The Cranberries, the iconic Irish rock band, has filed a lawsuit against Island Records and Universal Music Group in Manhattan federal court, claiming millions in unpaid digital streaming royalties.

A 2021 audit by Prager Metis revealed significant discrepancies in royalty payments, particularly from international Spotify streams compared to U.S. streams. The audit found Island Records was paying the band only 60% of revenue received from foreign distributors, maintaining a 40% fee traditionally used for marketing, promotion, and distribution costs.

The band argues this arrangement is outdated since streaming platforms now handle these services, with Spotify taking a 30% cut. The Cranberries suggest a 10% fee would be more reasonable in today's digital landscape.

Additionally, the lawsuit addresses video streaming royalties, particularly from YouTube. The band claims they've received only $930,676 of the $4.9 million they believe they're entitled to after YouTube's 40% cut.

The total compensation sought amounts to $5.2 million:

• $1.5 million for streaming royalty underpayment
• $3.7 million for video streaming revenue discrepancies
• Additional pre-judgment interest and court costs

This isn't the first time The Cranberries have pursued legal action against UMG, with previous lawsuits filed in 2000 and 2003, though both were later withdrawn. The current lawsuit accuses the company of breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

The band, which disbanded following lead singer Dolores O'Riordan's death in 2018, achieved significant success with their music, notably with their hit "Zombie" becoming the first video by an Irish act to reach one billion YouTube views in 2020.

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