Mark Sheehan, the co-founder and guitarist of the Irish pop-rock band The Script, died on April 14, 2023, at the age of 46. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and fellow musicians, who paid tribute to his talent and legacy. But what was the cause of his death? Did he die of cancer, as some speculated? Here is what we know so far.
A Brief Illness
According to a statement posted on the band’s social media pages, Sheehan died in hospital following a brief illness. The statement did not specify what kind of illness he had or how long he had been suffering from it. It only described him as a “much loved husband, father, brother, bandmate and friend” and asked for privacy for his family and bandmates.
The lack of details about his illness led to some speculation among fans and media outlets that he might have had cancer. Cancer is a disease that can be detected late and progress rapidly, leading to death in a short period of time. Some also pointed out that Sheehan had taken a break from the band’s US tour last year to spend time with his family, which could have been related to his health condition.
However, there is no clear evidence or confirmation that Sheehan had cancer or any other terminal disease. His bandmate and childhood friend Danny O’Donoghue said in an interview last year that Sheehan’s decision to take time off was because “his children needed a father and his wife needed a husband” and that he had been “the engine of The Script for such a long time”. O’Donoghue also said that he supported Sheehan’s choice and that it was “his story to tell”.
A Gifted Musician
Sheehan was born on October 29, 1976, in Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in the Liberties area of the city and developed a passion for music from a young age. He started playing guitar when he was 12 and joined his first band when he was 14. He met O’Donoghue when they were teenagers and they formed a close friendship based on their shared love of music.
Sheehan was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was involved in various musical projects before achieving fame with The Script. He was a member of the boy band Mytown, which was signed to Universal Records in New York in the late 1990s. He also worked as a producer and songwriter for other artists, such as Peter Andre, Boyz II Men, TLC, and Britney Spears.
In 2001, he co-founded The Script with O’Donoghue and drummer Glen Power. The band moved to London after signing a record deal with Sony Music Group. They released their self-titled debut album in 2008, which reached number one in both Ireland and the UK. The album spawned several hit singles, such as “We Cry”, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, and “Breakeven”.
The Script went on to achieve international success with their subsequent albums: Science & Faith (2010), #3 (2012), No Sound Without Silence (2014), Freedom Child (2017), and Sunsets & Full Moons (2019). They sold over 20 million records worldwide and won several awards, including three Meteor Music Awards, two World Music Awards, an American Music Award, and an Ivor Novello Award.
Sheehan was widely regarded as a talented and versatile musician who contributed greatly to the band’s sound and style. He played various instruments, such as guitar, piano, bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, and percussion. He also co-wrote most of the band’s songs with O’Donoghue, drawing inspiration from their personal experiences and emotions.
Some of their songs addressed topics such as love, loss, grief, hope, and resilience. For example, “If You Could See Me Now” was dedicated to Sheehan’s parents and O’Donoghue’s father, who all died within two years of each other. “For the First Time” was about the impact of the global financial crisis on their homeland. “Hall of Fame” was an uplifting anthem that featured rapper will.i.am.
Sheehan was also known for his energetic and charismatic performances on stage. He often interacted with the audience and encouraged them to sing along with him. He also displayed his sense of humor and wit during interviews and social media posts. He was described by many as a kind, generous, humble, and down-to-earth person who cared deeply about his family, friends, fans, and causes.
A Huge Loss
Sheehan’s death has left a huge void in the music industry and in the hearts of many people who admired and loved him. His wife Reena, whom he married in 2006, and his three children, aged 15, 13, and 10, are mourning his loss along with his brother and sister, his bandmates, and his extended family and friends.
Many celebrities and musicians have also expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Sheehan’s legacy. Some of them include Laura Whitmore, Kodaline, Jedward, Niall Horan, Ronan Keating, The Coronas, The Script’s former manager James Cassidy, and Ireland’s president Michael D. Higgins.
Higgins said that Sheehan was an “outstanding” example of Irish musical success on the world stage and that he had “made an immense contribution to Irish music”. He also praised Sheehan’s “originality and excellence” and his “remarkable achievement” with The Script.
Sheehan’s fans have also shared their grief and gratitude for his music and personality. They have posted messages, photos, videos, and artworks on social media platforms using hashtags such as #RIPMarkSheehan, #ThankYouMarkSheehan, and #TheScriptFamily. They have also organized online vigils, fundraisers, and tributes to honor his memory and support his family.
Sheehan’s funeral was held on April 18 in a private ceremony attended by his close relatives and friends. His bandmates O’Donoghue and Power performed a song in his honor. His coffin was draped with an Irish flag and a guitar. He was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.
Mark Sheehan was a talented musician, a loving husband and father, a loyal friend, and a wonderful human being. He touched the lives of millions of people with his music and his spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. He will always be remembered as a legend of The Script.
