Mark Sheehan, co-founder, and guitarist of the Irish rock band The Script has passed away. The 46-year-old died in the hospital on Friday after a brief illness, according to the band’s statement.
Sheehan co-founded the band with vocalist Danny O’Donoghue and percussionist Glen Power in 2001.
According to a statement posted on the band’s social media platforms, Sheehan was a beloved husband, father, brother, bandmate, and friend.
It requested that followers respect his family’s and bandmates’ privacy.
Michael D. Higgins, president of Ireland, described Sheehan as an “outstanding” example of Irish musical triumph on the international stage.
“It was a testament to Mark and his bandmates’ dedication to originality and excellence that they achieved such global success, including six number-one albums in the United Kingdom and a number-three album in the United States – a truly remarkable feat,” he said.
Sheehan’s entertainment industry contemporaries were eager to honor his memory.
Laura Whitmore, an Irish presenter, wrote on Instagram:
“Thinking of you all during this difficult moment.
Mark was one of the kindest and most gifted individuals you could ever encounter.
Kodaline, another Irish rock band, also expressed condolences on Twitter, writing,
“So sorry to hear of Mark Sheehan’s passing.”
In an Instagram tribute, Irish pop duo Jedward wrote,
“Everyone in the Irish music industry and worldwide mourns your loss. RIP Mark, such a talented musician from The Script, one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation.”
Sheehan was born on October 29, 1976, in Mount Brown, The Liberties, Dublin. He was married to Reena Sheehan and had three children with her.
Mark was a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist with a lifelong passion for music.
He was a member of the band Mytown from 1996 to 2001, alongside The Script’s vocalist O’Donoghue.
The Script was founded in 2001 in Dublin by guitarist Sheehan, singer-songwriter O’Donoghue, and percussionist Power.
Upon obtaining a record deal with Sony Music Group, the band relocated to London.
There, they released their debut studio album, “We Cry,” which reached number one in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The band’s subsequent three albums, Science & Faith, #3, and No Sound Without Silence, dominated the album charts in both countries.
In the United States, Science & Faith reached number three, and in Australia, number two.
Since then, the band has continued to tour internationally and release original albums that combine Irish themes with pop-rock elements.
They are known for their heartfelt lyrics, such as “If You Could See Me Now”, which addresses the deaths of vocalist O’Donoghue’s father and both of Sheehan’s parents.
Fans have pondered over the past year why Sheehan took a brief vacation from the stage.
Sheehan missed the US leg of the band’s tour in 2022. O’Donoghue revealed to the press that his bandmate took a hiatus to spend time with his family.
He told Sunday World that the group supported Sheehan’s decision, describing them as “a band of brothers” who “stick together no matter what.”
The Queen visited the BBC’s Broadcasting House in 2013 and witnessed a performance by The Script, after which she briefly conversed with lead vocalist O’Donoghue.
When Sheehan was informed of the royal engagement, he believed “people were playing a joke on us.”
The Script is scheduled to serve as P!nk’s opening act during her European tour later this year.
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