The Cranberries: Zombie 1999 Live (We HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE SONG WAS ABOUT...UNTIL NOW): Reaction

[@rk41gator]

The official video is not to be missed. The visuals are extraordinary with these lyrics and heavy music.

[@lennartforsberg1519]

Exellent reaction! It's amazing that Dolores O'Riordan was only around 22 when she wrote this song. Anne Frank wrote in her diary " What's the point of the war? Why, oh why can't people live together peacefully? Why all this destruction?

[@larryc3860]

R.I.P., Dolores....you had a hard life and spent your last years raising awareness and $$$$ for children caught in war zones around our troubled world........we miss your talent and your heart........her vocal technique is "keening", an Irish expression of lament, especially at funerals........

[@canadianhexe6002]

This song evokes so much emotion in me that I can't help but cry every time I hear it.

[@ChrisJones-we4in]

Thanks for doing this. The video for this is one of the most thought provoking ones I have seen - cuts through all the crap and shines a light on pointlessness of war and the loss of life. The loss of Dolores too so young too is such a tragedy - one of the finest Ireland has produced.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Chris and we hope there is an Irish week 2 - Thanks Alex

[@scottyscot8]

Evokes immense emotion 🎼🎶🎶🎵🎵❤️🎧

[@AussieTVMusic]

Number 1 here in Australia. Huge song. Love it.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Alex

[@JimDanvers]

Good one guys - I'd never seen this live version of it. You really look at the official version of it where Delores is "gold" and it has all of the kids and soldiers in it. Very powerful.

[@richardweller6914]

Loved doing Irish week, I left out so much good stuff sorry. But I hope everyone has enjoyed it. It's been an honour to be a small part of the great Thamesmen

[@barbararees604]

Loved the write up, I never knew much about them, so thanks.

[@christhecurator]

You did a great job Rich, the hardest part is always having to leave stuff out.

[@scottie55]

Thanks for putting together a really enjoyable week mate, well done.

[@TheThamesmen]

Will we get a week two Rich? Many thanks from everyone here for your hard work and exquisite notes. Take care! Alex

[@lencooke944]

Rich is right, this is one of the most meaningful Grunge/Indi/Rock tracks of all time. The Cranberries came along at the right time to gather up the ill-feeling, from both sides, at the carnage visited by both sides against one another. In Zombie, The Cranberries were echoing the feelings that things have to stop, and change must come. This is a truly beautiful, yet tragic song. We are all better for it being written, even if we hadn't heard the song before. Zombie was a loud voice of protest and catalyst for the movement of change. To add to the tragedy of the song, on the day of her untimely death, Delores O'Riordan was meant to record feature vocals on the Bad Wolves cover of Zombie. The Bad Wolves pressed ahead with recording the song and held back the release a little out of respect for Delores. However, some Cranberries band members criticized the release of the cover as they thought it was too soon after Delores' passing. However, the Bad Wolves committed to donating the profits from the sales of the cover to Delore's three children. Alex and George, Rich has given you a great week of Irish music, and I am certain Chris has had his fingers in there guiding the process. This was a fantastic week.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Len!!! Thanks Alex

[@berranari1]

That was awesome. 👍😍😢🤔🫡🤩👌

[@reallymysterious4520]

The drummer was a F***ing BEAST !!!

[@TheThamesmen]

I know right!!!!

[@Mrdangerousbeans769]

I have heard of the Cranberries but not listening to them until now, thanks for bringing that to us. The bombings in London was a catalyst in making the move to Australia in 1974. Never looked back.

[@TheThamesmen]

You had the right idea.... Its better now. Those were horrid times. Thanks Alex

[@ritagryphon222]

Fantastic performance!!! Lovelovelove the energy!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for listening Thanks Alex

[@achebwahs1111]

Love this song. I'm a Torpy in Australia. My family are from Sligo. "Ode to my Family" Is a must. Thanks fellas

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here. Thanks Alex

[@professornuke7562]

First time I went to London (I'm from Melbourne) was in 1992. Me and my late wife went to see the Guards change and got back to our hotel via Euston station, a short walk away. We flicked on the telly before heading out again, and saw on a newsflash that there was situation unfolding at Euston station, involving a suspicious object that was later confirmed to be an IRA bomb. Stuff like that never happens in Oz. We were freaked out.

[@TheThamesmen]

It was an hourly basis but worst in Ireland. Its all so horrid. Thanks Alex

[@marklong930]

I had goosebumps the whole way through that. I bloody love watching these tracks with you lads. Totally engaged. I thought the drummer was about to launch himself over his kit!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Mark and be well my friend. Thanks Alex

[@Darkaddict20]

Cranberries are one of my Fave Bands of all time. I never found a song that I didn't like. It A shame I was devastated at Dolores O'Riordan RIP. Thanks for a great reaction.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here - Thanks Alex

[@Timoeltejano]

My mother's family came from Northern Ireland in the 1920's just as things were heating up there. I haven't been since the late 90's but even then it was really tense and although I have strong family ties there, outsiders were looked at skeptically and suspiciously. . We were there a month after my Granddad's passing. After about 2 weeks I became "American Cousin Timmy" to most of the neighbors in Newry and had a blast. Important music. Important songs. Thank you both for doing this and to the kind person who suggested it.

