The Script were preparing to go on tour before guitarist's Mark Sheehan's death at 46 in April.
Tonight, Mark's bandmates Danny O'Donoghue and Glen Power, paid tribute to their late friend as they supported US singer Pink on her tour in Bolton as they dedicated their chart-topping song, If You Could See Me Now, to their beloved bandmate.
Late musician and dad-of-three Mark died at the age of 46 in hospital in early April after a brief illness.
As Danny and Glen took to the stage tonight at the University Of Bolton Stadium, where the The Script were supporting American act Pink, they paid an emotional tribute to Mark, admitting that their lives have been torn apart since his devastating passing.
“Three months ago we lost our beautiful best friend, guitarist from the Script, Mr Mark Sheen,” an emotional Danny said as he addressed the crowd.
“We’ve had some of the worst times in our entire lives and we wouldn’t be able to get through it if it wasn’t for The Script family and people like yourselves, sending us incredible messages.
"He was looking so forward to coming out to do these stadium tours so we’re dedicating this next song to him.
"It’s a song called If You Can See Me Now," Danny shared before he broke out into song.
The emotional performance drew tears from many fans in the audience as they took a few moments to remember all the wonder of Mark.
The Script trio had been planning on touring once more, and had a busy summer planned with gigs ahead before Mark passed after a brief illness.
They were also set to be supporting Take That in London on July 1.
Known for songs such as The Man Who Can't Be Moved, Breakeven and Hall of Fame, The Script last year embarked on a greatest hits tour, although Mark did not take part in the American leg due to family commitments.
The Script first formed in 2001, with Mark being one of the group's founding members.
Mark, Danny and Glen moved to London after signing with Sony Label Group and released their debut self-titled album in 2008.
Danny described Mark as "the engine of The Script", when explaining why he missed out on the band's American leg of their tour.
"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," Danny told Sunday World in May 2022.
"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'.
"He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed, then you come back with a new zest for life.
"And I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us."
In April, the band announced Mark's death on Twitter, with a statement which read: "Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness."
Irish president Michael D Higgins led tributes to Mark, saying at the time: "All those who knew Mark Sheehan, and those millions more who enjoyed and appreciated his music, will have been deeply shocked to hear of his too-early death."
"Through their music, Mark and The Script have played an outstanding part in continuing and promoting this proud tradition of Irish musical success across the world."
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