Is There a Dance Remix of “Salvation”?

February 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores Wants To Know: Is There a Dance Remix of “Salvation”?  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

If you’re a UK Cranberries fan who watches the occasional “reality” TV show, you may be able to solve a mystery for Dolores. At her home in Ireland on Monday, February 17th, Dolores came across an episode of a reality television program where she believes she heard a dance remix of The Cranberries 1996 hit, “Salvation.” Catching only a few seconds of the show, Dolores has been unable to determine the show’s title, or even verify whether or not she did indeed hear a version of her song. Now, Dolores is asking UK fans to help her collect more information.

If you know of a reality television program that follows holidaymakers from the UK to a “getaway” destination, possibly Jamaica, Dolores asks that you help her discover the program’s title. The series airs on a Sky digital channel at approximately 9:30 pm Irish time. Those of you in the UK with any information are asked to e-mail The Cranberries’ Webmaster.

Source: Cranberries Official Site

MP3 of the Week: “Analyse” Acoustic Version from Brazil “TITO” Promo

February 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on MP3 of the Week: “Analyse” Acoustic Version from Brazil “TITO” Promo  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Awhile ago, Zombieguide reported on a Brazilian “Time is Ticking Out” promo CD that included one very interesting track: an acoustic version of “Analyse.”

At the time, due to its scarcity, we didn’t know if it was a new version or simply an official release of a radio performance — however, now we know that it is in fact a radio performance, although we do not know the date or venue. What we do know — and what you can tell for yourself — is that the recording has supurb quality.

This version of “Analyse” has only been officially released on this Brazilian promo. This isn’t the first time that Brazilian promos have gotten exclusive tracks either — the Brazilian “I’m Still Remembering” promo CD is the only place where the “Radio Edit” version of that song can be found.

Download: (LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!)
· “Analyse” (Acoustic Version) (MP3, 128k, 3.0 mb) Taken from the Brazilian “Time is Ticking Out” promo CD

Many thanks to Michael for the track and scan and sending them to us for this week’s MP3 of the Week. Be sure to check out his site, Forever Stars.

Source: Exclusive

Japanese “Stars” DVD Delayed Again

February 16, 2003  |  Comments Off on Japanese “Stars” DVD Delayed Again  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Japanese release of The Cranberries’ Stars: The Best of Videos 1992- 2002 looms in uncertainty, as the Japanese release has just been delayed for the second time.

The Japanese release, which is being handled by Victor Entertainment, was originally slated for December 2002, but was delayed for unknown reasons. The DVD was then given a second release date of March 12, 2003, but it seems that even that date will not be met, and a new release date has yet to be determined.

The situation is eerily reminiscent of the original 2001 release of “Beneath the Skin” when releases in regions like Spain were continually pushed back until ultimately cancelled. However, shortly after their cancellations came the announcement of a “new version” of the DVD, which came a year and a half later in the form of “Beneath the Skin Version 2.”

Nothing extra has yet been announced for the Japanese release (if it does in fact release), but Asian releases of any kind tend to carry bonuses. Since this Japanese release seems to be the only Cranberries release on the radar in the immediate future, you can be sure to expect more coverage of it here on Zombieguide.

Source: CD Japan

Official Web Site Update

February 14, 2003  |  Comments Off on Official Web Site Update  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Responding to electronically submitted requests of fans around the world,The Cranberries Official Web Site has started to add extra features to the site. The Official Site will now link directly to Amazon.com, assisting global shoppers in finding back catalog audio material. The inability to shop locally for many of the Cranberries’ releases has been a consistent challenge for many fans around the world.

Additionally, the site is in the process of updating its ‘Merchandise’ section; and will soon offer discounted prices on many clearance items available for purchase online.

The Official Site’s February 13th update also mentions that Dolores and Noel are continuing to write material for the upcoming album and that the rehearsal process, in preparation for their sixth album’s recording session, remains steady and active.

Source: Cranberries Official Site

MP3s of the Week: On the Edge (Westwood One) 1993 Performance

February 9, 2003  |  Comments Off on MP3s of the Week: On the Edge (Westwood One) 1993 Performance  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

“Ooooh, you little white poodle!!”

“My eyes are goin’ crazy!”

“You ruined the whole ‘ting! Ahh! I’m gonna cry!”

Those are just some of the bits of random out-of-context goodness to be found in this week’s MP3s of Week: the all-acoustic performance on the On the Edge radio show (1993). The broadcast was put out in June 1993 by the nationally syndicated radio network Westwood One for their Flag Day slash D-Day “festivities.”

It takes a total of four attempts to properly start “How,” much to the audible disgust of whoever was attempting to run the sound booth — it’s worth the download just to get a good laugh!

1. False (MP3, 3.8 mb)
2. Away (MP3, 3.8 mb)
3. Linger (MP3, 6.4 mb)
4. How (MP3, 6.1 mb)

(LINKS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!)

Source: Exclusive

Dolores Interview in Italian “All Music”

February 9, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores Interview in Italian “All Music”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The February issue of the Italian magazine “All Music” has published a new interview with Dolores, done via telephone while she was staying in Rome in December for the Vatican Christmas Concert.

To start the Interview, Dolores answered basic questions about “Stars” (which we’ve all read plenty of times), and then later reiterated her perspective on how the “Best of” marks the end of a period of the band’s evolution, while also marking the beginning of a new one.

Dolores also acknowledged the possibility of future solo side-projects, but assured that any such projects would be radically different from the style of music associated with The Cranberries. She says, “In effect, in that case, I would do something extremely distant from the Cranberries. [Maybe] even create a score for a film. I adore film scores, those warm or stiff atmospheric sounds that build up towards a crecendo. Lately I’ve been listening a lot to soundtracks by Marconi, a composer who does music for film, and… [also] those by David Lynch [Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet]. I’m even listening to a little bit of the pop group Travis right now.”

Visit the Magazines Gallery to check out scans from the interview. We should have a full translation available shortly!

Thanks to Mattia for the scans and info!

Source: Exclusive

The Cranberries Featured On Two More Compilations

February 7, 2003  |  Comments Off on The Cranberries Featured On Two More Compilations  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In the mid-1990’s, The Cranberries’ alternative yet subtle style in songs like “Linger” and “Dreams” grouped them in the same categories as artists like the Gin Blossoms. But at the same time, The Cranberries were also being played alongside artists like The Violent Femmes and Smashing Pumpkins. And now, if you’re not sure which is the more logical combination, you’ve got two various artist compilations to help you decide.

Radio Waves of the 90’s: Alternative Rock Hits a ten-track compilation CD from MCA Special Projects, was released last Fall. With “Linger” offered as The Cranberries’ contribution to the “alternative” sound of the nineties, Radio Waves… also includes tracks by milder rock bands such as Semisonic and Amitri. By contrast, JJJ Hottest 100 Vol.1 , a two-disc Australian import includes “Dreams” and “Linger” mixed with tunes from both harder rocking bands like Radiohead as well as pop artists like Ace of Base.

Radio Waves… is available at Barnes & Nobles for $6.98. The thirty-one tracked JJJ Hottest 100 is available for $27.99 online at www.jpc.de

Sources: JPC and Barnes & Noble

Cranberries Among Most Pirated in Mexico

February 6, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries Among Most Pirated in Mexico  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In a study released by the The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) (the international equivalent of the RIAA), the organization reports that The Cranberries are one of the most bootlegged artists in Mexico. The IFPI estimates that nearly 40% of the music sold in Mexico is pirated, making it a “priority country” for the organization. Unlike the commercially-produced live bootlegs so sought after by collectors (most of which originate from Europe), the overwhelming majority of these sales are copies of normal studio albums, like the recent “Stars.”

“I went to the Zocalo which was the downtown part of the city and they were having a little market and there are booths were you can buy pirate copies of CDs,” reports Mummbz, a Cranberries fan back from a recent trip to Mexico City. “And they had ‘Stars,’ but they were sold out. They were really cheap copies too, $1.50 a copy. Granted it’s illegal but, hey, people bought the CD for its music right?”

Other international artists hit hard by the widespread copies include Santana, the Backstreet Boys, and, unsurprisingly, U2. Local top-selling Mexican artists are also heavily pirated.

“Here in Mexico we do love the Cranberries but, about the pirate copies, that’s something we are not proud of,” says Mau, a resident of Mexico. “I’m sure you realized that you can get almost any CD you like for even less than $1.50 USD each (and if they don’t have it, they can get it), but that’s going against the artists themselves. If people buy original CDs instead of pirate ones, I’m sure The Cranberries would have sold 3 or 4 times more original CDs than they have so far. This is also why some artists don’t come to Mexico or Latin America, they think that they’re not selling well here, but that’s because people prefer the cheaper prices of piracy.”

Bootleg markets, like the one seen here, are common in Mexico, parts of Europe, and in Asia (Photo: AP)

The IFPI estimates that legitimate music sales in Mexico comprise about 2% of the total retail sales of music in the world.

Source: IFPI

Official Tidbits: No US Tour in April, More Euro Shows, Possible New Contracts

February 3, 2003  |  Comments Off on Official Tidbits: No US Tour in April, More Euro Shows, Possible New Contracts  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

As posted today on The Cranberries Official Site April will not see The Cranberries touring with Matchbox 20. Instead, the band will continue to make progress on their sixth album until the end of May. North American tour dates will likely come later in the year.

