G'Day From Downunder

Time again to plug the kettle in for a cuppa and a chat! Oh how I love being right with my predictions! My second biggest prediction after announcing the GFC was that the three wise men of Irish birth known as The Script would now be gathering more moss than the biggest rolling stone that you could imagine.

The first time I heard them I predicted that they would go on to make a huge impact on the world stage. Yes, yes, yes I love it, dare I say I told you so! Those wonderful lads who craft out the most beautiful of beautiful lyrics and melodies hit the Australian shores again. All their concerts in all our cities were sold out as soon as the tour was announced last year. Oh God, how I get goose pimples when I see real good talent and it sure adds a whole lot more spice when they are Irish.

How lucky are we Irish? Not only do we have beauty in every corner of Ireland we also have an abundance of talent and the Script sits there on top just like the cream on an Irish coffee.

The security team that now surrounds them and their entourage is a good indication of their success. I was due to meet with Glen Power and Mark Sheehan to have a catch up chat. As I arrived there was a lot of commotion going on. I heard someone say that a driver was required to take someone to a doctor or a hospital; then Glen came over to explain the driver was required for himself. He had a sore throat and was losing his voice. He apologised for his impending absence and that Mark would bring me up to date with what was happening. He no sooner had the words out of his mouth when Mark beckoned my photographer son, Emmett and myself into the quiet dressing room. By the way, Glen recovered sufficiently and performed that night.

Mark greeted us with a warm Irish welcome and a big smile. "Great to see you again lads." We gave him copies of previous reports I did about them together with some toy kangaroos, mementos of their trip Downunder. At last catch up we gave them koalas. Mark told us he keeps the previous articles of mine on the band in his scrapbook and that cheers Emmett up to no end as he was the photographer on each of the occasions. Emmett said "how good is that? I have your CDs and you have my photographs."

We then had a question and answer session.

"Mark I heard the Australian government are going to give the band clocking cards as you come here now so often; there is also a rumour that you maybe getting citizenship here?"

"Yes we are here a lot because we love it here and we feel the Australians are like the Irish, always on for a good time".

I jokingly tell him they must be getting huge down here now that I have to be "ushered in" to meet him.

"Ah go on now Mike we may be getting bigger but we never lose touch with reality."

"Mark, I was in Dublin on March 12 for your final show to experience the amazing reception The Script received after your three concert sell out at The Point O2 stadium. Does life get any better?"

"Yea it does, we are doing the Aviva Stadium there in June and that should be something else."

"How are your schedules now, have you any leisure time?"

"I wish we had, we are booked solid for the foreseeable future."

"How is your second album 'Science and Faith' doing?"

"It has now outsold the first album so we are very happy with that."

"Is a third album on the drawing board yet?"

"Well yes, while we don't have time to be in a studio now, with modern technology we are able to do a lot of preparation work on the road."

"How were the Perth and Adelaide concerts?"

"It is so satisfying to see the crowds get bigger and bigger; the Aussies are so interactive it adds to the atmosphere on the night."

"Tonight and tomorrow you are here in Melbourne and playing in one of Australia's most historical venues. Your predecessors were The Beatles, Ray Charles, Don McLean, Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton just to name a few. Now The Script add their names to the history of this iconic stadium. How good is that?"

"It's an honour for us to be able to join this list of amazing artist and it shows we have come a long way."

"Your next stops are Sydney and Brisbane?"

"Yes, it's full on and all sell out gigs again for us. It's always a thrill to be playing to full houses."

"The Script are now riding on a high wave and Ireland is on the verge of drowning"

"Yea you're right! But the Irish are a resilient lot they won't let the current situation get them down. Ireland is a nation of fighters; she may have taken a few punches but is far from being knocked out."

The Script continues to woo more and more Aussie fans with their impressive charismatic stage performance and their honest lyrics that reach out to touch everyone souls. Mark thank you and the lads for always sharing time with us; may success always be The Script's fourth member.

Back in October 6, 2009 I wrote of their then tour of Australia...

I swear Christmas came early this year to Australia and no one complained; it came in the form of three wise men, not from the East but from a tiny country in the northern hemisphere that is constantly blasted by the Atlantic Seas; a country with an enormous history of bards and scribes and in modern days, haemorrhaging good music.

But this time this tiny little country has made its history of those past glories pale into insignificance; this tiny little country. Where else but Ireland the three wise men? Who else but The Script! They came, they saw and they totally blew Australia apart like no other band before them.

They blew Australia apart with their charisma, their music, and their meticulous lyrics that cut into the hearts of everyone. It's not just me getting emotional or gooey. I have seen heard and hung out with the best of them and I can tell you if you compare the music industry to a painter's ladder The Script sits on the top rung and all the rest are scattered beneath.

Musically they are clinical tight. Visually they are dynamic. Lyrically they are in tune with life. The benchmark for years was U2 and too many other artists to mention, but all that changes now because The Script has raised the bar to an enormous height that

I don't think any of the other modern artists can reach.

They now hold the number one mantel.

I said it before and I'm glad I said it, because you can't get enough of a good thing. The Script frightens me because I seem to have said everything about them but they just keep getting better. When they next hit our shores and they blast Australia apart again as I know they will. I don't know how to give them anymore than 10 out of 10. Be warned don't, don't, don't miss them when they come your way.

Until I talk to you again be good to those who love you and Slainte from Downunder.

You can catch me on mike@globefins.com.au