O'Riordan has issued two solo discs -- including this year's "No Baggage" -- since the Irish band released its last disc of new material, "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee," in 2001. The other band members -- Noel Hogan, his brother Michael Hogan and Fergal Lawler -- focused on other projects.
The band's first step toward a reunion came in January when they played together to celebrate O'Riordan becoming an Honorary Patron of University Philosophical Society at Trinity College in Dublin.
As the band prepares to step off the bus Friday, Nov. 27 for an 8 p.m. gig at The Riverside Theater (Griffin House opens), we talked to guitarist Noel Hogan (at left in the photo above) about the past, present and future of Limerick's most famous musical export.
OnMilwaukee.com: How does it feel to be working with The Cranberries again?
Noel Hogan: It's a great feeling being back with The Cranberries. Once we got back in the same room to rehearse again, it felt like we never took any time out.
OMC: How did the tour come about? Here in Milwaukee there was a Dolores solo gig announced and later canceled. Shortly after, we heard the whole band would be coming through, to a different venue. So, it seemed a bit like a surprise.
NH: Back in January of this year Mike, Dolores and myself did a small acoustic session in Dublin. It felt great and we started talking about doing a Cranberries 'thing' again. We all thought it might happen next year but when we all talked over the summer we decided that the time was right now and we begin the process of putting The Cranberries back together.
OMC: Is the reunion now permanent or are you taking it one day at a time?
NH: The band are back for good, we are currently writing new material for the next album. We also have songs that Dolores and I have been working on over the last year. When we took the break in 2003 we were never sure how long it would be for but it was always the plan to get back together at some point.
OMC: I know everyone in the band has other projects going -- will those continue?
NH: I can't speak for everyone else, but I will be continuing to work on the other projects I am involved with and will be taking on more projects in the new year. There is enough time between each leg of the tour to be able to work on everything.
OMC: We hear that the tour will also include some tunes from Dolores' solo records; will it also include some new Cranberries material?
NH: We will start to add new tracks as time goes by, at the moment we are moving the set around with Cranberries tracks but when we get more comfortable with these songs we will start adding new tracks.
Tickets for The Cranberries show are $35. --Bobby Tanzilo
Some other gigs on tap this week include:
Every three years since the turn of the millennium, Camera Obscura has presented the world with increasingly infectious releases that just charm the pants off its fans. The playfully poppy group of girls and guys from Glasgow, Scotland, combine smart indie pop with delicate twang and bittersweet, sometimes sardonic, sentiment. But it's Tracyanne Campbell's leading vocals and harmonies that are the group's signature. Earlier this spring, Camera Obscura released its fourth album, "My Maudlin Career," which features what is arguably the band's best single to date, "French Navy" (although "Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken" is hard to beat). The band comes to Milwaukee, Saturday, Nov. 28 to perform at Turner Hall Ballroom with special guest Papercuts. Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets are $15. --Julie Lawrence
Rockabilly fans will want to power through their turkey sandwiches quickly on Friday night in order to get to Shank Hall for the Johnny Cash tribute starring Liam Ford, Mark Shurilla and the Greatest Hits, Tommy Greywolf and Jayne "Firecracker" Taylor. Doors open at 8 p.m. and admission is $10. On Saturday night, Pat McCurdy brings his show to Shank. Tickets are $6. --Drew Olson
We're lucky to have Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys as a hometown regulars. I first caught a listen to the traditional blues band while interviewing members of Milwaukee's Perry Weber and the Devilles last year. Often sharing a stage and at times band members, the Reverend's Altar Boys have performed with everyone from Clyde Stubblefield to Billy Flynn. Their sound is classic blues infused with spicy harmonica and smooth guitar. You'll find them at the Ale House in Grafton at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. --Maureen Post
And let's not forget:
Electric Six lands at The Mad Planet on Tuesday to spotlight its new record. "Kill" was released Oct. 20 on Metropolis Records. The Gay Blades -- currently road-testing new material for the follow-up to 2008's "Ghosts" -- and Millions of Brazilians open.
When Alison Chesley plugs her cello into a guitar amp and some effects pedals she creates the big big, dark, ominous sound of Helen Money. See it -- and hear it -- for yourself on Friday at the Cactus Club.
On Saturday,Windy City saxman Frank Catalano -- whose work has graced performances and recordings by John Legend, J-Lo and Destiny's Child -- returns to The Jazz Estate. Joining him is local drummer John Sparrow.