Additionally noteworthy is the possibility of new recording contracts for The Cranberries. It seems that as the word has spread about the band’s split with MCA/Universal, several labels have expressed their interest in working with The Cranberries. Negotiations are beginning to take place; and at this time, it is still the band’s desire to hold individual contracts per market, avoiding a single, global recording contract that can often limit the amount of promotional support the band receives worldwide.

The Cranberries Official Site also announced today that three more shows have been added to their tour with The Rolling Stones in Europe. As reported days ago here on Zombieguide, fans in Milan, Italy will have the opportunity to see The Cranberries on June tenth. German fans in Oberhausen can look forward to June thirteenth; and those in Berlin should mark their calendar for the fifteenth of June.

Here’s an overview of the confirmed shows to-date in which The Cranberries will be supporting The Rolling Stones:

June 4: Munich, Germany at the Olympiahalle June 6: Munich, Germany at the Olymnpiahalle June 10: Milan, Italy at the San Siro Stadium June 13: Oberhausen, Germany at O-Vision Park June 15: Berlin, Germany at the Olympiastadion

In addition to tour and recording news, an Official update also congratulatesthe winner of The Cranberries first online auction, a project in support of the Chernobyl Children’s Project and Amnesty International. More charitable auctions, which offer opportunities to win Cranberries memorabilia, will more than likely come in the form of a lottery. The Cranberries Official Web Site hosted an online poll in which fans voted as to the manner in which the auctions should be featured. The notion of an online lottery was preferred by voters. Opportunities to participate in future auctions within The Cranberries series of online charitable events will come during the second half of 2003 and will likely come in “raffle” or “lottery” form rather than an auction.

Source: Cranberries Official Site

Autographed Guitar Fetches $3500+ For Belgium Charity

February 3, 2003  |  Comments Off on Autographed Guitar Fetches $3500+ For Belgium Charity  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

An autographed Cranberries guitar which was auctioned off in December in Belgium has fetched €3300 (nearly $3560 US) for the Levenslijn Kinderfonds (Lifeline Child Fund). The focus of the recent auction was to promote road safety for children. The guitar was sold in a live 10-hour day-long auction held by the radio station Q-Music.

Other items auctioned off included a signed poster from Joe Cocker, a self- portrait in marker by Moby, autographed vinyl singles from Celine Dion, and a pair of meet-and-greet tickets to meet Tiger Woods. The biggest money- maker was a gold-pated record of David Bowie’s “Scary Monsters” (1980), which brought in €4500. In total, the auctioned items totalled over €25,000 for the charity, matched with another €25,000 donated by the Belgium radio station Q-Music.

“Hi, we’re The Cranberries, and we’d just like to say that we’ve been made aware of the fact that the number 1 cause of death in Belgium is car accidents among young people,” says Dolores in a short promotional clip that can be found on the auction’s website. “And basically it’s really worth slowing down, and you know, if you go out and you party and you want to get out of your head, absolutely fine, just make sure the person who’s driving is not out of their head.”

Rather, Dolores recommends the driver remains “in their head, in their heeeaadd.”

She continues with due seriousness, saying, “And make sure that things are in control because life can be short and nobody wants to end up like that, OK?”

“We’re gonna sign this guitar and hopefully it’ll make some money toward this worthy cause,” Fergal added.

Source: Q-Music

Cranberries “Charmed” Episode to Re-air on TNT

February 1, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries “Charmed” Episode to Re-air on TNT  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Just in case you missed it in it’s first run, on Thursday, February sixth, TNT will be airing the syndicated version of “She’s A Man, Baby, A Man!”, the episode of the supernatural one-hour drama, Charmed, featuring The Cranberries. Originally broadcast in 2000, this episode of Charmed includes a brief, yet interesting segment with The Cranberries “performing” the ‘Bury The Hatchet’ single, “Just My Imagination” for a ficticious animal rights benefit concert in the episode.

The WB’s Charmed airs in syndication Monday through Friday at 6:00 pm on TNT.

Source: RockOnTV

Dolores’s Shoes Going Once… Twice… SOLD!

February 1, 2003  |  Comments Off on Dolores’s Shoes Going Once… Twice… SOLD!  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries auction on Ebid.ie ended yesterday with a price tag of over $3000. In support of the Chernobyl Children’s Project and Amnesty International, The Cranberries donated the pair of shoes that Dolores wore in the Sam Bayer music video, “I Can’t Be With You”.

Yesterday, the shoes, along with an assortment of signed Cranberries memorabilia and CDs, went to Ebid’s high bidder, cranbmexfan, who was willing to spend €2,875 (roughly $3096 US) to become the auction’s winner. That may sound like a lot of money to spend on a pair of shoes; but viewers of The Cranberries’ “I Can’t Be With You” video know that these are no ordinary shoes. And better still, every penny of the high bidder’s payment will benefit both the Chernobyl Childrens Project and Amnesty International.

So congratulations to Cranbmexfan! And to the rest of us, remember that The Cranberries will be participating in more charitable auctions to come… and who knows what could be put up for grabs next! (Maybe… even… dare we suggest… a replica of the couch?)

Source: Ebid.ie

EXCLUSIVE: 5-track Demo Download

January 31, 2003  |  Comments Off on EXCLUSIVE: 5-track Demo Download  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

“A new five-track demo of superior quality was cut, a showcase gig was set up at O’Henry’s Club in Cork, and an eager audience of A&R men (music biz speak for talent scouts) assembled to run the rule over the latest hopefuls to emerge from Eire.” –Michael Heatley, The Cranberries: The Unauthorized Edition

Solid information on The Cranberries’ untitled 5-track demo, circa 1990, is sparse, despite the stir that it caused within the industry. We know for certain that it was cut shortly after the commercial release of the first “Nothing Left At All” tape and was subsequently sent to record companies. However, some evidence (specifically, Stuart Bailie’s In Your Head citing that one “Nothing Left At All” tape had 5 tracks) may even suggest that this is in fact “Nothing Left At All” 1991. However, we have little to confirm or deny that fact.

But what’s important now is that the entire demo is here for your downloading pleasure exclusively on Zombieguide.

As with nearly all of The Cranberries’ early releases, the demo is a compilation of old and (at that time) new demo tracks. For example, the recording of “Nothing Left at All” that appears on “Uncertain” is the same one used in the earlier “Nothing Left at All” demos; the tracks used in the Dave Fanning Sessions consisted of both new (“False,” “Like You Used To”) and old demo recordings (“Linger,” “Take My Soul Away,” released earlier as “Shine Down”). The same goes for this untitled 5-track demo. As a result, four of the five tracks have all been previously to savvy Cranberries fans via the Internet, especially since many of these recordings appeared first here on Zombieguide, thanks to Fergal Lawler himself.

Speaking of the Xeric demos, it seems that many of the tracks that we had labeled as “Xeric Demos” are actually taken from this 5-track recording. (“Xeric Demos” was not the title of any actual demo release; the tracks were labelled as such when we received them, and we had no knowledge of which actual release they came from.)

As for the second-generation copy of the 5-track demo that we received, its original sat in the hands of Island Records in Australia for several years before it was finally given away.

The tracks below are linked to their respective cross-linked releases:
(LINKS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!)

1. Put Me Down (MP3, 4.3 mb) (same version as Dave Fanning Sessions)
2. Dreams (MP3, 6.1 mb) (previously labelled as “Xeric demo”)
3. Nothing Left at All (same version as on “Uncertain”)
4. Linger (MP3, 7.1 mb) (same version as on “Watercircle”)
5. Them (MP3, 5.0 mb) (demo version with different drums/effects)

These MP3s are now available in the Zombieguide MP3 folder.
But now with all that said, there is a new gem to be unearthered in this find, namlely a demo version of “Them,” the track which concluded the Uncertain EP and was used as a B-side for “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” The most crucial elements of the track are the same: both the vocals and guitars are essentially the same as the “Uncertain” version. But to veteran fans who are familiar with the “Uncertain” EP version of the track (the same version used as a B-side for “EE…”), the differences will stand out immediately. Both the sound effects and percussion are noticeably different. While there are still the defining water-like effects, these effects are different from the ones used on “Uncertain.” In addition, the sound of a howling wind has been added to the introduction of the song and carries through to the end, an element which was cut from the “Uncertain” version of the song. The drums are also different — the demo version heard here includes a rather loud, resonating tom-tom (or possibly bongo). The beat in the later “Uncertain” release, although similar, is much more sedated. All of this would suggest that although the basic elements of the song (vocals, music) were re-used, the song underwent several edits before the song saw a commercial release in 1991.

Below are scans taken from the original demo tape. As can be expected, the cover is hand-written in the same handwriting which appears on most of The Cranberries’ other early releases, probably belonging to Pearse Gilmore himself, or possibly Noel Hogan, who had by that time quit his job reparing cash registers in order to spend time mailing out demo tapes. As plain as the sleeve is, sans a serial number and bearing only the band and producer’s name, the tape itself is even plainer — no writing whatsoever, only a blank label on one side. What more could be expected of one of dozens of tapes which were painstakingly labelled by hand and sent to record companies?

