Manchester’s PALE WAVES have released a powerful version of The Cranberries’ immortal anthem Zombie after their show-stopping debut of the track became one of the defining moments of this summer’s Reading & Leeds Festivals. The release date is timed to coincide with the first of three Irish shows this week in Dublin, Belfast and Cork that finish their sold out Still Smitten tour.
The band’s performance of Zombie was a highlight across both sites creating an unforgettable moment where thousands of voices joined front-person Heather Baron-Gracie to roar the chorus of one of the most enduring protest songs of the 1990s. The BBC broadcast of the set is available now on iPlayer and YouTube while a BBC Radio 1 TikTok clip of the performance went viral within hours.
Heather explains the choice cover simply: “I feel like there’s so many generations that love that song – it’s undeniable. It really appealed to most of the people in the tent at Reading and was by far the best moment in the set.”
The crowd’s reaction was so overwhelming that the band headed straight into the studio with producer Tayte Nickols to capture the electricity of the moment. The result is a faithful yet urgent reimagining, and a heartfelt tribute to Dolores O’Riordan that channels Pale Waves’ dark pop roots and emotional intensity.
“Maybe we’ll have to include it in the set forever but, you know what? I’m fine with that because it’s such a great song.”
With their cover of Zombie Pale Waves pay homage to one of their heroes while making the song into a rallying cry that bridges generations of alternative music fans.
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