Live Report: The Cranberries plus Dermot Kennedy leave Electric Picnic speechless with unforgettable reunion set

There are plenty of shows to see at Electric Picnic 2025. Whether you like doing the 'HOT TO GO!' dance with Chappell Roan, swaying along to Hozier or jumping in the mosh pit for KNEECAP, there is no shortage of musical performances. The Cranberries' Noel and Mike Hogan's Sunday afternoon main stage slot is not just a gig. It is a cultural event. It is a moment in musical history. It is the da capo al coda to a legend of the music world.

The magnitude of the event is clear from the moment festivalgoers begin to gather around the stage. There are fans of all ages: Some are old enough to remember the 1992 release of 'Dreams' as The Cranberries' debut single. Others might recall 'Linger' receiving heavy rotation on MTV in the '90s during the band's rise to fame. Younger crowds may be more accustomed to the popularity of 1994 protest song 'Zombie' in pop culture, as an Irish rugby anthem since 2023 or as a soundtrack to the latest season of Netflix series Wednesday.

No matter the demographics of the crowd, Stradbally thunders with applause as guitarist Noel and bassist Mike Hogan step on stage alongside guest vocalist Dermot Kennedy, backed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with instruments at the ready.

When the lineup was first released, the Hogan brothers and RTÉ Orchestra were to be joined by an unnamed "very special guest", there were whispers. The Hogans had not performed any of The Cranberries' iconic songs since Dolores O'Riordan passed away eight years ago. How could anyone ever be O'Riordan? What are the Cranberries without her?

Rest assured, Kennedy is not trying to be O'Riordan.

Dermot Kennedy performing with Noel and Mike Hogan (The Cranberries) and the RTÉ Orchestra at Electric Picnic. 31 Aug 2025. Photo: Liam Murphy/hotpress.com

During an electrifying rendition of 'This Is the Day', Kennedy's distinct gravelly, soulful voice soars — he has no intention of impersonation. The combination of stirring string movements, heavy bass and vibrato-tinged guitar rhythms give the song a exhilarating cinematic quality that lends well to the context of the performance.

A light sprinkling of rain that had persisted through most of the early afternoon suddenly ceases as the opening notes of 'Linger' ring out over the crowd. Though the wet weather may have ceased — just for them, it feels — there are few dry eyes in the crowd. Fans embrace each other as they sing along at the tops of their lungs. On stage, the Hogan brothers move from opposite sides of the stage to play side-by-side while Kennedy smiles reflectively out at the crowd.

After a long bout of applause, Noel stands alone for the guitar intro to 'When You're Gone'. He is gradually joined by a cacaphony of drums, roaring brass and ethereal strings.

"I miss you when you're gone, that is what I do, baby," Kennedy sings, squeezing his eyes shut. "And it's going to carry on, that is what I knew, hey baby."

The lyrics hit particularly hard given the history of the track. While not as commercially popular as 'Linger', 'When You're Gone' is uniquely meaningful: it played on radio stations across Ireland at the conclusion of O'Riordan's funeral.

Noel Hogan (The Cranberries) performing with brother Mike, Dermot Kennedy and the RTÉ Orchestra at Electric Picnic. 31 Aug 2025. Photo: Liam Murphy/hotpress.com

Spirits are brought back up as they rip into 'Salvation'. Noel and his guitar are again in the spotlight, though this time, he's shredding out riffs with a wide grin. There's no doubt, these are still rockstars — even 20 years later, when Noel and Mike have two children each, something audiences are reminded of during 'Ode To My Family'. Albeit, the new addition of Kennedy still understands the gravity of the performance.

"I'm equal parts honoured and flabbergasted," says Kennedy during a break between songs. "To be up here singing songs that are such an important part of Irish music history means an awful lot to me."

Kennedy delivers haunting vocals as he leads into 'Ridiculous Thoughts', before roaring guitar and heavy bass by the Hogan brothers come crashing in. The three of them put everything into the track; Kennedy belts out the lyrics in a strong, raw voice while the Hogans thrash about with their instruments.

However, the raucousess doesn't last: it only takes a few seconds of strings for crowds to scream in excitement for 'Dreams'. As green and white lights flash over the performers, the crowd shouts along with gusto. The song is beyond iconic; as one of the most used songs in film history, featuring in everything from Derry Girls to Mission: Impossible, it's hard not to feel like you're in a movie while it's playing live.

Afterwards, Noel takes his turn for a brief speech. He thanks Kennedy, the Orchestra and the crew, before addressing the audience.

"This is going to be our last song—" The crowd boos. "—I bet you know what it's going to be." The crowd cheers. There's one song yet to be played, so inherent to The Cranberries that they would not be complete without it: 'Zombie'.

From the moment the song begins to the final notes, they deliver a performance that will be remembered for lifetimes. Noel gives his guitar absolutely everything as Mike rips out a driving bassline, the two of them joining for a solo of epic proportions.

Mike Hogan (The Cranberries) performing with brother Noel, Dermot Kennedy and the RTÉ Orchestra at Electric Picnic. 31 Aug 2025. Photo: Liam Murphy/hotpress.com

Kennedy sings right from the heart while visibly holding back tears. At one point, the crowd's devoted singing drowns out Kennedy's. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

Earlier, a question was asked: What are The Cranberries without O'Riordan?

As thunderous cheering continued long after the Hogans and Kennedy left the stage, the answer is clear. The Cranberries are their legacy of cultural influence and musical prowess; a legacy that will never, ever be forgotten.