The guitarist for popular Irish band The Script, Mark Sheenan, has died at the age of 46 after a short illness.
In a statement on their social media pages, the band said: “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheenan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness.
“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Sheehan was a much loved member of The Script, who were formed in Dublin back in 2001.
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Some of their more successful songs include 'The Man Who Can’t be Moved', 'For The First Time' and 'Hall of Fame'.
Sheehan was a father of three, spending much of his time in the US with his wife Rina, who he had been married to since he was 25.
While no reports about his illness have been disclosed, Sheehan has been a notable missing part of the band, as he missed nearly a year of gigs in 2021 and the start of 2022.
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However, he did reunite with his colleagues and friends last summer for concerts in their home city of Dublin while also playing for fans in Cork and Belfast.
Speaking about Sheehan's absences from gigs last year, frontman Danny O’Donoghue told the Sunday World: "His children needed a father and his wife needed a husband.
"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."
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Their first album, The Script, debuted at number one in both the UK and Irish charts in 2008, with the debut single 'We Cry' taking the number fifteen spot in the UK charts.
And they achieved similar success with their second studio album, Science and Faith, which was released in 2010, followed by their third album, appropriately named #3, hit the second spot in 2012.
Their songs have even made it onto popular programmes like Eastenders, Made In Chelsea, and 90210.
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The Script were actually due to support Pink! on her upcoming European tour, which is due to start in Bolton on 7 June.
Topics: Music
Callum Jones