Thanks to Bruce for help with the scans.

Source: Exclusive

Cranberries Confirmed for Milan Date with The Stones

January 30, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries Confirmed for Milan Date with The Stones  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Concert megasite Pollstar has confirmed the third of five concert dates in Europe where The Cranberries will be opening for one of the biggest bands in the world, The Rolling Stones. The site confirms that The Cranberries will be opening for The Stones on June 10th at the Stadio G. Meazza in the San Siro district of Milan, Italy.

Tickets for the venue, which seats nearly 150,000 people, have not yet gone on sale. This is good news for Italian fans, since tickets for the massive venues are selling at a ridiculously fast rate. With the arenas at near full capacity, the upcoming Rolling Stones tour could easily shatter The Cranberries’ record for largest audience at a single concert, which currently stands at over 100,000 at Woodstock ’94.

The two already announced dates at The Cranberries Official Website, for Munich, Germany on June 4th and 6th have already been sold out.

The Cranberries Official Website has not yet confirmed the date, but is likely to do so very soon. Also be sure to keep an eye on RollingStones.com for the latest ticket information.

Keep it tuned to Zombieguide for the latest developments!

Source: Pollstar, RollingStones.com

Got Room For Another Compilation CD?

January 27, 2003  |  Comments Off on Got Room For Another Compilation CD?  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Think you’d never see the day when The Cranberries and Lionel Richie would share billing on the same CD? The soundtrack for SABOR DA PAIXÃO (“The Flavor of Passion”), a Brazilian soap opera, has brought them together along with a number of various artists for a compilation soundtrack available online. Now, whether you’re in the mood for a little Enrique Iglesias or Dolores and company, Sabor da Paixão Internacional , can satisfy your craving for The Flavor of Passion. The full track listing is as follows:

1. Help Me – Nick Carter
2. Goodbye – Lionel Richie
3. My Love – Fab
4. Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
5. Stars – The Cranberries
6. Undeniable – Paulina Rubio
7. Don’t Ask – Rick Astley
8. Alone Again – Craig Mc Clean
9. Quizás – Enrique Iglesias
10. En el Muelle de San Blas – Mana
11. The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling) – Atomic Kitten
12. Barenaked – Jennifer Love Hewitt
13. Heaven – Giselle Haller
14. Sex Baby – Kasino

Select song clips can be downloaded and the soundtrack can be purchased online at Somlivre.com

Thanks to Sigma from Zombieguide Mexico and Jordan for the tips.

Source: Somlivre

A New Year = A New Tour

January 27, 2003  |  Comments Off on A New Year = A New Tour  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries want fans to know that they “feel great” and “excited about the new year”. Already, Dolores and Noel have recorded new material for album six; and in 2003, the band will be supporting well-established rockers, The Rolling Stones, for a number of shows throughout Europe.

The two confirmed live performances with The Rolling Stones in Munich, Germany for June 4th and June 6th have already sold out. Dolores told RTE Radio “it’s an honor to be able to open up for such a legendary band, life is good”. Dolores told RTE earlier this week that there were five confirmed tour dates, which leave three left to be announced

Life is good indeed because 2003 will also mean more opportunities for fans to see The Cranberries live on-stage at various festival shows throughout Europe; and later in the year, the band will tour Asia and the Americas. Part of the US tour may even partner The Cranberries with US radio-favorites, Matchbox 20.

Currently, specific dates and venues for the 2003 tour, other than the two confirmed shows in Germany, await official confirmation; but you can count on finding all the details right here on Zombieguide as they become available. So start ironing those Cranberries t-shirts because this year may be the year you find yourself singing along from the front row!

Source: Cranberries Official Site

A Walk In Dolores’s Shoes

January 25, 2003  |  Comments Off on A Walk In Dolores’s Shoes  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Ever wonder what it would be like to take a walk in Dolores’s shoes? Well, now you can…sort of! In an effort to support the Chernobyl Childrens Project and Amnesty International, The Cranberries are putting the shoes that Dolores wore in the infamous “I Can’t Be With You” video up for auction. If you can spare an extra €1,511.50 ($1,640 US) or more, you could be the winner! (That’s the winning bid as of January 25th at 3:30 pm EST.) And as if this pair of Dolores’s shoes aren’t enough to prompt a trail of drool on your chin, the winner of this charity auction also gets the Beneath The Skin – Live In Paris DVD; the Stars – Best Of Videos DVD; the lastest tour poster— signed, nonetheless; both “Wake Up And Smell The Coffee” and “Stars – Best of 1992 – 2002” — on CD and also signed by the band; AND a copy of the “Treasure Box” 4 album set! It’s enough to make a Cran fan cry. Suddenly sixteen hundred bucks doesn’t sound so bad, does it? And after all, it is for charity! To place your bid, or simply find out more on the Cranberries charity auction on Ebid, visit the Official Site. And hurry… these shoes were made for walking so on January 31st, the auction comes to a close!

Source: Cranberries Official Site

Cranberries on New Compilation CD

January 25, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries on New Compilation CD  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

You take Big rock stars of the 1990’s and add some Shiny happy singles, and you get Big Shiny 90’s, a new two-disc compilation featuring some of the biggest radio releases of the 1990’s! And of course, where would the 90’s be without the Cranberries?

Big Shiny 90’s, a Canadian compilation from WEA Records in association with Canadian music channel, Musique Plus, was released on January 12th, 2003. It’s packed with tunes reminiscent of our last decade and includes the Cranberries biggest single to date, “Zombie”.

If you’re not sure whether or not Big Shiny 90’s is something you want to add to your Cranberries collection, here’s the full track listing to help you decide:

Disc 1:
1 Dammit – Blink-182
2 Been Caught Stealing – Jane’s Addiction
3 Mysterious Ways – U2
4 Wonderwall – Oasis
5 The Rockafeller Skank – Fatboy Slim
6 Cowboy – Kid Rock
7 Indestructible – Matthew Good Band
8 Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
9 What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? – R.E.M.
10 Lightning Crashes – Live
11 The Oak (My Luck Is Wasted) – Big Wreck
12 3 AM – Matchbox 20
13 Tomorrow – Silverchair
14 Zombie – The Cranberries
15 Everything Zen – Bush
16 Friday I’m In Love – The Cure
17 Sex And Candy – Marcy Playground

Disc 2:
1 No Rain – Blind Melon
2 Santa Monica – Everclear
3 The Impression That I Get – The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
4 Shine – Collective Soul
5 What It’s Like – Everlast
6 Never Let You Go – Third Eye Blind
7 Only Happy When It Rains – Garbage
8 Pets – Porno For Pyros
9 What I Got – Sublime
10 Volcano Girls – Veruca Salt
11 All That You Are – Econoline Crush
12 Epic – Faith No More
13 Push – Moist
14 In The Meantime – Spacehog
15 Stutter – Elastica
16 Enjoy The Silence – Depeche Mode
17 Someone Who’s Cool – Odds

If these 90’s hits are some of your favorites…or if you’re just a Cranberries completionist who can’t say no, you can order your copy of Big Shiny 90’s online at www.archambault.ca (French) for about $20.00 US dollars.

Source: Thanks to Danny Kronstrom of Gaisetlesbiennes.com for the tip.

The Cranberries to Start Independent Label

January 23, 2003  |  Comments Off on The Cranberries to Start Independent Label  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

“What we’d like to do now really is to be independent and start our own label, I mean, we’ll go off and look for distribution deals,” Dolores O’Riordan told Pat Kenny via telephone earlier this morning on the Today with Pat Kenny radio show on RTE’s Radio One in Ireland.

“At the end of the day, we decided that we’d be better off just to walk away and do our own thing, and we were kind of advised (by our lawyers) to walk away” from what Dolores felt was a very neglectful relationship at Universal, she told Pat Kenny.

Dolores stated that the band would be putting their own personal funds into establishing their own new label. She says that the band isn’t concerned about the expense, since they consider it an investment in themselves. “I know, I mean, when you think about it, in the long term, down the road, at the end of the day, it’ll come out better yourself. You know, when you’ve made your record deal anyway, you only get a percentage as an artist. At the end of the day, we believe in ourselves and we have a very strong fanbase around the world that have been with us for years. And since the birth of Molly two years ago, we’ve sold over three million albums between ‘Wake Up and Smell the Coffee’ and the greatest hits. I mean, that’s a lot of albums, so we believe in ourselves and our fanbase are very loyal. So we want to do it our way… And it means being the captain of your own ship and it means not having to put up with somebody who doesn’t give a toss and being stuck in a situation where you feel like you’re there for security.”

Dolores also implied that although the material itself will be produced under the new label, the band will look for several different distribution companies to manufacture and distribute the new material, separated by regions of the world. “Our problem is that we were signed to Universal New York, so that was it, you know? We didn’t have a record deal in Italy, we didn’t have a record deal in France, we didn’t have a record deal in Asia. You see, our deal was with America and that was that. So that was kind of a problem as well, ‘cos most of our success three or four years has been, like, in Asia, the album went #1 in the Asian charts, and it went Top 10 in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, places like that, you know? But if you don’t have a label there, working, representing you, you’re kind of out there on your own doing it. You’ve got the big guys back in New York just sitting there, not doing anything, and we’re out there working really hard and we just feel like they’re not supporting us.”

