Mark Sheehan: The script guitarist and co-founder dies at the age of 46
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Tributes have poured in from across the music industry following the death of The Script co-founder and guitarist Mark Sheehan.
The Irish musician died after a short illness at the age of 46.
“Beloved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a short illness,” the band said in a statement on Friday (April 14).
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue and Sheehan were best friends growing up in Dublin before forming the rock band in 2001 alongside drummer Glen Power.
They released their eponymous debut album in August 2008, which included the hit singles “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven.”
After six studio albums, the band released a greatest hits compilation album in 2021.
Scroll down for live updates and tributes to Sheehan as they arrive.
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Why did Sheehan take a career break?
Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue announced last year that Sheehan took a break from The Script’s US tour to spend time with his family.
“It’s his story to tell, but yeah, I think if I could paraphrase it, his kids needed a father and his wife needed a husband,” the singer said.
“He’s been the engine of The Script for so long [I told him] “If you would like to take some time with your family, you are welcome to do so and I insist that you go and do it.”
He added that the group is supportive, describing them as “a group of brothers” who “stick together no matter what.”
Ellie Harrison15. April 2023 10:42 am
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Irish President releases statement on Sheehan’s death
Irish President Michael D. Higgins has released a statement on Sheehan’s death.
It said: “All who knew Mark Sheehan, and millions more who enjoyed and appreciated his music, will have been profoundly shocked to learn of his untimely death.
“It was a mark of the originality and excellence that Mark and his bandmates aspired to in The Script that they had such success around the world, including six number one albums in the UK and one number three album in the United States – a truly remarkable achievement.
“It was a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to moderate Mark and The Script when they performed as part of my initiative Glaoch – The President’s Call in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2013, which showcased Irish creativity and its reach and impact everywhere the world celebrated.
“Through their music, Mark and The Script have played a vital role in continuing and promoting this proud tradition of Irish musical success around the world.
“While Mark will be missed by so many, it is of course his family who will suffer the greatest loss. May I extend my deepest sympathy to Mark’s wife Rina, his children Cameron, Avery and Lil, his bandmates from The Script and all his family and friends.”
The President concluded with an Irish phrase, “suaimhneas síoraí dá anam,” meaning “eternal peace to his soul.”
Ellie Harrison15. April 2023 09:30
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Ella Henderson pays long tribute to Sheehan
Singer Ella Henderson posted a heartfelt tribute to Sheehan on her Instagram after news of his death broke.
The former X Factor contestant shared photos of her with The Script and Sheehan alongside the caption, “Mark I’m absolutely devastated. No one will ever be able to match the energy you had on stage and the hilarious banter you had backstage.
“I just want to take a moment for all of us to share our love and appreciation for Mark Sheehan. A true rock star who should be remembered for the love and light he brought to this earth! may you be at peace May your music live on forever.
She continued, “Sending soooo much love to Mark’s family and close friends and of course my Irish brothers @thescriptofficial…I know the last video is the best quality…but I wanted to share with you all how this man has it all.” given and ran around on that stage every night of the tour. You owned it Mark. I will always remember you like this. Love..your northern lil sister xxx Ella xxxxxx.”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 08:24
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Laura Whitmore plays tribute
Former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore was among the celebrities who commented on Sheehan’s death on Instagram.
Whitmore commented on The Script’s announcement post: “Thinking of you all now. Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet x.”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 07:20
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Hozier offers his condolences
Irish hitmaker Hozier shared his love for The Script on Instagram. Hozier – real name Andrew Hozier-Byrne – commented on the post announcing Sheehan’s death: “So sad to hear about this. Thinking of you all and Mark’s family right now and sending love. Sincere condolences to you all.”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 06:23
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Was a cause of death given?
All we know so far is that Sheehan passed away in hospital after a “brief illness.” He was 46.
No further information was provided and the band have asked for “privacy at this tragic time”.
Tom Murray15. April 2023 05:20
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Fans share memories of Sheehan
Many fans responded to The Script’s announcement with their own anecdotes from meeting Sheehan.
“I am so disappointed to read this!!! I met you all in DUBAI about 10 years ago and we had the best night!! He keeps laughing, he was such a nice guy!! RIP Mark,” one fan wrote alongside a photo from the night.
“Heartbroken. I can never thank Mark enough for everything he has done for me over the years. Thinking of you all!” wrote another.
Someone else shared a selfie with the guitarist with the caption: “Oh wow he was so amazing. I will never forget meeting him in 2011!”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 04:25
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Kodaline’s tribute to Sheehan
Fellow Irish rockers Kodaline were among the very first people to respond to The Script’s statement.
The band wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to hear of the passing of Mark Sheehan! We have been very fortunate to spend time in his company over the years and he has always been such a lovely man! Deepest condolences to his family and his @thescript brothers.”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 03:26
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The Independent’s Roisin O’Connor recalls that The Script was “everywhere”.
The Independent’s music director Roisin O’Connor shared her tribute to Sheehan on Twitter, writing, “Script was EVERYWHERE in the 2010s, you couldn’t watch teen drama series or turn on the radio without hearing one of their songs.” She wrote. “A lot of that was thanks to Mark Sheehan – great hooks, beautiful rich guitar tones. Damned.”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 02:23
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Why did Sheehan take a career break?
O’Donoghue told the Sunday World last year that Sheehan took a break from The Script’s US tour to spend time with his family.
“It’s his story to tell, but yeah, I think if I could paraphrase it, his kids needed a father and his wife needed a husband,” the singer said.
“He’s been the engine of The Script for so long [I told him] that “if you want to take some time with your family, you are welcome to do so and I insist that you go and do it.”
He added that the group is supportive, describing them as “a group of brothers” who “stick together no matter what.”
Tom Murray15. April 2023 01:24