The Script was lined up to perform at an event hosted by President Joe Biden, but it fell through after Mark Sheehan was suddenly hospitalized.
The news of Sheehan's death came as a complete surprise to fans, and apparently, the band itself.
According to Sunday World, The Script was set to perform in Ballina, a town in County Mayo in Ireland, a day before the guitarist was suddenly struck with an unidentified illness. He was rushed to the hospital, but he did not make it out alive.
Other members of the band, Danny O'Donoghue, and Glen Power, were equally taken aback by the news, as they had just made plans to see their longtime bandmate and friend.
Remembering Mark Sheehan
Sheehan's death was announced to the public through social media, and he was regarded as a "much-loved husband, father, brother, band mate, and friend."
His stage presence and talent for playing the guitar were recognized not just in his home country of Ireland, but the entire world.
"It was a mark of the originality and excellence that Mark and his bandmates in The Script sought that they saw such success across the world, including six number-one albums in the UK and a number-three album in the United States - a truly remarkable achievement," said Ireland's president Michael D. Higgins.
Tributes like this poured in after Sheehan's death was announced. Fellow Irish musicians, like Jedward, wrote on their Instagram: "Everyone in the Irish music industry and worldwide mourn your loss RIP Mark such a talented musician from The Script one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation."
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Short Illness
The Script, their management, and Sheehan's family have all kept the cause of the guitarist's death close to their chests.
As of this writing, there is no official information of what caused Sheehan's death, and they ask for privacy during this time.
According to reports, Sheehan missed the US leg of their tour in 2022. They chalked it up to the guitarist taking a break from going on tours, and spending more time with his family.
Despite the fans' worries, The Script insisted that all was well with him and that they were supportive of his decision.
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