“So at this stage, it’s not a situation of ‘them’ and ‘us,’ or ‘they’re all bad guys,’ a lot of them are good guys, you know what I mean, but it’s just such a mess on the inside that we decided that at this stage, that we decided we’d be better off just to walk away. I mean, we’re not compatible anymore.”

Talking specifically about the music scene in the United States, Dolores admits that she has ben consciously concentrating on Europe in the past few years. “We still sell out big audiences (in America), we still sell ten, fifteen- thousand seaters, or maybe even twenty, but since the birth of the kids and stuff, I’ve been concentrating more back on Europe and stuff. And like I said, there’s such a kind of a major weird thing happening over there with hip- hop and stuff that the rock-and-roll bands aren’t really being pushed over there. I know we’re not the only band that feel like this, there’s a lot of other bands that feel kind of like, ‘What’s going on?'”

Dolores said that the band had made several written attepts to MCA to state their interest in leaving the company. MCA’s first response, months after the first letter, stated that they wanted to hold on to The Cranberries. After yet more letters and poor response on MCA’s part, The Cranberries’ management sent their last letter on Monday (the 20th), stating the band’s resolute intent to leave company. MCA has still not sent an official reply.

Finally switching subjects after discussing the break with Universal, Dolores additionally revealed that the tentative summer dates with The Rolling Stones have been confirmed. “It’s an honor to be able to open up for such a legendary band,” she commented. The Cranberries will open for a total offive of the Stones’ tour dates this summer in Europe. Dolores also revealed that there are currently unconfirmed plans for The Cranberries to tour with Matchbox 20 in the United States, but those plans have not yet been confirmed.

“So life is good, it’s looking good, I mean, it might look bad from some people’s point of view, but from my point of view, it’s brilliant, it’s a new day and it’s a new start,” she concluded, and we think most fans who have been following this situation will certainly agree.

To listen to the full interview, click here to go to RTE’s Today with Pat Kenny site and click on Thursday’s show. Dolores’ interview begins at the 1:48 mark.

Zombieguide will have more on this developing news as we know it — watch this space!

Source: RTE’s Today with Pat Kenny

Two Soundtracks for “The Passion of the Christ”

January 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on Two Soundtracks for “The Passion of the Christ”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

A film as notably intense as The Passion of the Christ will likely rely heavily on the use of music to convey its dramatic moments. This is great news for those of us waiting to own all, or nearly all, of the music from the film…but bad news for those of us who had hoped to own Dolores O’Riordan’s contribution to the soundtrack on February 24th.

According to billboard.com, February 24th will feature the release of the film’s score – not the release of the film’s songs that were performed by various artists. All’s not lost, however, because billboard.com does state that Sony Music intends to release a “Music Inspired by The Passion of the Christ” album that will contain the multi-artist tracks, including [presumably] Dolores O’Riordan’s “Croatia”. According to Billboard, distribution for the multiartist CD is currently being finalized.

Of course only time can confirm Dolores’s work in the film and further release information for the second soundtrack. Big answers for inquiring minds, however, will be available and definite on February 25th, when the film opens in theaters everywhere.

Source: Billboard.com

Thanks to celticyodels for the information

Breaking News: Cranberries Terminate Universal Contract Effective Immediately

January 21, 2003  |  Comments Off on Breaking News: Cranberries Terminate Universal Contract Effective Immediately  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

After last June’s somewhat vague press conference in Mexico City, where The Cranberries displayed some implicit displeasure at the state of affairs at MCA/Universal, fans have been waiting for a solid follow-up announcement to come — but no one knew when. That announcement came today.

“The Cranberries today announced that they have terminated the remainder of their recording contract with MCA Records, a division of Vivendi Universal, effective immediately,” reads the first line of a press release posted today on the band’s official website.

The Cranberries originally signed a 10-year six-album contract with Island Records America in the summer of 1991. In 1998, Island was engulfed by the mammoth Vivendi Universal. “Bury the Hatchet” was the first Cranberries album released after the massive shift and its effect was apparent.

A solid example of this was seen in Dolores’s 1999 interview with Craig Kilborn, where she said Bury the Hatchet was, “going pretty good, it’s just that alot of fans are coming up, going, ‘Oh, Dolores, have you guys got a new album coming out?’ And I’m like, ‘It came out six months ago!’, so it’s that kind of thing.”

She further continued with her dissent, “It’s [Bury the Hatchet] doin’ OK, like, but alot of people don’t really know it’s out and stuff, ’cause our record company [Island] got bought out, so at the moment it’s a bit messy over here [in the United States].”

Hoping that MCA Records, another American-based company, would give them more of the personal touch that the post-merger Island Records lacked, The Cranberries silently hopped labels in the fall of 2000, although it was not made known to fans until May of 2001. However, the change was not a dramatic one since MCA too was under Universal’s giant corporate umbrella — the band was simply moving from one part of Universal Records to another.

Jay Boberg, President of MCA, with Stephen Street and The Cranberries

Although both the band and MCA’s representatives were optimistic at the new relationship, things began to go sour months after the release of “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee.” Fergal Lawler wrote shortly after embarking on the American tour in spring of last year that, “We weren’t sure what to expect as some (not all), members of our record company informed us that in their eyes, ‘Wake Up And Smell The Coffee’ is ‘over’ in America, and they have moved on to other things. Not exactly the words of encouragement you would like to hear as you are about to embark on a U.S. tour!!! But thanks to you, our incredibly supportive fans we say F*** ’em!!! We are here to play music and enjoy every minute of it, and thankfully that’s the way it’s been working out!”
Last June in a press conference held in Mexico City, The Cranberries made it clear that they were looking forward to ending their contract with MCA, although no specifics were given at the time.

After the release of “Wake Up,” The Cranberries put out their “Treasure Box: The Complete Sessions” boxed set and “Stars: The Best of The Cranberries 1992-2002” later in the year, both on Island Records. However, this may have been more for simplicity’s sake, since the overwhelming majority of the material in both releases was owned by Island.

“Since we were signed in 1991 by Island Records, we have gradually seen our label dissolve from a pioneering independent spirited label into a corporate monolith that completely lost touch with the group’s creative vision” stated singer Dolores O’Riordan in today’s press release. “All of the people we have worked with over the years (in America and England) have been fired or left the company, so the band felt it was time to move on to new opportunities.”

“The Cranberries have released two albums in the past 15 months selling in excess of 3.2 million albums worldwide. Despite the current downturn within the music industry and little support from MCA in North America, the band have also performed 82 concerts to 600,000 people during that time.

The release continues saying, “‘We have had great fan support throughout the world for many years,’ added guitarist Noel Hogan. ‘With little effort from our label, we have been pleased to see top 10 sales in many countries. The band is excited about the prospect of a new beginning, starting fresh, and looking forward to another ten years in the music business. We expect to have a new album released by the end of 2003.’

“The Cranberries are in the midst of celebrating their 10th Anniversary as a professional group. Career sales now exceed 38 million albums. The band are planning a tour later in the year, which they hope to confirm in the coming weeks”

No matter how you look at it, this is big career-changing news on the half of the band. At this point, no indication is known of whether the group will look to another label, or (more likely, it seems) will take their own approach, so to speak, whatever that may be. Zombieguide will have more on this developing news as we know it — watch this space!

Source: The Cranberries Official Website

The Passion of The Christ Soundtrack Release Date Revealed

January 20, 2003  |  Comments Off on The Passion of The Christ Soundtrack Release Date Revealed  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Looking to feel the love this February, your favorite music retailer may just have a little belated Valentine for fans of The Cranberries with the upcoming release of the original motion picture soundtrack for Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. The forthcoming film features the first taste of Dolores O’Riordan’s solo material; and the movie soundtrack will most likely contain Dolores O’Riordan’s Latin acapella for the movie, with the possible title “Croatia”. According to grassroots.com, the soundtrack for The Passion of the Christ will be released on Tuesday, February 24th. That’s one day prior to the film’s theatrical release, and ten days after Valentine’s Day for those who crave the sweet sound of Dolores’s voice in lieu of traditional chocolates. Zombieguide will keep you posted as more details about the film and its soundtrack begin to surface.

Contrary to previous reports, the final score was done primarily by John Debney (Spy Kids, The Princess Diaries) with help from Lisa Gerrard and others. Zombieguide will have more on The Passion of the Christ: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack when we know it.

Source: grassroots.com

Cranberries on “Best of All Time” Charts

January 14, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries on “Best of All Time” Charts  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries (or, more accurately, their songs and albums) have been recently named to several “best of all time” lists around the globe. With the band’s first greatest hits album just put on store shelves, what better time to report this?

Dutch radio station 3FM has compiled a list entitled the Top 715, an appropriately-titled compilation of the 715 most popular songs of all time (don’t ask us why it’s 715, it’s a Dutch thing!). The annually revised list places The Crans’ hits as follows:

· #407. Ode to My Family
· #148. Linger
· #36. Zombie

Next on the list, a recently revised version of The Guinness Book of British Hit Albums put the band’s first two albums in the top 1000 British albums of all time, despite the rather odd handicap that The Cranberries aren’t even British in the strict sense. Semantics aside, check out how the albums fared:

· #631. Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?
· #321. No Need to Argue

Not bad considering the all-too-often underrated response that the British press in general gives to the band.