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks Tim - Thanks Alex

[@williamdemerchant7295]

Delores O'Riordan, what a voice. An amazing live performance....I guess that's a pretty common reaction. It's almost exactly what you said after the video. Thanks guys, esp. Rich.

[@berranari1]

Wow, I am from Australia and I thought it was a number one in the other places also. 😮

[@lindascott6902]

Watching the official video is an incredible experience also (quite devastating though)

[@TheThamesmen]

OMG - I think we need to

[@sean---the-other-one]

Powerful stuff. I had no idea what it was about. Protest songs are fantastic when done well.

[@barbararees604]

Another song that always gives me goosies, even more so in this live performance. Wish I had seen them live, there wasn't much else I liked at the time.

[@TheThamesmen]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Alex

[@JontyBlue67]

So good!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Alex

[@mgrogan4126]

Great reaction, Thamesmen. You guys love music and I love your reactions. Thank You

[@TheThamesmen]

Our pleasure!

[@panelvanman7671]

not surprised it was No 1 here boys , we were divorced from the troubles over there , only reminded of it in passing by our parents , the song was just , to us in Australia anyway , another fantastic song that got cranked to 11 and took us to musical heaven

[@TheThamesmen]

GOOD!!!! Thanks Alex

[@TheEricBooth]

I played bass in a cover band and this was my favorite song to play. So much fun.

[@rickfairman5640]

great Job shows the emotion thatwhen combined are fantastic. So fortunate growing up in Canada. Had a cousin who lived in Detroit and witnessed the draft when male students just do not show up ie being drafted. great emotion and purpose. greatly appreciated

[@TheThamesmen]

Glad you enjoyed it Thanks Alex

[@JamesNTaylor]

Ok didn't put a lock on KZbin and didn't unsub teehee. Wow TIL, how powerful - RIP Delores. That blew me away too. Remember being in London when the Canary Wharf bomb went off??? I was 2 miles away as the crow flies and it was like the loudest thunderclap and every single window in every building shook. But the weather was fine, no one could work out what had happened until we turned on the news. JT xx

[@TheThamesmen]

Oh, I remember so many bombs... I remember seeing horses still alive but dying, bodies and windows broken, Birmingham city centre destroyed, funerals attacked, buses blown up, and no trash cans in London due to easy bomb placement... And it was worst in Ireland. Just horrid, horrid dark times. Thanks, Alex

[@brianparsa7794]

A classic alternative rock track! Sadly, there are still many conflicts across our globe that might be inspiring songs similar to "Zombie."

[@scifimonkey3]

Highly suspicious movement around the US and significant justification for checking out whether Alex’s closet has a Bear costume in it. As for the song, Dolores was amazing and was taken from us way too early.RIP. Oh and thanks Rich and Chris!

[@TheThamesmen]

HA HA

[@Neonbob]

Cranberries come from New Jersey. Though this band isn't from Jersey. Iconic Song

[@leannmiller7153]

More than half are grown in Wisconsin, Massachusetts produces another third, and New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington state combined make up the last third.

[@GayJayU26]

Phenominal.

[@mostlyharmless1]

I'm from Wisconsin and it claims to be the Cranberry capital of the world but I'VE NEVER LEARNED MORE ABOUT CRANBERRIES UNTIL THIS VIDEO!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Come for the music and learn about soft fruits!

[@thomaslilly9558]

If you want to top this one. Watch the video, tears will flow.

[@mikeschenk4730]

I had no idea this song was written about the IRA/Britain conflict. That really does add a whole different dimension to the song. Her voice is really great and unique in the way she uses it. Is the Cranberries catalog big enough to support a full week? Would be interesting to hear more of their music with some of the stories behind the songs attached.

[@laydown6]

Never seen the clip?????

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Alex

[@mikeschenk4730]

@@laydown6 I heard the song on the radio when I was younger, but it never really resonated with me. I have found that I missed a lot of great, great singers in my earlier years due to the style not quite working for me at the time.

[@ThePeeetles]

Love Deloris's voice, nice riff.

[@AthDara62]

Want another good Cranberries rock number, try Promises live in Paris. Something, lighter, Linger, Dreams, Ode to my family, When you're gone, or my favourite, "It's You" acoustic version RTL2. This girl was the real deal. RIP

[@10shamus]

Fantastic band ❤

[@TheThamesmen]

Yes they are!

