Mark Sheehan's Death Leads to The Script's 'Hardest Year' Yet, Band Members Admit

The Script surviving members reflected on losing Mark Sheehan as they thanked fans for supporting them during the hardest year.

On April 14, The Script lost its member Sheehan, 46, after his brief battle with an undisclosed illness. He famously formed the band 2001 alongside frontman Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.

Months after the loss, the band remembered its lead guitarist in a heartfelt New Year's Eve message to their fans.

The Script Went Through The Hardest Year

On X, O'Donoghue and Power wrote a letter to greet everyone with a Happy New Year. At the same time, the pair looked back at the things that happened in 2023, which made the year hard.

"This year has been the hardest year for us as a band but playing out this summer and having the support of The Script Family has meant the world to both of us," it said. "We couldn't have done it without you."

The pair honored Sheehan after his death in another message, calling the late member a "much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend."

Before his death, Sheehan missed The Script's tour in the U.S. after needing to take a break and spend time with his family. He performed with them again in several stops in Ireland.

In June, O'Donoghue - who had been friends with Sheehan since they were 12 - uploaded a video of a candle alongside a heartwarming caption.

"We need to be one big family right now, so we're switching off our personal accounts for a while ahead of the shows," he told the fans.

The Script launched its career in August 2008 through the debut album that featured its early hits like "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" and "Breakeven."

After Sheehan's death, Irish President Michael D. Higgins praised The Script's excellence and sent condolences to the guitarist's family.

Sheehan is survived by his wife, Rina Sheehan, and their three children. He was already a professional musician before the founding of The Script, and he debuted as a musician under the boy band MyTown with O'Donoghue.

The Script released more hit albums, including "Science & Faith," "#3," No Sound Without Silence," "Freedom Child," and "Sunsets & Full Moons."

In the years leading to Sheehan's death, they also worked on their song, "I Want It All," and the greatest hits album, "Tales from the Script: Greatest Hits."

READ MORE: Jeff Bridges Cancer Battle Update: 'Iron Man' Star Wants To Tour With His Band After Health Issue