Last on our list today is the American based Slant Magazine, which has named “Linger” as one of the 100 Greatest Music Videos ever created. “Linger” and Madonna’s “Secret” are tied for the #24 slot, both directed in black in white by Melodie McDaniel.

Says the site, “Photographer and commercial director Melodie McDaniel hit pay dirt with the release of two black-and-white gems, one for The Cranberries breakout single ‘Linger’ and one for Madonna’s ‘Secret.’ McDaniel’s images are less body-horrific than those of Cindy Sherman’s yet they’re every bit as consumed with the way femininity is represented in modern art. McDaniel channeled the spirit of Sherman and John Cassavettes for ‘Linger,’ an abstract video diary that follows Dolores O’Riordan through a seedy hotel with two lookalikes by her side. O’Riordan codifies and displaces her ‘self’ via her doubles, no doubt as a reaction to the way the males in the video choose to consume her.” A very interesting take indeed.

Thanks to Luc Levesque, Irish Phil, and little dolores for the news tips!

Partial Source: Slant Magazine

Writing for 6th Album Going Smoothly

January 14, 2003  |  Comments Off on Writing for 6th Album Going Smoothly  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries Official Website put up a note today to inform readers that The Cranberries “are now back in full swing writing new music” to be eventually be used on the band’s next album. The Cranberries hope to record demos of the new material over the next few weeks. “After that the band will record the songs for their 6th album,” says the site.

The site also notes that there will likely be no live concert dates scheduled until the latter half of 2003. Weeks ago, drummer Fergal Lawler wrote that the band was considering a trip to the United States this spring. However, with this latest revelation, it seems that it won’t be a proper tour as such (that is, if the plans haven’t been changed entirely!).

Lastly, Dolores’s promise to clean out her closet for some famous bits of clothing hasn’t been forgotten (even if it is a bit too late for the original plan of a Christmas contest). The first item, the pair of thick-heeled boots worn in the “I Can’t Be With You” video, will be auctioned online. Proceeds will benefit Adi Roche’s (better known as the wife of U2’s Bono and Ireland’s unofficial “First Lady”) Chernobyl Children’s Project and Amnesty International, two charities that The Cranberries have actively supported in the past.

Source: The Cranberries Official Website

Cranberries Rake In €1 Million in 2002

January 7, 2003  |  Comments Off on Cranberries Rake In €1 Million in 2002  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

According to a report posted today on Showbiz Ireland (that is, if you can forgive them after their last tabloid outing — and no, Dolores isn’t leaving, if you haven’t read), The Cranberries collected an income of about €1 million (roughly $1 million US) last year, which breaks down to roughly €250,000 (roughly $250,000 US) for each member. However, Dolores and Noel would get a larger share of that amount, since they share songwriting duties.

It can’t be helped but to mention that band members in the past have usually scoffed at such estimations, although rarely denying their validity. During an interview in 2000, after Q Magazine estimated that the band have made roughly £60 million ($90 million US) during their careers, one interviewer asked Noel and Fergal, “Why aren’t you living like millionaires?” Noel jokingly responded, “If it was true we would!” Then, after a break for laughing, “I don’t know where they get these figures from — they’re too fuzzy.” It was even estimated several years back that Dolores was the 5th richest woman in the British Isles, again a report that the singer downplayed.

Compare the Crans’ quarter of a million in 2002 to U2’s €8 million each, €1 million apiece for Westlife, and a whopping €36 million for Enya, whose most recent success is her involvement in the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.

So don’t take it as gospel truth, but it’s an interesting bit none the less. I’m glad I’m not the one having to pay those taxes.

Source: Showbiz Ireland

More Vatican Backstage Practice Photos

January 7, 2003  |  Comments Off on More Vatican Backstage Practice Photos  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

CranberriesItalia, The Cranberries’ official Italian website, has posted several backstage of photos of the practice session for last month’s Vatican Christmas concert. The photos show dolores practicing her solo tracks in addition to the finale “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” where she sang together with all the artists present at the concert.






Source: CranberriesItalia

“Stars” on Top of the Pops Screencaptures

January 4, 2003  |  Comments Off on “Stars” on Top of the Pops Screencaptures  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries’ performance of “Stars,” recorded this past fall for the European TV show Top of the Pops, was aired this morning on the Italian network RAI2. Unfortunately, the performance was only playback, as is common on so many TV performances nowadays, but the vocals were live. It appears that Dolores wore the pink-and-white top now made famous by the “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” photoshoot.

Many thanks again to Matteo (aka MelKain) for the screen grabs.

Source: Exclusive

Poster Bundled with Taiwan “Stars” DVD

December 29, 2002  |  Comments Off on Poster Bundled with Taiwan “Stars” DVD  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

For those that have been keeping track, you’ve no doubt noticed the abundance of freebie pack-ins given to Taiwan in recent Cranberries releases: the deluxe “Stars” with a booklet and CD holder, “Wake Up” Asian Tour Edition, and the “Wake Up” boxed set. Now there’s a fourth reason to envy the small Asian country with disproportionate bonuses; the newly- released “Stars” DVD includes a promo-only poster. As seen below, the bundled-in poster lists the hits contained on the disc as well as the special features, and is limited only to the first edition of the DVD.

For those completionists interested in the set, the Taiwanese DVD is Region 0 in NTSC format, which makes it compatible with North American players. Asian online importer SolCD has the DVD and poster package available for $31.99 US

“Stars” #4 Album of 2002 on CNN

December 28, 2002  |  Comments Off on “Stars” #4 Album of 2002 on CNN  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In a poll of visitors on the website for CNN International’s “The Music Room,” The Cranberries’ “Stars: The Best of 1992-2002” was voted as the #4 album for 2002 in a ranking of the 20 top albums of the year. The Cranberries’ greatest hits compilation was beaten out by Coldplay at the #1 spot, and then Eminem and Avril Lavigne, respectively. Here’s the full list:

1. Coldplay “A Rush of Blood To The Head”
2. Eminem “The Eminem Show”
3. Avril Lavigne “Let Go”
4. The Cranberries “Stars: The Best of the Cranberries, 1992-2002”
5. Nelly “Nellyville”
6. Darren Hayes “Spin”
7. Red Hot Chili Peppers “By the Way”
8. Christina Aguilera “Stripped”
9. Norah Jones “Come Away with Me”
10. Bruce Springsteen “The Rising”
11. Vanessa Carlton “Be Not Nobody”
12. Carlos Santana “Shaman”
13. Matchbox Twenty “More Than You Think You Are”
14. David Bowie “Heathen”
15. Goo Goo Dolls “Gutterflower”
16. Foo Fighters “One by One”
17. Justin Timberlake “Justified”
18. Kylie Minogue “Fever”
19. Oasis “Heathen Chemistry”
20. Beck “Sea of Change”

This weekend’s year-end episode of “The Music Room” features a segment on these 20 top albums. Check out the Music Room website for times in your region. (Note that this is CNN International, so if you don’t have that channel specifically, you won’t be able to get it.)

Not bad for a greatest hits, eh? Thanks to celticyodels for the tip!

Source: The Music Room

Vatican Broadcast Screen Captures

December 27, 2002  |  Comments Off on Vatican Broadcast Screen Captures  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

This past Tuesday, Italain channel Canale 5 made their traditional yearly broadcast of the Concerto di Vaticano in Natale (Vatican Christmas Concert). This year, Canale 5 changed the order of things, putting the finale “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” as the first part of the concert, where all the invited artists performed together. Dolores’s “Linger” and “Adeste Fideles” was broadcasted later. Also included as part of the broadcast was December 13th’s private meeting between the Pope and the Vatican concert performers. During that segment, Dolores’s son Taylor could be seen kissing the Pope’s hand, one of only a few rare moments where Taylor has been seen on camera.

Below are some large 800×600 (larger views no longer available!!) screen captures taken from Dolores’s “Adeste Fideles” performance, broadcasted on Canale 5. Thanks once again to Matteo for the screencaps.

“Blue Jean” Interview Translation

December 25, 2002  |  Comments Off on “Blue Jean” Interview Translation  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Earlier today, Zombieguide posted scans from the Turkish magazine “Blue Jean,” which contains both new photos and an interview. We now have that interview translated into English, thanks to our contributor Haluk!

Blue Jean (Turkey)

A DAY WITH “THE CRANBERRIES”

(I have been waiting for you for 10 years. Where were you?)
Fergal: We were aware of you. Unfortunately, we couldn’t put Turkey on our tour list.

(You came last night so you had one to two hours to see Istanbul.)
Noel: No, we watched TV in our beds. We had been tired. I haven’t felt this type of fatigue before. Fergal: You’re getting old!
Noel: You’re still young anyway. I’ll see you at the concert. After the second song, you’ll be trying to find your hip!

