The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue delivered a heartfelt homage to his late bandmate, Mark Sheehan, on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday.
Speaking during the episode, 43-year-old Danny opened up about The Script’s massive world tour and their latest album, Satellites – their first since 2019.
The conversation took an emotional detour when Danny honoured his fallen bandmate, Mark, who sadly died in 2023 at the age of 46.
Danny emotionally recalled: “Last year was devastating, we lost my best friend and guitarist in the band, Mark, it took us a little while to come out from underneath that. I went down a bit of a hole last year, drinking and trying to get over the grief of your best mate. I gave up drink, alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine. I’m not fun anymore but I’m healthy! Coming into this year as completely sober.”
He continued with the sentiment: “You never really get rid of grief, it’s always there, you just learn to grow around it”, explaining how working on the new album was therapeutic and provided the group a sense of direction, reports the Express.
On coping with his grief, he shared: “It’s in real time, some days are better than others and I guess I’ll come on maybe a show like this and I’ll see pictures. Get shown them all the time, it’s both heartbreaking but also a great testament. People remember him in such a way and he touched so many people’s lives around the world. It’s beautiful.”
Discussing their latest album and tour, Danny shared: “Such a shame he’s not here to see it, I know he’s looking down and he’s happy”, and revealed that the new album is dedicated to Mark.
The Script was formed in 2001 by Mark along with lead singer Danny and drummer Glen Power. The group publicly announced Mark’s passing last year after a short illness.
At the time of his death, the band released a heartfelt statement: “Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness,” adding, “The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
BBC Breakfast is on BBC One weekdays at 6am and on BBC iPlayer