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The Cranberries

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Band Timeline

1989

Formation of the Band in Limerick, Ireland

In 1989, brothers Noel Hogan and Mike Hogan along with drummer Fergal Lawler formed the band initially called The Cranberry Saw Us in Limerick, Ireland. The band started as a four-piece with original singer Niall Quinn. The trio shared a love for 1980s English and indie music and were inspired by punk's DIY ethic. Their first release was a demo EP titled Anything in January 1990. Shortly after, Quinn left to return to his previous group, leading the remaining members to seek a new lead vocalist.
1990

Dolores O'Riordan Joins the Band and Renaming to The Cranberries

In 1990, Dolores O'Riordan joined the band after a successful audition. She replaced Niall Quinn as the lead singer and songwriter. Her unique voice and songwriting talent soon defined the band's sound. Following her addition, the band renamed themselves from The Cranberry Saw Us to The Cranberries. This marked the start of the band's definitive lineup and a new musical direction towards alternative rock infused with elements of indie rock, folk rock, and pop.
1991

Signing with Island Records

In 1991, The Cranberries signed a recording contract with Island Records. This was a crucial milestone that provided the band with the resources and platform to create and distribute their music widely. The contract set the stage for their debut album and subsequent rise to international fame. This partnership helped the Cranberries establish themselves in the competitive alternative music scene of the early 1990s.
1993

Release of Debut Album 'Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?'

The Cranberries released their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, in 1993. The album was a commercial success, blending melodic alternative rock with folk influences. It included hit singles like 'Linger' and 'Dreams,' which received significant airplay and helped the band gain a strong following. The success of this album launched The Cranberries into the international music scene and established their unique sound and identity.
1994

Breakthrough with 'No Need to Argue' and the Iconic Single 'Zombie'

In 1994, The Cranberries released their second album, No Need to Argue, which brought them international acclaim. The album featured the powerful single 'Zombie,' a protest song that addressed the violence in Northern Ireland. 'Zombie' became a defining anthem of the 90s and one of the band's most recognizable songs worldwide. The album's success solidified their status as an influential alternative rock band and expanded their fan base globally.
1996

Release of 'To the Faithful Departed' Album

The Cranberries continued their success with the release of their third album, To the Faithful Departed, in 1996. This album featured a more mature and politically charged sound, addressing themes such as war and social issues. While it received commercial success, the band also faced challenges and pressures during this period, including extensive touring and media attention. The album reinforced their reputation for meaningful lyrics combined with melodic rock arrangements.
1999

Release of 'Bury the Hatchet' and Continued Success

In 1999, The Cranberries released their fourth studio album, Bury the Hatchet. This album marked a return to a lighter and more personal tone, reflective of the band's experiences and growth since their previous release. It solidified the band's place in the late 90s rock scene and continued to deliver hits that resonated with fans. The album maintained their commercial success and established their longevity in the music industry.
2000

Transition to MCA Records

In 2000, The Cranberries left Island Records and signed with MCA Records. This marked a new chapter for the band under a different record label. However, the transition was challenging as the band's next album did not achieve the same commercial success as their previous works. There were reported issues with promotion and dissatisfaction with the label's support, which influenced the band’s momentum at the time.
2001

Release of 'Wake Up and Smell the Coffee'

The Cranberries released their fifth album, Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, in 2001. Although the album showcased the band's continued songwriting capabilities and musical evolution, it did not replicate the commercial success of their earlier albums. The band expressed dissatisfaction with the promotion efforts by MCA Records, which hindered the album's reach. This period marked a decline in the band’s commercial visibility and foreshadowed their upcoming hiatus.
2003-2009

Hiatus From the Music Scene

From 2003 to 2009, The Cranberries took a six-year hiatus. During this time, the members pursued individual projects and personal interests, stepping back from the demanding schedule of the music industry. The break allowed for reflection and regrouping but marked a pause in the band's active presence and output. The hiatus ended with renewed activity and touring, reflecting the band’s enduring appeal and fan base.
2009

Return to Touring and Live Performances

In 2009, The Cranberries returned to the music scene with a North American tour, their first in several years. The successful tour was followed by further concerts in Latin America and Europe, signaling the band's re-engagement with their global audience. This period of live performances reestablished their presence and strengthened connections with long-time fans, leading towards new creative outputs.
2012