(My God! Whom am I together with? Fergal, you are like a minister, responsible for your fan works. In your web site, I always find your writings and letters. Is there a change in fans’ profiles so far?)
Fergal: The people got married and had children like us who listened the band 10 years ago. We are not sure if they are still listening to us. In general we are not addressing ourselves to teenagers. I can’t say anything about the ages of our fans. Actually, the ages between 12 and 24 our web site the most. But this isn’t important. The important thing is: Cranberries fans are wise and intelligent.
(You have some fans that you had problems with. For example that German fan who sent threat letters to you and your families.)
Noel: I don’t want to talk about it anymore. He disturbed us a lot; we had him arrested and taken to court. It was bad. He wanted to be a part of our family.
Fergal: And, as far as I remember he was a lonely man. I was worried about him.
Noel: We’re worried about people who are lonely.

(How is your social life? Can you talk about your families and life in Limerick a little?)
Mike: Can I participate in your conversation?
Noel: Yes, we’re just talking about our families. You are a member of my family, so let’s get closer.

Fergal: Limerick is a small town and we are happy there with old friends, mates, and kids. We are just a big family.
Mike: Yes, like mafia families in Italian films. But we are living a quiet and a peaceful life.

(You are getting old… your babies… and as far as I am concerned, all are reflected to your music. Can you mention about this change? Your last two album took part at the top of my “Top 10” peace and ease albums.) {Meanwhile, Dolores joins us. I repeated my words to her. Then a delightful smile appeared on her excellent face.}

Dolores: I am pleased with the way you’re thinking. Some people are still thinking that we’re performing songs which were written under adolescent psychology. Because of this, in a sense, they formed an opinion that were aren’t honest. But because we’re all in our 30s now, it couldn’t be realistic writing songs about our 20s. Moreover, while we are writing and singing our songs, we are caring about “what can be done for a better world!” All of us want to leave better things for our and others children.

(…that misunderstanding issue. In my opinion you’re the one that had troubles more than other groups. When you wrote Zombie, most of people thought that you’re a supporter of IRA and that you were advocating terrorism.)

Noel: How they thought this way was a mystery. Zombie was written for a little boy, who was murdered as a consequence of bombing at the center of London. And we dedicated Zombie for both British and Irish children, who were killed because of the Northern Ireland conflict.

(I know that you are so sensitive to war children. Dolores, you participated in Pavarotti’s “War Child Organization.” Is there any project like this in your agenda?)
Dolores: We are striving to do something. And of course it shouldn’t be necessary to do something under musical projects. We have some acquaintances, carrying food and clothes from Ireland to Europe, then to the wrecked nations with their lorries (Ed. note: British word for a semi truck). We are working for this type of organization. Actually I don’t want to mention “we did this, we did that.” We did it because we had to. We have to because we are all human.

(Bono Vox, Sinead O’Connor and you are all sensitive to world problems. I attribute this due to your being Irish. What do you think?)
Dolores: That’s right! Of course, I don’t want to say that other nations are insensitive and we are perfect.

Fergal: It may be related with the geographic condition and the history of Ireland. We’re not close to America nor Europe. And so, there is an isolation both cultural and geographical.
Mike: For me, it is because of Irish’s being faitfull nation. The Irish believed to equipped with missions from God. We believed that every human is equal and we have to run for destitutes in this unjust world.

Noel: We have this type of mission. Everyone has.Dolores: After all, the world is not a perfect place.

(There is an effective quote in Alan Parker’s “The Commitments.” The manager of the Commitments say that: “Irish are the negros of Europe.” Is this right?)
Dolores: It was true in the past. I think it has changed since 1980.

(Lets talk about your ten year old career. Do you think the band adds something new to todays music or, can you say that “We started this…”)
Dolores: Ah, as far as I am concerned everyone designates his own way. Although there have been some guides, and persons that influenced us, yet we followed our own way. This is the rule of a musician.

Noel: Right. As for me, no one resembles each other.
Fergal: I wanted to change the concept of “being a group.” If only everyone was like us.
Mike: Old? You see?
{Laughing…}
Fergal: Maybe, we can provide the feelings of going to the forefront more than other things in music. Noel: And not alone. Together with other groups who had their first album 10 years ago, like us.

(Are you always together, including work hours?)
Fergal, Noel, Mike, Dolores: Yes! This is wonderful. We never got bored.Dolores: There is still something to discover in them (the other band members). I keep striving to find out their unknown sides.
Noel (to Dolores): You’re interesting. You always create new ideas.
{At the moment of the conversation we all come together and hug each other.}

(Well, why do you need a best of album?)
Dolores: Because we have been together for twelve years and we want to bless it.
Noel: It means “The Second Baptism Of The Band.”
Fergal: We shared everything, that was bad and good. Now, we want to congratulate ourselves for bearing each other. It is a huge celebration and we want to invite our fans to this ceremony.

(You came to Istanbul and honoured us. What about new songs ‘Stars’ and ‘New New York’?)
Fergal: New New York is related with New York’s new silhouette like its name. The World Trade Center was ruined for nothing and many people were killed. Being human, it was impossible to accept it. In addition, the US government accepted it as a reason for war and resorted to violence for such severity. Everything will be worse. We have doubts. We loved New York. Last spring we visited the city and we saw that New York was not the same New York as before.

Noel: We understand what actually happened to New York because we had the same terrorism in our country.
Mike: !.. But! Stars talks about good things. The best thing in earth… Love. (smile)

(All right, do you have new plans for the new album? Please say “yes.” -smile-)
Fergal, Noel, Mike, Dolores (All together): Yes!
{Laughing…}

Fergal: Lots of completed songs are waiting for us. After the Stars Tour we will begin some studio work. I think we have to prepare a new album for 2003. And I can’t wait for it. (smile)
Noel, Mike, Dolores (All together): Me too!…

(2003 will be magnificent. I wish you luck. I’m a journalist so it may be wrong to say this but I have to: I love you!)
Fergal: So, absolutely come to Limerick one day.
Dolores: And we wish you luck. (smile)

Source: Exclusive

Pleasant Surprise for the United States!

December 21, 2002  |  Comments Off on Pleasant Surprise for the United States!  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In a shocking revelation made in his periodic letter on the Official Website, drummer Fergal Lawler announced that The Cranberries will begin a tour of the United States beginning in April. It had been believed that The Cranberries would be taking time off for the first half of the year until summer — which is a plan that apparently was changed on Thursday night.

Fergal wrote yesterday that, “We are at home now in fact I’m in my kitchen having a nice cup of ‘Barry’s’ tea. We (the band) were all out to dinner last night and we were talking about some offers to play gigs in the U.S. in April which we all agreed we should do, as we haven’t spent enough time there in the last few years. We are just going to chill for January and then get working on our new bits and pieces in February. I was browsing some sites recently and YET AGAIN there are rumours that we are splitting up. IT IS NOT TRUE!”

Exactly how large this tour will be is unknown, but being that he says that the band “hasn’t spent enough time there in the last few years,” its reasonable to expect a more extensive tour than we’ve seen in years past — perhaps even a proper television tour, which the United States hasn’t seen since the release of “Bury the Hatchet,” three years ago. Hopefully, this tour will also include more of Canada, which has been woefully neglected in the past few years, with the “Wake Up” tour hitting only Toronto and Montreal.

As a bit of trivia, nearly a third of all The Cranberries’ album sales in their career have come from the United States. Over 70% of the total copies of “Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” were sold in the US alone. An average of 1 out of every 3 people in Canada own a Cranberires album.

Zombieguide is now counting down the days ’til April… You can be sure to find all the latest on the US tour here as soon as we know it!

Source: Exclusive

Official Site Squashes Breakup Rumors

December 17, 2002  |  Comments Off on Official Site Squashes Breakup Rumors  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Finally, after nearly two weeks of rumors that have snowballed out of proportion, The Cranberries Official Website has put a halt to the widespread (and pathetically false) rumors that Dolores was planning to “quit” the band.

The majority of the reports contained some quotes from the recent Hot Press interview, which were severely taken out of context. But to be fair, the original quotes would have seemed newsworthy to anyone who hasn’t been following the band’s interviews for the past few months. In typical tabloid fashion, with each rewrite of the story, there contained less factual quotes and much more speculation. By this week, such normally reputable sources as MuchMusic, Rolling Stone and Yahoo! were regurgitating whatever they could find elsewhere.

The Official Site threw a cold bucket of water on the flames, saying, “We have received numerous emails regarding the band ‘breaking up.’ Its just like 1994 / 1995 all over again! We would like to put an end to rumours that the band are splitting up, and / or are planning any solo albums. We realise there were some articles in various newspapers and magazines which cited Dolores as having said she was thinking about recording some solo work. The band have expressed their desire to change their approach to songwriting, and this could see them writing separately, initially. Dolores has performed solo before (e.g. ‘God Be With You’, Pavorotti Charity Concert) and no doubt will in the future. She is going to start recording new material in January and the band hope to begin recording a new album by February. They are already in discussions with various producers.”

Kudos go to E! Online who evidently did their own research into the matter today rather than simply believing another report as gospel. It appears that they’re the only online publication as of yet to have noted the Official Page’s report.

Of course this just tells us what we already (hopefully) knew: Dolores ain’t goin’ nowhere. The Cranberries are as much of a band now as they have ever been, and heck, they even have a sixth album in the works. In other shocking and revealing news today, the sun rose in the morning and it was cold at the North Pole.

Slap your comments/criticisms/cries of ecstatic relief onto the Zombieguide Discussion Forums.

