Watch The Cranberries Live at the London Astoria II 1994
Sometimes, the greatest treasures of music are those that slip away into the archives, only to be rediscovered years later. The previously “lost recording” of The Cranberries’ 1994 live performance at the iconic London Astoria II is now set to be released, offering a vibrant glimpse into the band’s powerful live energy.
Titled The Cranberries: Live At The London Astoria II, 1994, this unearthed session captures the band in the heart of a legendary venue, demonstrating the raw power that defined their ascent. Comprised of fifteen stripped-back live recordings, the performance isn’t just a historical artifact; it’s an intimate snapshot of the moment their sound reached a fever pitch.
The setlist draws from the band’s landmark album No Need To Argue, which prominently featured their massive hit “Zombie.” But the performance also offered a rich tapestry of their earlier work, weaving in beloved tracks from their 1993 debut, “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?”, including iconic songs like “Pretty,” “Linger,” and “Dreams.”
The raw energy of the performance truly reflects the atmosphere of the night. Drummer Fergal Lawler reflected on the experience, recalling the buzz of playing at the Astoria. “We had returned from the US and taken a bit of time off for Christmas,” he shared, adding that seeing their hardcore fans in the front of the stage brought them immense pride, feeling that all their hard work had finally come to fruition.
This recording serves as a poignant reminder of the journey the band undertook. It is a memory steeped in the success and intensity of that era, a time that will forever remain etched in music history.
The legacy of The Cranberries continues to resonate, particularly following the passing of frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan in 2018. The live recordings, like this newly released performance, offer a powerful window into the creative spirit that defined their work, cementing their place as enduring icons.
Fans and music lovers can now access this rediscovered performance in multiple formats. It will be available on September 4 via Island/UMe, including a 2xLP Limited Edition Molten Lava Vinyl, standard black vinyl, CD, and digital downloads. Interested parties can pre-order and pre-save the release through the official channels.