Miley Cyrus Revitalizes Rock with a Haunting Tribute to The Cranberries’ “Zombie” at Whisky a Go Go
Miley Cyrus’s live performance of “Zombie” at Whisky a Go Go is a milestone in her musical journey, revealing both artistic growth and an undeniable connection to rock music’s raw, emotional core. The performance occurred during the “Save Our Stages Fest” in 2020, an event created to support independent venues struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. By choosing to cover The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” Miley delivered not just a vocal homage but a compelling reimagining of the 1994 hit, known for its haunting reflection on conflict and struggle. Miley’s vocal power is evident in every note, with a growling edge and rock sensibility that respect the original’s tone while infusing her distinct style. Her performance resonates with listeners, conveying the pain and defiance of the song’s themes, both emotionally and vocally.
The choice of Whisky a Go Go as the venue adds another layer of authenticity. Situated on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, this club holds a storied place in rock history, having been the launching pad for countless iconic bands like The Doors and Led Zeppelin. Performing there lends Miley’s set a sense of legacy and roots in rock, bridging her modern pop-rock style with a historical lineage of influential music. This environment allowed Miley to explore the song’s themes more deeply, playing off the intimate, gritty vibe of the venue and elevating the performance’s intensity.
The context of the song, “Zombie,” originally penned by The Cranberries as a protest song against the violence in Northern Ireland, finds a new resonance in Miley’s rendition. Her approach emphasizes both the sorrow and rage embedded within the song’s lyrics, with a heavier, modern rock arrangement that builds upon the original’s grunge foundation. The subtle yet significant musical modifications—most notably a striking guitar solo by Andrew Watt—add to the performance’s energy without overshadowing Miley’s vocal command. The blend of respect for the original arrangement and Miley’s innovative interpretation reflects her growth as an artist who can draw from the past while pushing boundaries to make a song her own.
Visually, Miley’s stage presence stands out as she struts across the stage with confidence, clad in sparkling boots and rhinestones. This glam-rock image is juxtaposed against the emotional grittiness of the song and the barebones stage setting, creating a captivating contrast. Her outfit choice not only enhances her rockstar persona but also symbolizes the balance she maintains between pop aesthetics and rock authenticity. The dichotomy of her polished appearance and the rawness of her vocal delivery adds a theatrical yet deeply grounded feel to the performance.
Throughout the set, Miley’s connection to both the music and the audience is clear. She belts out the lyrics with palpable emotion, and her vocal growls during the climax of the song are especially powerful, capturing the essence of protest and pain that the song embodies. This sense of intensity is something that Miley has honed over the years, allowing her to handle such emotionally heavy material with conviction and maturity, showcasing her evolution from a pop star to a versatile artist capable of commanding a variety of musical styles.
The Cranberries’ approval of Miley’s rendition lends credibility and emotional weight to the performance. When the band publicly praised her cover, noting that their late lead singer Dolores O’Riordan would have been proud, it underscored the authenticity and respect that Miley brought to the song. This acknowledgment from the song’s original creators not only validated Miley’s effort but also linked her performance to the legacy of The Cranberries, offering a bridge between generations and musical genres.
Miley’s shift towards rock is not new but rather part of an ongoing journey to explore her musical range beyond her pop beginnings. Throughout 2020, she has delivered several high-profile rock covers, from Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” to The Beatles’ “Help!,” all of which have demonstrated her vocal versatility and affinity for classic rock elements. These performances highlight a natural progression toward a grungier, more rebellious sound, allowing Miley to express a deeper range of emotions and messages through music that resonates with broader, timeless themes.
The “Save Our Stages Fest” was a crucial backdrop for Miley’s performance. The festival aimed to raise awareness and funds for independent music venues that faced closure due to the pandemic, a cause that Miley supported wholeheartedly. Her performance, delivered with an impassioned plea to preserve such venues, echoed the significance of these spaces in fostering musical talent and culture. This performance, therefore, was not just about music; it was also about advocacy for the survival of live music spaces and the independent artists who depend on them.
The Whiskey a Go Go performance of “Zombie” also cemented Miley’s emerging rock identity. While she maintains elements of her pop background, this performance and others like it showcase her desire to explore deeper, more introspective themes and tackle classic rock songs that have left a lasting impact on the music world. Miley’s vocal approach, stage presence, and stylistic choices reflect an artist embracing evolution, allowing her to explore the emotional depths and rebellious spirit of rock music while retaining her own voice.
By connecting with a song as timeless and politically charged as “Zombie,” Miley Cyrus does more than just cover a classic; she breathes new life into it, carrying its message to new audiences. The performance, laden with passion, energy, and reverence for the original, stands as a testament to Miley’s vocal capabilities, artistic vision, and dedication to meaningful causes, leaving a memorable impression on both rock fans and her own followers alike. The performance marks a turning point in Miley’s career, showing her capacity to meld genres and convey raw, evocative emotion through her music, securing her position as an artist who can pay homage to the past while forging her own path forward.