Source: The Cranberries Official Website

More Vatican Press Conference Photos

December 15, 2002  |  Comments Off on More Vatican Press Conference Photos  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

On the Italian site Papaboys, a site which appears to be entirely dedicated to Pope John Paul II, several new pictures from Friday’s X Concerto di Vaticano in Natale press conference in Vatican City have been published. The two photos show Dolores standing with one of the concert’s organizers and another which shows The Cranberries’ frontwoman sitting in the front row at the conference.

Thanks to Klarebel for the tip!

We’ll have more details on the Vatican Christmas Concert very soon. Check back here at Zombieguide very soon for more! We still do not have any pictures of Dolores’ performance, so if you have seen pictures or information regarding Saturday’s concert, email us and tell us!!

Source: Papaboys

English Cricket Captain Feeling Like a “Zombie”

December 12, 2002  |  Comments Off on English Cricket Captain Feeling Like a “Zombie”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In a bit of off-key humor, English Cricket team captain Nasser Hussain has chosen The Cranberries’ track “Zombie” as his entrance theme for tomorrow night’s SCG match against Australia in Sydney, to be played over the stadium’s PA system.

The team’s players were given the priviledge of choosing their own entrance themes for tomorrow night’s match. Hussain, who has been feeling rather lifeless after a straight 11-loss tour, picked the song in an amusing bout of self-depricating humor. The Australian Associated Press notes, “By reputation, he’s no comedian at the best of times but he’s shown a lighter side by his pick of the pops.”

Other songs chosen by the English teammates include Elvis’ “A Little Less Conversation” and Queen’s classic “We Will Rock You.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

Hot Press “Astounded” by Magazine Sales

December 11, 2002  |  Comments Off on Hot Press “Astounded” by Magazine Sales  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In an email sent out today to those who participated in the “My First Taste of Cranberries” section, Hot Press’ Executive Director Duan Stokes admits that the magazine staff has been “generally astounded” by the global response to the issue.

“Hot Press released the Cranberries Special Edition just over 10 days ago. They’ve been flying off our shelves and out by post to Cranberries fans all around the world. We’ve been generally astounded by how well its been received!” he writes.

He also warns that supplies are dwindling. “One word of warning, this is a limited edition and copies are finite.”

Order your copy of Hot Press here. (link no longer available!!)

Source: Hot Press

The Cranberries on Record About Their Future

December 10, 2002  |  Comments Off on The Cranberries on Record About Their Future  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

With the release of the Cranberries Limited Edition of Hot Press magazine and several recent gigs across Europe, The Cranberries have had the chance to briefly speak several times about what they plan for the coming year. Below are a few quotes gathered from various appearences.

Giving her goodbye message last Monday, December 2nd in Amsterdam, Dolores told the crowd before announcing Dreams, “Thank you guys! This is our second time here in one year; Amsterdam absolutely rocks! Thank you for your support, seriously. You know, it’s coming up to Christmas, and we’re going to take a little break from touring at Christmas, ‘cos I think we’re all getting confused as to where we are every day, but after the summer next year we’re gonna come back here, so I look forward to seeing you again, OK? Thank you so much for your support again.”

Additionally, Fergal Lawler told a gathering of fans outside the Forest National in Brussels, Belgium on November 30th that plans to open for The Rolling Stones are, in fact, in the works, but that nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet. Unfortunately for Cranberries fans, tickets for The Stones’ European tour go in sale in a few short days, and Stones fans often gobble up tickets like chickenfeed. By the time we know for certain of the exact “opener” dates, it may be too late for some European Cranberries fans to get good seats.

But of course the quotes causing the most amount of discussion are the ones that Dolores made to Hot Press for their special Cranberries edition (scans). It seems that some of the quotes have been taken far out of context, causing organizations like Showbiz Ireland to draw the false conclusions that Dolores is quitting the band entirely. However, Dolores’ full statement reveals that this is only something she is doing for her own personal enjoyment and may not be something that is commercially released at all! For the record, here is the full quote, as it appears in Hot Press:

You’ve just come back from playing Turkey. Listening back to “Dreams” off the Greatest Hits album in that context, there was stuff going on in your vocal that was suggestive of Eastern European sacred music.

“When I was out in Turkey, at the Mosque at five o’clock in the morning, through the PA system they have this chanting every two hours — the day we flew out of there was the first day of Ramadan. And for me, I’m so taken with that, if I do a solo project I’m definitely going to go into that kind of stuff, ethnic music. I’m definitely going to mess around now after the Greatest Hits, I’m definitely not going to go back and do another Cranberries album. I need to do a different project completely, and the boys need some freedom for awhile. I’d like to do a little bit more work in the studio, or a little bit more flying out to places like Turkey or Africa and recording some different ethnic things and bringing it back for inspiration. Nobody might ever listen to it or get it, but these are things in life you have to do for yourself.”

You touched on that area before with Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart, and it was mooted that you’d work with Brian Eno at one stage. Is that still a possibility?

“It would be, yeah. The reason we didn’t at the time was because Brian likes to experiment in the studio, he likes to go in with pretty much nothing and just write in there. And we were like, ‘Aw, but sure we’ve everything written!’ So with The Cranberries we have a format and we write a certain way and that’s that, so I think it’s important for us to go and experiment now.”

Do you think the boys are capable of stretching as players?

“No, I think Mike’s a bass player, Ferg’s a drummer and Noel’s a guitarist and that’s it. I don’t think Noel’s gonna suddenly take up the piano or double bass. I think if he was going to he would’ve done it in the last five years, I think that’s his gift and his talent and he likes to stick with that. He likes time off to be time off. As regards people playing different instruments, you would have to pretty much hire those.”

And the last new revelation of great importance comes to us from the December 6th issue of the Irish gossip tabloid The Star. In it, Dolores tells the paper, “It’s a relationship, as if you were going out with a girl for a long time but needed a break. If you miss her, you go back, if you don’t, you don’t go back.” The rest of the article is quoted as saying, “The relationship is now on a temporary break, as all involved decide if they want to continue together or seek pastures new… As for the future, she talks about working again with The Cranberries, on their own terms, and maybe getting involved in film soundtracks.” Of course, when reading this, keep in mind that this is a gossip magazine, so take it with a pinch of salt.

Zombieguide will have more as we know it. Thanks to Stéphane, Mickael, and an anonymous contributor for the information.

“Ooof, now I’m becoming verklempt, talk amongst yourselves!”

Source: Exclusive!

Exclusive: Hi-Res Hot Press Scans!

December 7, 2002  |  Comments Off on Exclusive: Hi-Res Hot Press Scans!  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

Major props to Hot Press! With this month’s release of The Cranberries issue of The Hot Press Collectors’ Series, the staff over at the Irish magazine have put together an awe-inspiring ode to Limerick’s finest. The 80-page issue is jam-packed with Cranberries material ranging from a 1991 interview to a brand new one taken less than a month ago.

So as you take a look at our exclusive, high-res scans, just take it from us that the new issue is worth every bit of the $5 plus shipping that they ask for international orders (about $11 total for the US). The Hot Press staff no doubt put a good bit of time and effort into putting this issue together, so if you like what you see, be sure you patronize them. After all, if the staff (and other any other magazine, for that matter) gets a good response to this issue, they’re more likely to do something like this again in the future with The Cranberries. Case in point, put your money where your mouth is and head over to HotPress.com and order the new the new issue online — you won’t regret it!!

And now that you have your issue ordered (we know you do!), head over to the Magazines section and check out our high-resolution scans! We’ll have more scans very shortly, as soon as time allows!

Also, if you see one you like, be sure you save it to your hard drive, as we probably won’t be able to host these images in hi-res format forever… Enjoy!!

Source: Exclusive!

Help Kids This Christmas Through New Hernandez

December 7, 2002  |  Comments Off on Help Kids This Christmas Through New Hernandez  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

We told you days ago about the New Jersey-based organization New Hernandez, which is holding the 2002 Time Is Ticking Out Awards. As we told you before, New Hernandez is dedicated to sponsoring and assisting less-fortunate kids in their area, and they’re asking for a bit of help from the Cranberries fan community.

Cordell Adams, one of the group’s organizers tells us that, “We do not want any money form the fans, we just would like unopened toys or store gift certificates (Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.) for the kids! … the kids here & the center nominated you, we just help build the site. There are over 30 kids here at the center and it is hard for us to give the kids what they want for Christmas! We usually just settle for things we can afford and we know it isn’t what they want but we teach them ‘It’s the thought that counts!'”

So if you’d like to help the organization with making a kid’s Christmas a little brighter this year, you can email them at Newhernandez@hotmail.com for the mailing address or for more information.

Source: N/A

Cranberries Proud to Say “I’m From Limerick”

December 3, 2002  |  Comments Off on Cranberries Proud to Say “I’m From Limerick”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

The Cranberries are starring as part of a new cinematic short film entitled,“I’m From Limerick,” created by the town in order to boost citizens’ morale after a strong recent wave of bad press against the city. The video presents many native-born celebrities relating their pride in their identity as residents of Limerick.

“I’m from Limerick is a campaign whose message is directed at and for the people of Limerick. It is designed to impart a sense of identity and belonging, confidence and civic pride. The message itself – I’m from Limerick – is simply stated, yet lends itself to broad application and interpretation,” related the city’s center coordinator, Andrew Mawhinney.

