Tags; Zombie, The Cranberries, Rugby, Irish Rugby, Dolores O’Riordan
Zombie is a song that always causes a stir, whenever and wherever it plays. Some claim it has deep rooted political drivings behind it, whereas others regard it as a song that drives national pride and instils belief into sportspeople when the masses belt out its haunting chorus.
Nonetheless, here are a couple of the best renditions of what many dub to be Dolores O’Riordan’s and The Cranberries’ career defining track, Zombie.
1. Ireland Rugby Fans after defeating Scotland at the World Cup
Perhaps at no surprise to those who tuned into the most recent edition of the Rugby Union World Cup held in France, but this particular rendition of Zombie the song tops our list. Let us set the scene: Ireland power past Scotland with an impressive victory of 36-14 , Riordan’s voice rings over the speakers in the Stade de France and the Irish fans immediately take it upon themselves to belt it out.
Even the players, after dispensing so much energy on the pitch, found themselves anew with energy, joining in with their adoring travelling fans for a decibel-busting rendition
However, fans and players alike drew criticism for singing The Cranberries’ track, with many believing that its origins lie in propaganda supporting acts carried out by the IRA. That is not the case. On the contrary in fact, with lead singer Dolores O’Riordan going on record saying, “I don’t care whether it’s Protestant or Catholic, I care about the fact that innocent people are being harmed.”
With the myths dispelled, Irish rugby fans are free to sing to their heart’s content throughout future tournaments. The track now synoymous with national pride. And so they did, with this particular rendition being so powerful, it tops our list.
2. European Ryder Cup Fans Singing Zombie to McIlroy
Another rousing rendition of Zombie came in the form of an impromptu cover from a raucous Ryder Cup crowd, serenading Rory McIlroy as he took to the tee.
It came after, in the previous afternoon’s session, McIlroy clashed with American caddie, Joe LaCava. After Patrick Cantlay drained a long-range birdie to win a point for the USA, LeCava proceeded to over-zealously celebrate by waving his cap in the European players faces, and continued to do so when McIlroy was lining up his own putt to potentially draw the hole.
The drama continued after the matchplay had finished, with McIlroy angrily confronting LeCava in the car park after the round and quickly ushered away by teammate, and Irishman, Shane Lowry.
The next day, as McIlroy teed off, the European fans, seeing the funny side of the situation, serenaded the Holywood Golf Club player – changing the lyrics to the iconic track to, “he’s in your head (x2), Rory, Rory, Rory…”.
A song seen and heard all across the sporting world as it went viral and shone light on to the fantastic competition that is the Ryder Cup. It definitely highlights how lively the game of golf can get, especially when it involves a home-European crowd.
The Ryder Cup received much more media and neutral attention that year, part of which can be attributed to the power of music, and specifically, Zombie by The Cranberries.