The Script: The Story of Dublin's Biggest Pop Rock Band

By Chris Kennedy | Published 8th Nov, 2026

Few Irish bands have enjoyed the kind of international success that The Script have achieved. From their early days in Dublin to selling out arenas around the world, the band have built a career on emotional lyrics, catchy melodies and massive singalong choruses. Along the way, they've also faced their share of heartbreak.

Formation

The story of The Script began in Dublin in 2001, when childhood friends Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan began working together on music. The pair had already gained experience in the music industry, but wanted to create something of their own. Drummer Glen Power later joined them, completing the original three-piece line-up.

By 2005, the band were spending time in Los Angeles, writing songs and developing their mix of pop, rock and R&B influences. Their hard work eventually paid off when they signed with Sony's Phonogenic label. Returning to Dublin to record, The Script were finally ready to take their music to a much bigger audience.

The Script (2008)

The Script released their self-titled debut album in 2008, and it went straight to Number 1 in both Ireland and the UK. Songs like The Man Who Can't Be Moved and Breakeven became huge international hits, introducing millions of listeners to the band's emotional songwriting and instantly recognisable sound.

Science & Faith (2010)

There was no sign of second-album syndrome when The Script released Science & Faith in 2010. Led by the hit single For the First Time, the record topped the charts in Ireland and the UK. Another multi-platinum success, it helped turn the Dublin lads into a major live attraction.

#3 (2012)

The band's third studio album, #3, arrived in 2012 and delivered one of their biggest songs. Hall of Fame, featuring will.i.am, became a worldwide anthem, eventually passing one billion streams on Spotify. With its uplifting message and massive chorus, the track became The Script's signature song.

Later Years

Following the success of #3, The Script kept the momentum going with No Sound Without Silence in 2014. Featuring the hit single Superheroes, the album gave them another UK Number 1. Their fifth album, Freedom Child, followed in 2017, bringing a more electronic sound and the hugely popular single Rain.

The band returned in 2019 with Sunsets & Full Moons, another chart-topping album featuring the emotional single The Last Time. By 2021, they had released Tales from The Script, a greatest hits collection celebrating over a decade of success. Sold-out tours and loyal fans had made them one of Ireland's biggest musical exports.

Tragedy (2023)

Tragedy struck The Script in April 2023 when co-founder and lead guitarist Mark Sheehan died aged just 46 following a brief illness. His death devastated the band and their fans around the world. As a founding member and key songwriter, Mark had helped shape their sound, leaving an enormous personal and creative void behind.

The Songs

The Script have produced some of the most recognisable Irish pop rock songs of the past two decades. From the heartbreak of Breakeven and The Man Who Can't Be Moved to the uplifting Hall of Fame and Superheroes, their music connects with listeners through relatable lyrics, memorable melodies and choruses made for singing along.

The Script Today

The Script entered a new chapter in 2024, becoming a four-piece with Danny O'Donoghue, Glen Power, bassist Ben Sargeant and guitarist Ben Weaver. Their album Satellites reached Number 1 in Ireland, followed by The User's Guide to Being Human in August 2026. They're back touring, although Glen has temporarily stepped away from live performances, with Adam Marcello filling in on drums.

Final Verdict

The Script have earned their place among Ireland's most successful bands, carrying on a tradition of Irish rock reaching audiences far beyond home. While bands like The Boomtown Rats helped put Irish rock on the international map, The Script brought their own pop-driven sound to a new generation, proving that Dublin bands can still conquer the world.

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