The short film is being shown in the Irish city’s cinemas until the end of the year, being placed before such blockbusters as Harry Potter II and Lord of the Rings II. The film is also being shown in primary (elementary) schools in the community, and the campaign also extends with posters and other propaganda.

Other local native celebrities joining The Cranberries include Frank McCourt, JP McManus, Ciarán Carey, Geri Maye, Sam Lynch, Mick Hanly, Vincent Browne, and Peter Clohessy. The Cranberries’ famous track “Dreams” is the main musical feature in the film, several scenes from the song’s music video included.

The city’s Mayor John Cronin helped launch the video in the primary schools this past September, commenting, “I want… people to be more proud of being from Limerick than anything else, because they should be. I’m from Limerick and I’ve always been so proud of that and am delighted to tell anyone I meet that I’m from Limerick. I want to see others doing that too. This will have a huge impact on children. It will be right up their alley as it’s snappy, enjoyable and not at all boring for them to watch.”

Recent negative “outside” press has blighted the town’s reputation, a trend which the campaign’s organizers hope to reverse. “We are turning people’s perception of how we view Limerick around, and are promoting Limerick as a wonderful place to live in.”

Speaking of the people and personalities that appear in the video, Mawhinney commented that “The people in the video come from many walks of life, and were filmed in a variety of settings in Limerick city and county.”

Both the campaign and the film, which will continue to run for several weeks, are being funded by both the EU Lodis Project and Dell Computers.

Source: Limerick Leader

Translated Interviews from “Rockstar,” “A Night With…”

December 3, 2002  |  Comments Off on Translated Interviews from “Rockstar,” “A Night With…”  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

In two recent interviews from Italy, Rock Star (scans) and A Night With the Cranberries (video captures), singer Dolores O’Riordan and guitarist Noel Hogan talked extensively on what the release of “Stars” means to the band’s outlook. Furthermore, both Dolores and Noel dropped several hints about what they would like to explore in the near future, including several more hints about ethnic music and instruments and studio experimentation. Read the English translations of both interviews below for yourself for more detail.

Thanks to Maurizio for the translations.

Rock Star (Italy): UNDER A GOOD STAR

Exclusive: Revealing Interview with Dolores O’Riordan

Stars is out: The compilation with all the singles of The Cranberries to celebrate the 10 years career of the band. But it’s not just a Best of; it’s also, according to the words of an enigmatic Dolores, the end of an era.

One meter and sixty centimeters tall, enclosed in her totally black dress and apparent frailty, Dolores gladly accepted to spend part of a grey Milan afternoon talking to us about the first 10 years of the Cranberries. Allusive but at the same time also elusive, Dolores let us understand that the future, somehow or other, will be more interesting than the past.

Q – The Cranberries celebrate the first 10 years of their career. How has been this adventure?
A – If I had to draw a diagram, (on the next page) the start of this adventure was not in 1992 but in 1990, 12 years ago! We had a first peak in 1992-93, when our first album went out; than we disappeared in 1996, the year of To the Faithful Departed; After that the ascent restarted: since 1996 I spent much time searching my own dimension and spirituality; And finally now I’m very well and at peace with myself.

Q – What allowed you to reach this higher level of spirituality?
A – The experiences I had, in particular the negative ones. When you are near the limit and all everything’s close to breaking off, and you succeed in getting out of this situation, you feel stronger than ever. The difference between now and before is that nowadays I don’t feel under pressure and I don’t care about the number of copies we sell. When our first album went out, Everybody Else is Doing it So Why Can’t We?, we felt a lot of pressure, we were immature teenagers; Now we’ve grown up and we are able to do our best when we write songs.

Q – But many people say your first album is also the best!
A – This is what people think; now we’re talking about what I think!

Q – In this 10 years have you ever seriously risked splitting up?
A – Yes, In 1996 we didn’t just risk, we really split up even there was no official communication: we didn’t meet each other for approximately 1 year and we had no plans to come back.

Q – And what let you change your ideas?
A – Noel sent me a tape with some songs he had written when I was in Canada, and they were beautiful! So one night, in the middle of a drink, I phoned him and I told that I missed him and that he was an extraordinary person! So we decided to meet and try the new songs.

Q – In Stars there are two new songs: one is New New York, clearly in regard to September 11. Don’t you think you are just one of the people that wrote and sang about it?
A – I don’t care about what the others do. I just do what I like and what is going throuth my mind.

Q – Have you ever thought to write a song called “New Kabul”?
A – No, and I think I’m not going to do it now; I was in New York when I wrote that song and I wrote just the one thing that made sense for me.

Q – Are you worried about the possibility of a War in Iraq?
A – Yes of course. I think that the situation could just get worse not better: bombs are never the best way to achive something good. Instead they are just used to start something wicked! History says this, not myself.

Q – Coming back to the GH, do you think it could synthesize the essence of the Cranberries?
A – It’s just a collection of our singles. It’s a good CD to give as a gift to someone and, at the same time, let him know The Cranberries. There are all our most popular songs.

Q – Do you think there’re still people that don’t know the Cranberries?
A – There’re a lot! Maybe they sing the refrain of Linger or know other songs, but they often don’t know that it’s played by the Cranberries and they have never seen our faces. I often go to shops or malls and no one recognizes me. A few days ago some people asked me for some information. They thought I was a shop assistant!!!

Q – Where did you take the cover picture? It looks like a runway of an airport.
A – It’s a road in Las Vegas. We were there for some shows and we liked the place very much. So we called Andy Earl, our photographer, and he found this road. It seems that part is just the end of the road and behind it there’s nothing.

Q – On the back of the cover the band walks away straight toward the horizon line. Is there a metaphor?
A – Yes. We’re arrived at the end of an era and no one knows what there is beyond the horizon.

Q – What will happen?
A – The world has arrived at the end of an era and ironically, this is linked to the destiny of the Cranberries. I can say that there’s some expectation in the air.

Q – Are you thinking of starting a solo career?
A – I’m not sure. I would like to do many things that I couldn’t do in the last 10 years. Everytime I tried to take a break, I had a baby or I got a nervous breakdown. That’s 2 babies and a nervous breakdown!!

Q – Will you try something different from the Cranberries?
A – I am attracted to ethnic music and ethnic instruments, from flutes to bongos, and every type of steel drum; I don’t like the didgeridoo, I tried to play it but I’m a total disaster; I don’t Indian music, the kind that you hear in restaurants, there’s too much stuff inside. I like the music with many pauses just like African music.

Q – Will you act, maybe in a musical?
A – Maybe I will act, but certainly not in a musical! I hate them. When I was 12, at school, I was asked to do an audition for the part of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, because at that time I already had a good voice; Disgusting! I arrived in a hall with all the teachers looking at me, and all I could do was laugh, laugh and laugh. At that time I already had my strong character; In the classroom I made a lot of jokes and I made a real mess. I was a leader and I was too much of a “bully” to act the part of that idiot Dorothy. Obviously I didn’t get the part! They let me do a peasant, I had to sing offstage and walk across the stage pushing a cart.

MTV Italy: A NIGHT WITH THE CRANBERRIES

Dolores: We’ve completed a circle. It’s been an incredible lesson in life but we feel like we’re at the end of an era and at the beginning of a different kind of era. We started as teenagers than we went to America and we become very big, [only] a few Irish bands did it — we did! Than we played around the world and we decided to take a break because we lost our own identity. And than we got together just for fun and we’ve got the fun back into the band that we’ve lost to become such a big and famous band. We captured that fun again and now we feel like beginning again just like we were teenagers.

Noel: Stars in many ways sounds like the other stuff but some people tell us that there’s something different. It’s hard to say if this will be the direction we’re going! We haven’t thought about it yet.

Dolores: We always start from music, I think that if I started from lyrics the result would be less natural. When there’s something that only involves me, I can start writing music by myself with the piano; Other times Fergal or Noel write music and record it on a tape; then they give me the tape and just by listening I can think about something and I start to write lyrics.

Noel: In the future, I think we would like to, maybe with the next album, experiment with our sound a bit more and see if we can take a different direction for awhile.

Dolores: We definitely know that it’s time to try different kinds or ways of writing because, as Noel said, we have a couple of formulas but we’ve never actually gone into a studio and said, “Oh, let’s experiment!”

Noel: You become a little too comfortable, things get too easy and you don’t push yourself to your limit, so I think it’s definitely what we are going to try over the next year or so.

Dolores: For example we could start from the bass line — dododododo dodod dodod — and continue from it. We’ve never experimented with different music writing; So we kinda need to do that; Just different stuff… and it will be different!

Source: Exclusive

Special Edition Hot Press Released

December 1, 2002  |  Comments Off on Special Edition Hot Press Released  |  by Zombieguide Archives  |  The Cranberries

We’ve heard bits and pieces about it over the past month, but finally the Special Edition Hot Press Cranberries Edition has been released in Ireland. The new Cranberries issue is Issue 1 of an upcoming Collectors’ Series of the magazine.

Our first picture of the new magazine’s cover is below, showing Dolores with her arms covered in embroidered hosiery, gazing over the rim of a glass of wine.

Of course if you’re among the lucky ones pick up the new issue, we’re on the lookout for high-resolution scans! Send them to alex@zombieguide.com

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