A self-described "Celtic soul" trio, the Script were founded by guitarist Mark Sheehan and vocalist Danny O'Donoghue in 2001. The two musicians had previously performed together in Mytown, an Irish-based boy band that enjoyed moderate success at home but failed to generate international acclaim. After the group disbanded, Sheehan and O'Donoghue spent several years in Los Angeles, where they worked as producers alongside the likes of Teddy Riley, the Neptunes, and Rodney Jerkins. They later relocated to Dublin and recruited Glen Power as their drummer, trading promising careers in production for a blend of contemporary R&B and polished, anthemic pop/rock.
Forging a unique sound based on a diverse list of influences (including U2, the Neptunes, Timbaland, and Van Morrison), the Script saw their debut single, "We Cry," receive heavy airplay in both Ireland and Britain, as well as a nod from the influential BBC Radio DJ Jo Whiley. After signing with Phonogenic Records, the group relocated to London and scheduled both a debut album and an appearance at the Glastonbury Festival for summer 2008. Their eponymous debut album proved to be a meteoric success, topping the charts in multiple countries and establishing the Script as 2008's most popular newcomer. The buzz carried through to 2009, when Paul McCartney and U2 both enlisted the band to open several sold-out shows.
the Script's sophomore effort, Science and Faith, followed in September of 2010. During the first half of 2012, O'Donoghue helped to further raise the profile of the band when he appeared as a judge alongside Tom Jones, Jessie J, and will.i.am on BBC1's prime-time talent show The Voice UK. Also in 2012, the Script released their third studio album, #3, which included the single "Hall of Fame," featuring will.i.am.
Katherine Fulton
AllMusic.com
