Biography
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Skip back to the start of the tape, back to the turn of the 80's when making a living from rock and roll wasn't even on the map for Noel, Mike and Fergal, three quarters of what was originally The Cranberry Saw Us.
By that stage U2 had already chalked up their own first decade of worldwide success. Globe-trotting tours and albums such as "Unforgettable Fire" and "Joshua Tree" opened international doors for the Irish music industry who were ready to prove that there was more to Ireland than Bono and company.
The 80's produced new Irish international stars Clannad, Enya, Hot House Flowers, Sinead O'Connor and Chris De Burgh. U2 set up their own label to seek out and promote new acts. U2 bassist Adam Clayton championed the cause of Limerick band, Tuesday Blue.
"We used to listen to U2. Sure who didn't", says Mike. "Then there was The Smiths, New Order, The Cure..."
"..Depeche Mode, REM," Fergal adds. "Stuff that was very popular".
"We were all just into the music," says Noel. "Anyone who's into music wants to be in a band or be part of the music. Anything to be near or around it, even though a lot of people don't end up doing it. So we all wanted to do that. And we were quite content just rehearsing. Then we'd do a few gigs and get pissed after them, - that was just grand. And that'd be it until the next weekend."
Brother's Noel and Mike Hogan were friends with Fergal Lawler. Back in 1989 they formed The Cranberry Saw Us with singer Niall Quinn.
"We were all very young at the time," says Mike. "Some of us had jobs. We'd rehearse on the side, at weekends and maybe on a Wednesday if we could. Then we got a few gigs. But we never looked forward - we never thought about record contracts or that we were going to be famous" he laughs, as if it's still difficult for him to take in that they are in fact one of the most famous bands in the world.
Back then they were known to just a fraction of music fans in Limerick city. Noel would write some music and the band would play it rough at rehearsals or in an early demo.