The Script bassist Ban Sargeant has paid an emotional tribute to guitarist Mark Sheehan following his death aged 46.
Guitarist Mark died in hospital after a “brief illness,” the band announced on Friday.
Bassist Ben took to social media on Sunday night, where he penned a heartbreaking eulogy in which he admitted he was “struggling with words!”.
The devastated musician praised his late friend for being “extremely loyal” and an “extremely gifted artist”.
Ben shared a picture of his tribute on both Twitter and Instagram, captioning it, “Rest in Peace Mark Sheehan.”
Devastated: The Script’s bassist Ban Sargeant has paid an emotional tribute to guitarist Mark Sheehan after he died aged 46
Paying tribute: The devastated musician praised his late friend for being “extremely loyal” and an “extremely gifted artist”.
Sad news: Script guitarist Mark Sheehan (right) has passed away after a “brief illness” and the band announced the sad news on Friday (pictured with Ben Sargeant in 2020).
Ben wrote: “This is so hard to write. Trouble finding words that are good enough. What can I say about a man who was a life changing influence on me and everyone around him.
“An extremely loyal and devoted family man, husband, father, brother, friend. A man who showed me that perseverance, faith, dedication and hard work pays off in the music industry!
“A man who kept putting a new perspective on a situation and inspired you to find a new way of approaching it.
“A man who could put lyrics together in a way that made it feel like he was speaking to you directly.
“An extremely gifted performer who could disarm the greatest pressure to perform by walking over mid-song with a knowing look or a cheeky smile.
“Or just take the shit out of you! A man who worked tirelessly and was more ambitious than anyone I know.
“A man who played as hard as he worked and loved to sit up, shoot the breeze and make you roar with laughter no matter how tired or jet lagged we were.
“Yes, what should I say…? I can say: I am honored to have known you and shared this time with you, thank you for everything you have done for me.
“I will miss you terribly and will never forget you. Loving You. See you at the big bar in heaven bro.”
RIP: His shocked death was announced on the Irish band’s official Facebook page on Friday, two weeks after the group’s (LR) Mark Sheehan, Danny O’Donoghue and Glen Joseph’s final performance of 2019 was announced
Heartbreak: The father-of-three was living in America with wife Rina (pictured) and it has been reported that his ‘completely devastated’ bandmates are busy making flight plans for family and friends
The shock of The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan was announced on The Script’s official Facebook page on Friday, two weeks after the group’s final performance was announced.
It comes after The Script drummer Glen Power, 44, told Sunday World: “It’s such a devastating loss for us, his family and everyone close to us.”
“We had a connection that is very rare. We spent more time together than any other couple. We are shocked, there are no words.’
The Irish band’s statement read: “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a short illness.”
It continued, “The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
The father-of-three lived in America with his wife Rina, with the Sunday World reporting that his “completely devastated” bandmates are busy making flight plans for family and friends.
Mark made time for the band and missed concerts for almost a year in 2021 to spend more time with his family.
“His kids needed a father and his wife needed a husband,” lead singer Danny O’Donoghue, 42, told the publication.
RIP: Their statement reads, “Much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a short illness.”
Family man: Mark (left) took time off from the band and missed gigs for almost a year in 2021 to spend more time with his family
He went on to say it was the “best thing that could have happened” and the musician returned to the trio “refreshed”.
He also told the newspaper that his pal is “the perfect songwriting partner” as the pair have collaborated on a slew of hits.
The group formed in Dublin in 2001 with Mark on guitar, Glen Power on drums and Danny on vocals.
They have sold 20 million records worldwide, including The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, For The First Time, We Cry and Hall of Fame.
In late March it was reported that the group were due to play The Halls in Wolverhampton in June.
Danny added in his 2022 chat about the group’s release of the single Dare You To Doubt Me that it’s about spreading positivity in a dark world.
He added: “With everything that’s going on in the world, we want to spread a positive message that no matter how difficult things are, we’re all going to come out the other end bigger, better and stronger. Do not think so? Well, I dare you to doubt me!’
Danny and Mark wrote the tune around the opening days of the group’s arena tour last summer with co-writers and collaborators Jimbo Barry and David Lucius King, and Toby Gad, the songwriter behind John Legend’s All Of Me, Beyoncé’s “If I Were” . a young’.
Buddy: Danny (left) said his buddy is “the perfect songwriting partner” as the pair have collaborated on a slew of hits.
Band: The group formed in Dublin in 2001 with Mark on guitar, Glen Power on drums and Danny on vocals
In 2021, James Arthur settled a copyright lawsuit with the band over his hit song Say You Won’t Let Go.
The former X Factor star faced legal action from the Irish band after they claimed the song was “too similar” to their 2008 chart-topping The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.
According to The Mirror, the terms of the settlement are unknown after both sides agreed not to speak publicly about the deal.
Web reached out to representatives from James and The Script for comment at the time.
Although the exact terms of the settlement are unknown, The Script frontman Danny and the band’s guitarist Mark were added as songwriters for James’ most popular song.