[@turfsniffer]

Fun fact, the polar bear are direct descendants of the Irish brown bear (now extinct).

[@davidbooth7778]

Dolores and the boys made a real difference with this song. Music CAN change the world. You should react to the music video too. It'll get you!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thats a great idea! Thanks Alex

[@Caambrinus]

'plethora' is a Greek word. Feast in Irish is 'fleá' or 'féile'.

[@TheThamesmen]

Ohh I like tgat. Merci )Ta in Irish

[@charlesmarshall1309]

How can any Englishmen of your age not have known - or at least been switched on enough to infer - what this song was about? That is a simply incredible level of obliviousness.

[@TheThamesmen]

I can tell you however the line up og Hawkwind from 73 to 89. I hope you can also.

[@LeNaInLoVe]

😭😭 I actually never managed to jump around and sing when this came on in the clubs. It's always been 💔, but what a piece of music. Kinda SHOCKING 🤯🤯that you didn't know about the history behind it.

[@TheThamesmen]

Neither did we.... It takes it to a higher level. Thanks Alex

[@mickr1448]

And we are seeing it again at this very moment in Palestine, so sad

[@mitchellbeston1033]

This was massive in Oz, and weirdly so. I remember the dance floor at a night club in the early 90s being flooded with punters when this song came on, and it was odd because its not an upbeat song but hey us Aussies are part Irish and nearly as mad, so maybe that explains it. Australians loved The Cranberries, but prior to that band i had never sighted a cranberry or the equivalent sauce. They are both now prevalent in Australia...was it all just an ad for cranberries? lol

[@jeffm1896]

For the full effect you really need to react to the official music video! The lyrics are clearer too.

[@mostlyharmless1]

Third comment! Nothing like seeing Delores sing this live and smash it on the guitar! RIP :)

[@TheThamesmen]

One of the most emotional and amazing tracks we have seen

[@mostlyharmless1]

💗💗💗@@TheThamesmen

[@rickfairman5640]

Saw you were doing Zombie with the Cranberries..Great song that covers every aspect of what good music should be Unfortunaltely for me I must be a hell of a lot older than my 70 odd years on my birth certificate says!!!!! Ive just finished lisenting to Garry Moore at the whistle stop and just finished up listening to Rory Gallagher play for the last 90 minutes and I cannot believe that these two gentlemen where ignored for Irish week. Nothing against the other selectionsbut I cannot believe these two legends were not on the list..Ive been listening to Rory live in europe he is a geneous I think you should have a Gary Moore Rory Gallagher week when you return form your sebatical

[@neridahicks7160]

RIP Dolores what a loss to humanity 💔

[@Stacy55ish]

Check out the official version as well.

[@brianparsa7794]

Wow, so Francine the Tank followed you to Colorado, Alex? Probably nothing for you and the family to worry about, lol! Speaking of cranberries, after watching Chris' notes on the various berry genera and subgenera go by, the typical cranberry that we here in the United States are familiar with (red, semi-sweet/tart berries that get turned into cranberry juice drinks and cranberry sauce, etc.) I wanted to mention that my home state of Wisconsin is the largest producer of North American cranberries, for whatever that is worth . . .

[@TheThamesmen]

Francine :)

[@ginespernia638]

I love cranberies songs!..there is a cover songs by Franz Rythm Family Band (Father and kids jamming) i hope you comment there songs bcoz they inspire the us and all the families around the world.

[@Paul-pl6dl]

In their tanks and their guns and their bombs and their guns (In your head In your head) Zombie great song to play on guitar and I have Irish blood through my veins such a waste and loss of Innocent lives glad it has stopped

[@TheThamesmen]

Oh I am so happy it stopped. Thanks Alex

[@AthDara62]

I love how Fergal on the drums is losing it, reflecting Delores' anger and frustration while Mike on bass is totally unaffected, atomic clock, not missing a beat, like the general publics reaction to these atrocities, we become so immune to them, live carries on as normal, change the channel so we can watch & hear some drivel and not have to face up to there 'unpleasantries'

[@lars-oleeifler4448]

Ode to my Family

[@rickfairman5640]

If I manage to win a lotery I think it would be a blast to have a beer or two and talk music

[@TheThamesmen]

Always!

[@ianwalter62]

Excellent song by the Cranberries - another tragic early loss. Whilst I have enjoyed your various Australian week/s vids, with due respect to your mate Chris, the mainstream emphasis and the multiple Cold Chisel reactions have an opportunity cost that includes, by way of example - Lucky Country by Midnight Oil My Happiness by Powderfinger One Word by Suze DeMarchi and Baby Animals (or you could do Rush You, or Early Warning) Wide Open Road by the Triffids* Setting you Free by David McCombe* ** Those two are a sort of binary set.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Ian!! Noted. Cheers Alex

[@ianwalter62]

@@TheThamesmen ...and can you ask Chris about Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Church and the Sunny Boys? I think I may be a bit older than Chris, and Sydney not Melbourne... not intending to bag him as I think he does a fantastic job with his play lists 👍, but, I'd love to see you do the Sunny Boys "You Need A Friend". They were one of the best new wave pub rock bands in Sydney in 1981/2/3.

