The Script co-founder and guitarist Mark Sheehan has died after a brief illness. He was 46.
The musician’s death was announced on Friday (14 April) by the Irish rock band from their official social media channels.
“Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” the statement said.
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Last year, Sheehan missed the US leg of the group’s tour. At the time, The Script’s frontman Danny O’Donoghue told Sunday World that Sheehan’s leave was due to family commitments.
“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,” the singer and keyboardist said.
Formed in 2001 by Sheehan, O’Donoghue and drummer Glen Power, the three-piece indie-rock band released their eponymous debut album in August 2008, which featured the hit singles “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven”.
The Script topped both the UK and Irish music charts.
Years later, they released their 2012 single “Hall of Fame” featuring rapper will.i.am, which went on to become their highest-charting single to date. It landed as No 1 in the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Europe, and Austria, and charted across more than 30 different countries.
Several of their songs have been featured in popular TV programmes, including 90210, Ghost Whisperer, EastEnders, Made in Chelsea and The Vampire Diaries.
The Script have won three Meteor Ireland Music Awards and two World Music Awards, and have been nominated two times for Brit Awards.
Their latest releases include their third acoustic EP in 2022, titled Acoustic Session 3 , followed shortly by 2022 single “Dare You to Doubt Me”.
