The Script, the Irish rock band, confirmed via an Instagram post what their fans had feared for a while: Mark Sheehan, the co-founder, and guitarist, passed away at the age of 46 after a brief illness.
The band announced that he died in the hospital on Friday, April 14.
The post stated that Mark Sheehan was a much-loved husband, father, brother, bandmate, and friend, and asked the fans to respect the family’s and group’s privacy during this tragic time.
Fans had been wondering about Mark Sheehan’s absence from the stage over the last year.
He had missed the US leg of the band’s tour in 2022, which lead singer Danny O’Donoghue explained as taking time off to spend with his family. The cause of death has not been revealed.
The Script was formed in Dublin in 2001 with Sheehan as a guitarist, O’Donoghue as a singer-songwriter, and Glen Power as a drummer.
The band moved to London after signing with Sony Music Group. That’s where they released their debut eponymous album and singles such as We Cry, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, Breakeven, and Before The Worst.
Three chart-topping albums – Science & Faith, #3, and No Sound Without Silence – followed. Their fifth album Freedom Child was released in 2017. Their sixth album Sunsets & Full Moons were in 2019. A Greatest Hits compilation album was launched in 2021.
Tributes from celebrities have poured in, especially from fellow Irish artists. Hozier wrote: “So saddened to hear about this. Thinking of you all and of Mark’s family right now and sending love. Sincere condolences to you all.”
Sheehan leaves behind wife Rina Sheehan, who is from Texas, and three children.