The Cranberries gears up for Manila concert

The Cranberries (from left): Guitarist Noel Hogan, drummer Fergal Lawler, vocalist Dolores O'Riordan and bassist Mike Hogan

The Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan spoke to the Inquirer by phone from Sydney on Tuesday, March 20, in the midst of a tour that includes a show on April 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Recalling his impression when Dolores O’Riordan first auditioned as the band’s lead singer after its original vocalist, Niall Quinn, quit, Hogan said: “She sounded completely different. She had a strong voice and sang effortless. I don’t think she was even aware of it.”

The Cranberries broke into the scene in 1993 with its debut album, “Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” which went to No. 1 in the United Kingdom.

But it was the group’s second album, “No Need to Argue” – containing the hit single “Zombie” – which became its most successful record, selling 17 million copies worldwide.

The band went on hiatus in 2003 and reunited in 2009. It has a new album out, “Roses,” produced by Stephen Street, best known for his work with The Smiths, and who also guided The Cranberries’ first, second and fifth albums.

“We’re laughing a lot more these days,” said Noel, explaining how the band has overcome the petty things it used to worry about in the past.