Northern Ireland

The Cranberries release new single on first anniversary of death of Dolores O'Riordan

The Cranberries released a new single yesterday on the first anniversary of the death of Dolores O'Riordan
The Cranberries released a new single yesterday on the first anniversary of the death of Dolores O'Riordan The Cranberries released a new single yesterday on the first anniversary of the death of Dolores O'Riordan

THE remaining members of The Cranberries have opened up about the pain of losing bandmate Dolores O'Riordan as they released a new single yesterday on the first anniversary of her death.

The band said while the release of their new music was "tinged with sadness following Dolores' unexpected death", they wanted their album - set to be their final one - to be a celebration of her life and work.

The album 'In the End' features vocals from O'Riordan, which were recorded before her sudden death on January 15, 2018.

The Limerick-born musician (46) was found dead in the bath of a hotel room at the Hilton in Park Lane in London. A coroner ruled she died by drowning due to alcohol intoxication and that her death was accidental.

A year on from her passing and band members Noel Hogan, Fergal Lawler and Mike Hogan released the first track 'All Over Now’ from the album yesterday.

The final album, expected to be released later this year, is dedicated to O'Riordan's memory. The band have said they will split after the album's release.

But they said they wanted the music to be "a celebration, one that stands as a powerful testimony to the life and creative work of Dolores".

"We knew this had to be one of the, if not the, best Cranberries album that we could possibly do," said Noel.

"The worry was that we would destroy the legacy of the band by making an album that wasn't up to standard.

"Once we had gone through all the demos that Dolores and I had worked on and decided that we had such a strong album we knew it would be the right thing and the best way that we could honour Dolores."

Speaking about the single and the album Dolores' mother, Eileen O'Riordan said: "I miss her awfully, specially today, as does the entire family.

"That said I can't think of a more fitting way to commemorate the first anniversary of her passing and to celebrate her life than to announce to the world the release of her final album with the band.

"She was very excited about this new album and was really looking forward to its release.

"I have no doubt that she is happy now and would be delighted with today's announcement."