The Cranberries Unveil Previously Unreleased 1994 Live Concert Recording at London Astoria II
The Cranberries are set to unveil a previously undiscovered gem for fans with the release of “Live at The London Astoria II, 1994” on Aug. 28 under Island/UMe. This rare concert recording captures a performance from Jan. 14, 1994, nestled between their debut album “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” from 1993 and their breakthrough album “No Need to Argue” from 1994.
The set list of 15 songs includes fan favorites like “Linger” and “Dreams” from their first album. Notably, nine songs from the concert would go on to be featured on “No Need to Argue,” including an early rendition of their hit “Zombie,” which was performed months before its official release as a single.
Drummer Fergal Lawler expressed his excitement about playing at The Astoria, commenting on their return from the U.S. and the successful reception they had received there. This London concert marked their comeback after a fruitful period in America, setting the stage for the band’s continued rise in popularity.
The atmosphere during the recording sessions for “No Need to Argue” was notably relaxed, with Lawler mentioning that all the songs had been written prior to entering the studio due to extensive touring. The band was able to enjoy the recording process without the added stress of writing new material, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the creative flow.
Following its release in October 1994, “No Need to Argue” quickly climbed to the top spot in multiple countries. The standout track, “Zombie,” achieved chart-topping success across various countries including Australia, Belgium, and the U.S. rock charts. The music video for “Zombie” has amassed over 1.8 billion views on YouTube, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
“Live at The London Astoria II, 1994” offers a comprehensive snapshot of The Cranberries’ early catalog, featuring a mix of tracks from both their debut and sophomore albums. In addition to album cuts, the live recording includes two bonus tracks: “Liar,” featured on the “Empire Records” soundtrack in 1995, and “So Cold in Ireland,” an exclusive B-side to “Ode to My Family.”
The release of this live album comes as a bittersweet moment for fans, as it represents one of the final recordings featuring lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, who tragically passed away in 2018. The Cranberries’ legacy lives on through their music, with the band releasing their last studio album, “In the End,” in 2019.
Fans can look forward to experiencing “Live at The London Astoria II, 1994” in various formats, including digital downloads, CDs, standard black vinyl, and a limited-edition “molten lava” 2LP vinyl pressing. Whether through streaming or pre-ordering, supporters can immerse themselves in the magic of The Cranberries’ iconic live performance from 1994.