A ‘90s rock band is “overwhelmed” at a resurgence in popularity.
The Cranberries released its “MTV Unplugged” concert as an album for the first time this month, and the live recording reached No. 8 on the Billboard Vinyl chart. The band’s surviving members said they were amazed at how “the songs continue to find new life.”
“It’s been a moving week… We’re overwhelmed that our 1994 MTV Unplugged session, released for the first time, has reached #8 on the Billboard Vinyl Chart,” The Cranberries’ Instagram account said Wednesday. “To then be honored with the Rolling Stone UK Icon Award truly shows how far our music has traveled from its beginnings.”
“The living legacy of our music was on full display as [The Cranberries] guitarist] Noel [Hogan] was joined by Royel Otis to perform ‘Linger’ – a song that has recently resonated with so many new listeners,” the post continued. “From our studio sessions in the 90s to the way you now find and create anew with these songs, it’s your connection that gives this music its lasting purpose. We have no doubt [late singer] Dolores [O’Riordan] would be smiling down on it all.”
The note was signed by The Cranberries members Noel Hogan (guitar), Mike Hogan (bass), and Fergal Lawler (drums). With singer Dolores O’Riordan, the Irish band became one of the biggest international acts of the ‘90s with hits like “Linger,” “Zombie,” “Dreams,” “When You’re Gone” and “Ode to My Family.” The acoustic MTV concert featured “Linger,” “Zombie” and fan favorites like “Free to Decide,” “Yesterday’s Gone,” and “No Need to Argue.”
The Cranberries’ music continues to be popular today, averaging more than 28 million monthly listeners on Spotify. “Linger” and “Zombie” each have more than a billion streams on the platform, and indie pop-rock band Royel Otis’ performance of “Linger” has racked up 225 million streams.
O’Riordan died at age 46 in 2018. The Cranberries broke up after releasing a final album, “In the End,” in 2019. The record featured O’Riordan’s vocals and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
In 2022, Noel Hogan formed The Puro with Brazilian singer Mell Peck. Noel’s brother Mike Hogan manages the historic Rose Morris guitar shop in London. Lawler released a solo album in 2021 and now composes music for films.