*Footage & photos by Kenny Howell

When DOLORES O’RIORDAN cancelled her show at the Paradise Rock Club in support of her sophomore solo album, NO BAGGAGE, to say I was crushed would be an understatement. But, it was a fair trade for the reunion of THE CRANBERRIES.

It is hard to believe it has been seven years since DOLORES O’RIORDAN (vocals), NOEL HOGAN (guitar), MIKE HOGAN (bass), and FERGAL LAWLER (drums) have graced the stage together but it was well worth the wait as the Irish rockers officially ended their hiatus with a 90-minute set on Friday night at the Boston Orpheum. This was the second date of the reunion tour.

O’RIORDAN was spunky as ever as she trounced from one end of the stage to the other dressed in gold-spangled tank top and sparkling Chuck Taylors.  She engaged the audience in her Irish brogue and her whimsical personality as she described how she kept busy for the week while the band held tour rehearsals in Boston.

“The Cranberries spent a week here rehearsing and I actually got a great flavor for Boston, It’s a beautiful place,” said O’RIORDAN who talked about walking the Charles River and catching a Bruins game.

The show was heavy on classic Cranberries material including shimmering pop opener “Animal Instinct” the solid melodic “Free to Decide” and the grungy and droning hit “Zombie.” The set also included some tracks from O’RIORDAN’s solo efforts such as “Switch Off the Moment” and the lush piano ballad “Lunatic” against the backdrop of the extravagant, cutting edge light show.

These youthful old pros have never sounded more winning or unified – Welcome back!

SETLIST:

• How
• Animal Instinct
• Linger
• Ordinary Day
• Wanted
• Just My Imagination
• Dreaming My Dreams
• When You’re Gone
• Daffodil Lament
• Can’t Be With You
• Ode to My Family
• Free to Decide
• Waltzing Back
• Switch Off the Moment
• Salvation
• Ridiculous Thoughts
• Zombie
• ENCORE:
• Lunatic
• Empty
• The Journey
• Dream

For more information  visit THE CRANBERRIES

For more footage visit us on YOUTUBE

For more photos visit us on FLICKER