Dermot Kennedy Joins The Cranberries for Emotional Tribute at Electric Picnic 2025

High emotions filled the air at Electric Picnic 2025 as Dermot Kennedy joined The Cranberries for a heartfelt tribute to their late frontwoman, Dolores O’Riordan. The performance, featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, marked a poignant moment for the band and their fans, as many believed the opportunity to hear these iconic songs performed live had vanished following O’Riordan’s passing in 2018.

The addition of Kennedy to the lineup brought a mix of excitement and nostalgia, setting the stage for a unique experience. As the crowd gathered, there was a palpable sense of reverence. The brothers Noel and Mike Hogan took to the stage with a solemn air, acknowledging the weight of the occasion. “We played in a band you might’ve heard of called The Cranberries,” Noel remarked dryly, eliciting cheers from the audience. He continued, “We were asked to sing a few songs. But Mike and I can’t sing, so we invited our friend … Please welcome Dermot Kennedy.” The response was thunderous, signaling the audience’s eagerness for what was to come.

Kennedy stepped into a role that many would find daunting, tasked with breathing new life into songs that have become part of the cultural fabric. He approached the performance with a mix of humility and awe, expressing his gratitude by stating, “Honoured, and a little flabbergasted, to be up here singing songs that hold such a place in Irish musical history.” As he began, his rich and powerful voice resonated across the venue, creating an atmosphere that was at once uplifting and reflective.

The collaboration with the orchestra added a layer of grandeur to the performance, imbuing the songs with a cinematic quality. While this treatment provided a sweeping emotional experience, it also transformed the intimate nature of the original pieces. The haunting strangeness and raw passion that defined O’Riordan’s performances were, at times, overshadowed by the orchestral arrangement.

Yet, the essence of the concert was not about mimicking the past but rather celebrating it. The audience was united in their appreciation for the music, and during “Dreams,” thousands of voices harmonized with Kennedy’s, filling the arena with a sense of communal joy and remembrance. This moment transcended performance; it became a shared ritual, a tribute to memory and connection.

As the set progressed, the emotional stakes heightened, culminating in a powerful rendition of “Zombie.” Tears flowed among the crowd, a testament to the deep impact of the music and the poignant memories it invoked. The concert encapsulated not just a remembrance of O’Riordan’s legacy but also a celebration of the enduring power of music to connect people through shared experiences. In this way, the event at Electric Picnic was a resounding success, honoring a cherished legacy while creating new memories for all who attended.