Release of 'Roses' – First Album in Over a Decade

The Cranberries released their sixth studio album, Roses, in 2012. This was their first new album in eleven years since Wake Up and Smell the Coffee. The album demonstrated the band’s perseverance and ability to evolve musically after years of challenges and hiatus. 'Roses' received positive critical reception and reaffirmed the group’s status in the alternative rock landscape, blending their signature sound with fresh influences.
2017

Release of Acoustic Album 'Something Else'

In 2017, The Cranberries released Something Else, an acoustic album that revisited many of their classic songs with orchestral arrangements. This project showcased the band's versatility and the timeless quality of their music. It appealed to both new and existing fans by offering a fresh acoustic perspective on their catalogue while preserving the emotional essence of their original recordings.
2018

Death of Dolores O'Riordan

In January 2018, Dolores O'Riordan, the band's lead singer and a defining voice in alternative rock, tragically died due to accidental drowning linked to alcohol intoxication. Her death was a significant loss to the music world and deeply affected the band members and fans. O'Riordan's unique vocal style and songwriting were central to The Cranberries' identity and success, making her passing a poignant moment in the band's history.
2019

Final Album 'In the End' and Disbanding

After the death of Dolores O'Riordan, the remaining members of The Cranberries chose to disband out of respect for her. They released their final album, In the End, in 2019, completing the work O'Riordan had begun. The album received critical acclaim as a fitting tribute to her legacy and the band's influential career. The disbandment marked the end of an era for one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the 1990s, with nearly 50 million albums sold worldwide.

Albums

the-cranberries_1st_album
Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?
12 tracks
1993
the-cranberries_2nd_album
No Need to Argue
13 tracks
1994
the-cranberries_3rd_album
To the Faithful Departed
15 tracks
1996
the-cranberries_4th_album
Bury the Hatchet
13 tracks
1999
the-cranberries_5th_album
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
15 tracks
2001
the-cranberries_6th_album
Roses
11 tracks
2012
the-cranberries_7th_album
Something Else
13 tracks
2017
the-cranberries_8th_album
In the End
11 tracks
2019
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Story of The Cranberries

The Cranberries: A Journey from Limerick to Global Stardom

The Cranberries, hailing from Limerick, Ireland, burst onto the music scene in 1989. Initially named "The Cranberry Saw Us," the band comprised Niall Quinn (vocals), Noel Hogan (guitar), Mike Hogan (bass), and Fergal Lawler (drums). However, a pivotal change occurred in 1990 when Dolores O'Riordan replaced Quinn as lead singer, and the band shortened their name to "The Cranberries."

While they often classified themselves as alternative rock, The Cranberries seamlessly blended diverse musical elements, incorporating indie rock's raw energy, jangle-pop's catchy hooks, dream pop's ethereal textures, folk rock's earthy melodies, post-punk's edgy spirit, and pop rock's accessibility.

Their breakthrough arrived in 1991 when they signed with Island Records. The release of their debut album, "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We" in 1993, propelled them to commercial success. The Cranberries reached international stardom with their sophomore album, "No Need to Argue," released in 1994. This album featured their iconic single "Zombie," which became a stadium anthem and remains one of their most recognizable tracks.

Following the success of "To the Faithful Departed" (1996) and "Bury the Hatchet" (1999), The Cranberries transitioned to MCA Records in 2000. However, their fifth album, "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee" (2001), failed to replicate the commercial success of their previous albums, leading to dissatisfaction with the label's promotional efforts.

After a six-year hiatus from 2003 to 2009, The Cranberries embarked on a North American tour, followed by shows in Latin America and Europe. Their sixth album, "Roses" (2012), marked their return after eleven years since "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee." The band further expanded their musical palette with their seventh acoustic album, "Something Else" (2017).

The Cranberries' journey is a testament to their raw talent, diverse musical influences, and the powerful voice of Dolores O'Riordan. From their Limerick roots to international acclaim, they left an indelible mark on the music world, leaving behind a legacy of iconic songs and a devoted fan base.

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