The Script's Mark Sheehan dies aged 46
The band's official social media confirmed the news that Mark (centre) has died.
Mark Sheehan, guitarist and co-founder of The Script, has died after "a brief illness". He was 46.
The band's official social media accounts confirmed the tragic news this evening.
“Much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away in hospital after a brief illness," the statement read.
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time."
The guitarist was married to Rina Sheehan and they had three children together.
Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness. The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/6HaShCk8l4
— the script (@thescript) April 14, 2023
The guitarist had been missing from some of the band's gigs last year, with lead singer and childhood best friend Danny O'Donoghue confirming the father of three had taken time out in an interview with the last May.
"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 said.
"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".
President Michael D Higgins led tributes to the Dublin guitarist saying that he was deeply shocked to learn of the 46-year-old's too-soon death.
"It was a mark of the originality and excellence that Mark and his bandmates in The Script sought that they saw such success across the world, including six number one albums in the UK and a number three album in the United States – a truly remarkable achievement," President Higgins said.
The President applauded Mark and his bandmates for the outstanding part they have played in promoting the proud tradition of musical success across the world.
"While Mark will be missed by so many, it is his family who will of course experience the greatest loss.
"May I extend my deepest sympathies to Mark’s wife Rina, to his children Cameron, Avery and Lil, to his bandmates in The Script, and to all his family and friends.”
Tributes have been flooding in for the Liberties musician, with broadcaster Laura Whitmore writing, “Thinking of you all at this time. Mark was one of the nicest and most talented men you could meet x.”
Cork musician Lyra added, "So sorry to hear this. Sending so much love."
Conor Donohoe of Wild Youth paid tribute saying: "I'm truly heartbroken, Mark helped me become who I am today. He believed in me and Wild Youth more than we did ourselves.
"And gave us all the time in the world. I'm so honoured to have known you."
Despite their huge success and record sales, songwriter and creative force, Sheehan, always knew the importance of staying true to himself.
In an interview with the , he said: "I live in a local terrace house. I drink in my local pub. It's important you don't lose yourself."
Friends since a young age, O’Donoghue and Sheehan were briefly members of the boy-band Mytown. They were signed to a multimillion deal in an era when groups such as Westlife and ‘N Sync ruled the world.
However, a few months later, boy-bands were over. Before they had even released a note of music, Mytown were on the scrapheap.
In their early 20s, O’Donoghue and Sheehan were in danger of becoming yesterday’s men. Believing a change of landscape was in order, they hooked up with drummer Glen Power and moved to America, where they got to know super-producer Pharrell Williams. He invited them to his recording studio at Virginia Beach (the largest city in the state of Virginia).
The Script picked up a great deal from their time with Pharrell. But staying in America was expensive.
Soon they were back in Dublin, jamming in a rehearsal studio — a shed really — on St James’ Street, close to where Sheehan had grown up.
Signing to Sony Records, in 2008 they played their first show, at Dublin’s tiny Sugar Club.
However, their debut album was an immediate hit.
Just three years later, they were performing to 50,000 people at the Aviva Stadium.
The Script are scheduled to support the American artist P!nk during her European tour later this year.
