Musician Mark Sheehan took time out from The Script's US tour last year in order to spend more time with his family, bandmate Danny O'Donoghue previously revealed.
On Friday the Irish band broke the news that Mark had died at the age of 46 following a 'sudden illness'', leaving behind his wife of 17 years Rina Sheehan and three children.
Following the tragic news, an interview The Script's lead singer Danny gave explaining why Mark had withdrew from the band's tour last year has resurfaced.
Danny told The Sunday World in May 2022, "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."
Heaping praise on the guitarist, Danny described Mark as being 'the engine of The Script for such a long time' and 'the perfect songwriting partner.'
Danny said that despite he and fellow bandmate Glen Power having to go alone for the US dates, they fully supported Mark's decision.
"I told him, "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 went on: "[Mark] took some 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."
Danny said he and drummer Glen continued as a two piece, "but the second we all get back in the room again for the Irish tour you just sit there and go there's the f***ing magic."
Mark's death was announced on The Scripts social media pages on Friday leaving fans bereft.
The statement read: “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” it said.
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Tributes have been paid to founding The Script member Mark, with Irish president Michael D Higgins also paying his respects.
President Higgins praised The Script’s “originality and excellence” as he honoured the late star’s memory.
In a lengthy statement, he also hailed him as an “outstanding” example of Irish “musical success” on the world stage.
“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,” the president said.
“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.
“It was a great honour and a privilege when I had the opportunity of hosting Mark and The Script when they performed at Aras an Uachtarain in 2013 as part of my initiative Glaoch – The President’s Call, which celebrated Irish creativity and its reach and impact across the world.
“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.
“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.”
