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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

The Script were preparing for tour before guitarist Mark Sheehan's tragic death at 46

The Script were preparing to go on tour before guitarist's Mark Sheehan's death at 46.

Tributes have poured in for the late musician and dad-of-three, who died in hospital today after a brief illness, the band announced.

The script, made up of Mark, lead singer Danny O' Donoghue and drummer Glen Power had, tragically, been planning on touring once more, and had a busy summer planned with gigs.

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.

Mark (centre) with his bandmates in 2018 (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Just three days ago, the group's Instagram account had shared a picture of Danny backstage, writing in the caption: "Getting ready for tour [microphone emoji] What show are you going to?"

The band were scheduled to perform in June as they are the supporting act for P!nk for the Greater Manchester, Sunderland and Birmingham dates of her tour.

Meanwhile, the group were also set to be supporting Take That in London on July 1.

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'.

The Script were set to go on tour before Mark's death (WireImage)

"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."

Danny, Mark and drummer Glen Power reunited for the Irish leg of their tour, which the The Voice coach described as "magic".

This evening 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 this evening: "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."

He went on: "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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