One of the most impactful and emotional songs and videos of the early 90s is without a doubt The Cranberries‘ “Zombie,” the hit single featured on the Irish alternative rock band’s second studio album No Need to Argue.
The song was written as a visceral critique of war and conflict spurred on by differing ideologies, core to the platinum-selling album’s overarching themes.
Now, after several months of campaigning and in the aftermath of losing front woman Dolores O’Riordan in early 2018, the band is celebrating this rare milestone.
Fergal Lawler, The Cranberries drummer, said of the achievement:
“We are so delighted with the news that ‘Zombie’ has reached 1 billion views on YouTube. We are sure Dolores has a big, proud smile on her face too. Thank you so much to all our fans around the world for supporting us over so many years. Hopefully you are all safe and well and managing to find some hope and positivity in our music.”
Noel Hogan, The Cranberries guitarist continues:
“For ‘Zombie’ to reach 1 billion views has been a long road and another milestone for the band. Little did we think twenty something years ago that this song would stand the test of time and mean so much too so many. All we can say is thank you to the fans for all they have done for us.”
Bassist Mike Hogan concludes:
“I can still remember making such a great video and seeing the impact that it had – and still does – on people. Big shout out to all The Cranberries fans around the world – thanks so much.”
Their most commercially successful single, “Zombie” went on to top the singles charts in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland and was #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the US. In 1995 it was awarded ‘Best Song’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and was voted #1 on Australia’s Triple J Hottest 100 chart in 1994. On January 16th 2018, Colin Parry – father of Tim Parry, the twelve year old victim of the Warrington bomb – thanked Dolores O’Riordan for the ‘majestic and (also) very real lyrics” in the track.
The Cranberries debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? was released and charted at #1 on the UK album charts in March 1993. Their second and most commercially successful album No Need To Argue was released in October 1994 and stayed on the UK charts for 98 weeks after being certified multiple platinum, making the band global superstars.
In April 2019, The Cranberries released their eighth and final album, In The End, the vocals for which had been recorded by Dolores prior to her tragic passing in 2018. Guitarist Noel Hogan confirmed its release would honor her memory. In The End reached top 10 in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, and on the Billboard Independent Albums chart in the US. It was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
An expanded reissue of No Need To Argue is planned for release by UMe/Island later this year.
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