[@mostlyharmless1]

I have seen about fifty reactions to this song and NOBODY KNOWS WHAT 1916 MEANS!!! I'm sure you guys do because of your intro, you seem educated. :D

[@TheThamesmen]

Easter uprising by Irish Nationalists. That what you mean?

[@mostlyharmless1]

YES!! - "And from the plains of Royal Meath Strong men came hurrying through While Brittania's Huns with their long range guns Sailed in through the foggy dew"@@TheThamesmen

[@mostlyharmless1]

Yes, "And from the plains of Royal Meath Strong men came hurrying through While Brittania's Huns with their long range guns sailed in through the foggy dew"@@TheThamesmen

[@rickfairman5640]

hello just a little nudge to push you both toward the two fillmore with Humble Pie in the west the alman brothers in the east!!!!!!!especially when I just happend to be listening to Humbble Pie

[@alasdairmacdonald9838]

Very surprised that neither of you knew the story behind the song as you have always seemed like knowledgeable switched on guys who are certainly old enough to be aware of the history. The music video alone was everywhere back in the day and the first few seconds alone would have been enough for guys like you to understand the references. Regardless amazing song and a wonderful reaction.

[@TheThamesmen]

We are not very intekligent, Thanks Alex

[@yannou568]

J'aime tellement ce groupe qu'une de mes guitares (une cort source) porte le prénom Dolores.

[@stevep2430]

Brilliant song and message but there is still innocent children dying today because of war.

[@TheThamesmen]

There are and we need bands like the Cranberries today! Thanks Alex

[@blindriv3r]

always saw a big Neil Young influence in this, to the subject matter and the Em key, overall feel and minimalist guitar solo, done by Dolores and not the lead guitar

[@rickfairman5640]

George and Alex asking you a big favour!!!! My neice who goes by Jocelyn June. She is a very good singer/musician. She has a great voice and also writes her own material. She has set up a studio which she uses to do cover songs. The favour could you take the time to listen Her versions of Carol Kings Natural Woman as well as the Cranberries Zombie I am blowen away the sound now that she has a proper studio. I really respect both your musical/song selection without the politics Hope you both are enjoying your time away to recharge your battries Plus give you to listen to a talented Canadian musician

[@TheThamesmen]

Good luck to her. Share some Links here for all to see or email them to us

[@berranari1]

🇮🇪 &:🇬🇧 🕊️✌️☮️❤😊

[@rickfairman5640]

If you have some spare time take a listen to Jocelyn June Drag drag Me To Hell an original tune

[@FrothNinja]

May just be me, but her voice has certain similarities to Sinéad O'Connor

[@Quienereswho]

Video sounds lower than usual 🤔

[@tomwilson2152]

so the british were involved aswell what about what they done in aus when they came here no repocussions from that go figure

[@bernardmalonzo5948]

GOOD DAY SIR'S THAMESMEN PLS CHECK THIS OUT FRANZ RYTHM FAMILY BAND FROM THE 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭RENDITION OF ZOMBIE SUNG BY THE LATE DOLORES O'RIORDAN THESE FAMILY BAND COVERED IT PERFECTLY JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL SONG OF THE CRANBERRIES MORE POWER TO UR CHANNEL SIRS 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭NEW SUB HERE

[@Paul_C]

I actually find it sad you never had an inkling what the song is about. You are one of the examples of that English mentality most of abhor. Sure not personally, just you basically lived through that time period and had no idea it happened. And if the DUP have it their way it will happen again. It still isn't over.

[@JamesNTaylor]

Wow - dude - what utter BS. How do you leap from not understanding the lyrics of a song because they didn't really follow the band to having no idea that the war happened? That's just ignorance. We lived through it mate, in London (and the UK, and NI). It's all we ever knew for 30+ years before peace. Most people understood the drivers behind each cause, and empathised and dispised the unjustified death caused by all sides inc. the british army. Most of us wanted peace but also for the most part we could not affect change as we were too young to vote. When we were old enough to vote, we were the generation that voted in the parties whose manifesto was for peace.

[@TheThamesmen]

Hi Paul. You are right we are sheltered, and I am sorry you feel this way,. We are brave enough to admit we know nothing and also highlight this amazing music for all. I'm personally not to blame for my ignorance and it's better to be educated late in life than never at all and I wish you all the love and peace I can send - Cheers Alex

[@duncanwyer2460]

🇬🇧 Norfolk along for the ride 😊 the Keening she does hits the soul Lisa Hannigan for your Irish week ?