The Cranberries were one of the most popular alternative rock bands of the 1990s, known for hits like “Zombie,” “Linger,” and “Dreams.” Led by the inimitable voice of Dolores O’Riordan, the band’s fusion of indie guitar rock and Irish folk melodies captivated listeners worldwide. Though the Cranberries went on hiatus in the early 2000s, they reunited in 2009 for a series of acclaimed tours and albums. However, with the tragic passing of O’Riordan in 2018, the future of the Cranberries has been cast into doubt. Will the remaining members find a way to carry on the Cranberries’ legacy? Or has the band’s iconic run come to an end?
Brief History of the Cranberries
Formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1989, the original lineup of the Cranberries consisted of Dolores O’Riordan (vocals), Noel Hogan (guitar), Mike Hogan (bass), and Fergal Lawler (drums). After some early EPs, the band broke through internationally with their 1993 debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, featuring the hit “Linger.” Their follow up album No Need to Argue (1994) cemented their stardom on the strength of the politically-charged single “Zombie.”
The Cranberries’ 1990s Peak
Riding high off the success of their first two albums, the Cranberries solidified their reputation as global alt-rock superstars with their next release, To the Faithful Departed (1996). Songs like “Salvation” and “Hollywood” became radio staples and the album sold over 4 million copies. During this wildly successful streak in the mid-1990s, the Cranberries toured extensively through North America, Europe, and beyond. They played major festivals and headlined arenas, demonstrating an ambitious stage show with O’Riordan commanding the spotlight up front.
Hiatus and Reunion
After their fourth album Bury the Hatchet (1999), the Cranberries took a break from recording and touring. The band cited exhaustion and a desire for time off after their nonstop schedule in the 1990s. The hiatus lasted for several years before the group reunited in 2009 for a new album titled Roses. The Cranberries followed up with two more studio albums, 2012’s Roses and 2017’s Something Else, interspersed with more touring. Though not reaching the commercial highs of their early work, the Cranberries’ reunion material was critically well-received. O’Riordan remained a singular and magnetic frontwoman even as the band entered its later career phase.
Impact of Dolores O’Riordan’s Death
The sudden death of Dolores O’Riordan in January 2018 stunned fans and bandmates alike. The Cranberries were still active at the time, with plans for a tour and new album in the works. However, O’Riordan’s passing effectively put the Cranberries’ future in jeopardy. She was inarguably the voice and face of the band, making it difficult to imagine carrying on without her. In the aftermath of her death, Noel Hogan and the other Cranberries members initially stated they were waiting for the right time to discuss what might come next.
Final Album without O’Riordan
In early 2019, Hogan announced that the Cranberries would release one final album titled In the End, including O’Riordan’s final vocals recorded before her death. The album, featuring songs such as “All Over Now” and “A Place I Know,” emerged that April to positive reviews as a coda to the Cranberries’ recording career. However, Hogan indicated that the surviving members were open to the possibility of playing shows together again using guest singers to replace O’Riordan.
Year | Album |
---|---|
1993 | Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? |
1994 | No Need to Argue |
1996 | To the Faithful Departed |
1999 | Bury the Hatchet |
2009 | Roses |
2012 | Roses |
2017 | Something Else |
2019 | In the End |
Table 1. Cranberries discography
Possibility of Future Touring
In the years since O’Riordan’s passing, Noel Hogan and other original Cranberries members have given some hints that they are open to concert performances in the future with a new lead singer. However, Hogan has stressed that out of respect for O’Riordan, they will not make any hasty decisions. Some female artists have already expressed interest in collaborating or working with the Cranberries. But hardcore fans may have a hard time accepting anyone but Dolores at the forefront on classics like “Linger” and “Zombie.”
Precedents from Other Bands
There is some precedent for rock bands touring and recording without their original iconic frontman/woman. Groups like Queen and AC/DC have carried on to much success using replacement singers paying tribute to Freddie Mercury and Bon Scott respectively. Journey found a new vocalist in Arnel Pineda after Steve Perry’s departure. The experience of these classic rock bands suggests there may be a path forward for the Cranberries to honor their catalog on stage with a talented stand-in singer. However, recapturing the alchemy of the band’s original lineup would prove very difficult.
Potential Replacements
If the Cranberries do decide to tour with a replacement singer, who might be on the shortlist? Some names floated include Dolores O’Riordan’s Cranberries touring backup singer Olé Koretsky, Irish singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes, and Cranberries support act Sinéad O’Connor. Hayes in particular seems an intriguing choice given her airy, emotive vocals. But again, actually finding someone to plausibly fill O’Riordan’s shoes could be an immense challenge.
Potential New Cranberries Singer | Background |
---|---|
Olé Koretsky | O’Riordan’s touring backup singer |
Gemma Hayes | Irish singer-songwriter |
Sinéad O’Connor | Cranberries support act |
Table 2. Potential vocalists to replace Dolores O’Riordan
Outlook for the Future
It remains ambiguous if and when the Cranberries will return to the stage or studio. No definite tour plans or announcements have been made since Dolores O’Riordan’s passing. However, the band has left the door open for some activity in the future that honors their legacy. Much would depend on finding the right collaborator to step in as lead singer. But the band’s instrumentalists are still capable of backing up excellent performances of the Cranberries’ catalog.
Possibility of Partial Reunions
Short of a full-on tour with a permanent lead singer replacement, perhaps the Cranberries could reunite their instrumentation for special one-off shows here and there. They could invite different guest vocalists for each show, whether veterans like Sinéad O’Connor or younger artists inspired by the Cranberries’ influence. Partial reunions like this would allow the band to celebrate key milestones or festivals when the time is right.
Legacy Outside of Performing
Even if the Cranberries ultimately decide not to tour again, the band can protect their legacy in other ways. Noel Hogan could produce and mentor new Irish rock bands that build on the Cranberries’ genre-blending musical model. The members could also participate in documentary projects, box sets, and anthologies delving into the Cranberries’ origin story and cultural impact. Keeping the spirit and sound of the Cranberries alive for future generations does not rely on live shows alone.
Conclusion
The Cranberries left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the 1990s and beyond. With O’Riordan’s transcendent vocals and evocative lyrics matched to brilliantly textured rock instrumentation, the Irish group perfected an utterly distinctive alt-rock sound. The tragic end to O’Riordan’s life casts uncertainty over the Cranberries’ future as a performing entity. Truly replacing O’Riordan could prove impossible. However, if the surviving members handle her legacy respectfully and find the right collaborators, some form of Cranberries reunion on stage down the road remains plausible. The band’s enduring cachet and superb songbook ensure their influence will reverberate for decades to come, whether or not they tour again. The Cranberries created a musical magic in their prime that can never be recreated—but it could, potentially, be celebrated anew.