The Cranberries Were Paid $1 Million To NOT Release A Song…It Became Their Biggest Hit!

The unexepcted rise of the Irish group The Cranberries best known for hits like Dreams, Linger and Zombie. 0:00 - Early Years 7:00 - Nabbing a record deal/First Album 15:00 - Zombie & Second Album Have a video request or a topic you'd like to see us cover? Fill out our google form! https://bit.ly/3stnXlN -----CONNECT ON SOCIAL----- TIKOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@rocknrolltruestory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocknrolltruestories Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNRTrueStories Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocktruestories Blog: www.rockandrolltruestories.com #thecranberries #deloresoriordan I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos. These videos are for entertainment purposes only. READ OUR DISCLAIMER https://rockandrolltruestories.com/youtube-disclaimer/ In the early 1990s, a remarkable musical story unfolded in Ireland, centered around the band The Cranberries and their extraordinary frontwoman, Dolores O'Riordan. Born in 1971 near Limerick, O'Riordan grew up in a strict Catholic household, the youngest of seven children, with a challenging childhood marked by personal trauma and family struggles. From a young age, O'Riordan showed musical promise. At age 5, she was performing in front of her nursery class, and by 12, she had written her first song called "Calling". Her family was initially protective, forbidding her from joining bands until she turned 18. In 1990, a pivotal moment arrived when O'Riordan auditioned for a local band then called The Cranberry Saw Us. Carrying her keyboard and wearing a pink tracksuit, she impressed the band members - Noel and Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler - with her unique voice and songwriting skills. Her first contribution was transforming an instrumental track into the now-famous song "Linger", written about her first love and first kiss. The band, working day jobs and rehearsing three times a week, initially had modest ambitions. However, encouragement from friends led them to send out demo tapes. Rough Trade Records was the first to show interest, followed by Virgin, Island, and EMI. They ultimately signed with Island Records, the same label as U2. Their debut album "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?" was released in March 1993. While initially receiving a lukewarm response in the UK and Ireland, the album found massive success in America. MTV's heavy rotation of singles like "Linger" and "Dreams" propelled the band to international recognition. The album's success was remarkable, especially considering the grunge-dominated rock scene of the early 90s. It eventually sold over 6 million copies worldwide and went five times platinum. Notably, O'Riordan credited America for the band's success, even draping herself in the American flag during a London show. Their follow-up album "No Need to Argue" saw the band evolve to a rockier, more politically charged sound. The album included the powerful anti-war anthem "Zombie", representing a significant musical transformation. Throughout their journey, The Cranberries faced challenges typical of emerging bands - skeptical press, initial local indifference, and the pressures of sudden fame. O'Riordan was particularly critical of the British music press, feeling they were more interested in sensationalism than genuine artistry. The band's unique sound, driven by O'Riordan's distinctive vocals and their diverse musical influences, set them apart in a competitive music landscape. From small-town Irish musicians to global rock icons, The Cranberries' story is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.