The Script Hit Australia Again And Are Headed For The Big Apple

By Mike Bowen

No kettle this week and no cuppa tea or coffee; this is a celebration week so crack open the bottle of Champagne that you have been holding on to for that special occasion because it has arrived!

They are here in Australia now for the third time and getting bigger and bigger and better and better. It's going to hit New York again on November 4th and 5th. If you hadn't noticed them the last time you were not tuned in to the New World of Music.

They are 'The Script'.

When The Script left Melbourne last year after taking everyone's breath away with their amazing performance I predicted that they would go on to even greater heights and they have.

This time around, they again wooed and won the hearts of the Australians with a combination of masterful hits from their two smash hit albums.

I didn't see one person in the audience who didn't sing along with the lads. They were the Pied Pipers and the audience just followed wherever they wanted to take them as all were consumed in the magic that is The Script.

Hit after hit just floated in the air! It was impossible to pick a favourite as Danny spun his web of magic capturing every heart.

Tears fell all around as he poured his heart out in "We Cry" and contrary to the title "The Man Who Can't be Moved" he proved otherwise with his enormous passion.

"Break Even" is so popular in Australia I don't think I know anyone who can't sing it backwards as they could have on this occasion. Hearing the lads sing their smash hit "For the First Time" for the first time live in Australia almost brought the house down.

Last year when Danny O'Donoghue, Mark Sheehan and Glen Power hit town they set a new benchmark and this time round they shattered that benchmark. They cranked up their performance to exceed all expectations.

When I caught up with the lads on their previous visit I was totally knocked out with their open and honest lay back style.

When interviewed nearly all those in the music industry only ever speak of themselves... Ego, Ego, Ego. That is certainly not the style of The Script. No wonder they have forged such an impressive name in the entertainment world for themselves.

This time it was no different, just a laid back and casual conversation - these lads don't have tickets on themselves!

Is your second number one any less exciting than or surprising as the first?
Mark replies our focus is different now. We try to focus on improving on past performances and look forward rather than compare or worry about past hits.

"For The First Time" lyrically is spot on in relation to modern day Ireland, how did you pick it?
There was nothing magical about this, you just have to look around at the situation, which is everywhere, and we just reflected this in the song.
We hope it gives comfort to people in the situation, as it's not good now at home and the Irish need a lift.

Where do you go now to improve on the quality of lyrics that you have come up with so far?
It is all around us and Ireland is full of stories. Mark says that when his mother passed away the family decided to hold a wake and he was very upset with the idea of it.
When it did take place he found it was a joyous occasion, a celebration of life, not to mourn the dead. There was lots of singing and stories told of events in her life. Typical Irish we always find good things in times of tragedy.

Mick Jagger (The Stones) once said if we last four years it would be fantastic, what's your expectations?
As long as we enjoy playing we will keep playing for however long that may be.

REM are well known for having only one hit on each album and Andrew Lloyd Webber is well known for his shows only having one hit, yet The Script have multiples on their album?
We really don't like to compare with others; we would sooner work on improving what we already do.

This is your third trip Downunder, how does it feel this time?
It's getting more amazing each time.

Are you ever going to have time to have a good look around Australia away from the limelight?
We are back again in April 2011 for a much longer time and we will see all the sights then. Although we did walk up to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday; that was an amazing feat as Mark has a fear of heights so maybe next time we may climb to the top of the Sydney Opera house... that would be awesome!

Where are you based these days?
We sort of float between Dublin and London

Is there any other artist you would want to share the stage with?
Not really, we are comfortable together and have enormous respect for each other's capabilities.

Have you got used to flying business class yet?
To be honest we still pinch ourselves to see if it's real. We are really practical and don't and won't get caught up in all the glamour of things.
We haven't gone and bought expensive cars and things like that. We know nothing comes easy. We are not an overnight success so we have to continue to work hard at our craft.

Do you get the time to see and hear any of the new talent in Ireland and if so who excites you?
Emilda May from The Liberty's is an amazing talent as is The Codes

Where will The Script be on St Patricks Day 2011? It is the 250th anniversary of the parade in New York!
Well we have been in New York for the last two years so I suppose we are going to have to be there again for the 250th anniversary.

I thanked Mark and Glen for giving me so much of their time on such a busy schedule as Danny had just been called away earlier to check the sound check (no rest for a hard working band).

Can you get better than better? Yes you can if you can get to see The Script. As on their previous visits, they did themselves and Ireland proud! Long may they continue to create beautiful music together!

Note that on October 12th tickets went on sale for their April 2011 tour of Australia and, sorry, but if you haven't got yours by now you have already missed the bus.