The Script admit bandmate's tragic death led to 'hardest year' as a band

01 January 2024 , 17:53

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The Script admit bandmate's tragic death led to 'hardest year' as a band

The Script have admitted that 2023 has been a difficult year for the band and have thanked fans for their support during their "hardest year".

The chart-topping band were dealt a tragic blow in April when lead guitarist and band co-founder Mark Sheehan passed away in hospital following a brief, undisclosed illness. The death of the father of three has precipitated a difficult few months as the remaining bandmates get to grips with the sad news.

The band shared a message to fans on New Year's Eve after remaining band members Danny O'Donoghue and Glen Power continued to perform together through the summer. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the band shared: "This year has been the hardest year for us as a band but playing out this summer and having the support of The Script Family has meant the world to both of us. We couldn't have done it without you."

Danny O'Donoghue, Mark Sheehan and Glen Power of The Script (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

They added to the post with a photo of Danny and Glen raising a glass to fans as they wished them a Happy New Year. It will be a busy few months ahead for the band as they will be special guests on Pink's tour of the United States.

It was in support of Pink that The Script played their first show after Mark died at the age of 46. As Danny and Glen took to the stage at the University Of Bolton Stadium, they paid an emotional tribute to Mark, admitting that their lives have been torn apart since his devastating passing.

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The Script paid tribute to band member and co-founder Mark Sheehan during their set ((Credit Dave Hogan / Hogan Media))

“Three months ago we lost our beautiful best friend, guitarist from the Script, Mr Mark Sheen,” an emotional Danny said as he addressed the crowd. “We’ve had some of the worst times in our entire lives and we wouldn’t be able to get through it if it wasn’t for The Script family and people like yourselves, sending us incredible messages. He was looking so forward to coming out to do these stadium tours so we’re dedicating this next song to him.

"It’s a song called If You Can See Me Now," Danny shared before he broke out into song. Danny had previously described Mark as "the engine of The Script", during an interview with Sunday World in May 2022. He said: "It's his story to tell, but yeah, I guess if I could paraphrase, his children needed a father and his wife needed a husband. He's been the engine of The Script for such a long time, [I told him] that 'if you want to take a bit of time out for your family you are more than welcome to, and I insist on you going and doing it'.

"He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed, then you come back with a new zest for life. And I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us."

James Brinsford