The Script at O2 Arena

Opening the concert with Paint the Town Green, lead singer Danny O’Donoghue walks with determination through the crowd into the arena, surrounded by an army of glowing green flags and pumping his fist in the air to the beat. With St Patrick’s Day coming up, this lively tribute to the Irish band’s country is a perfect way to begin this gig at the O2, following the release of their chart-topping fourth album, No Sound Without Silence, as well as to celebrate their heritage. The Script show their support for Comic Relief later in the night, throwing red noses into the audience before proceeding to take a red nose day picture with the crowd cheering behind them.

From the beginning, O’Donoghue is off the stage and immersed in the sea of fans, the extremely responsive crowd singing along enthusiastically. When the band wave their arms, everyone immediately follows. The Script engage with the fans via the familiar audience “sing off” with We Cry, which, along with other old favourites, is welcomed eagerly. It is extremely enjoyable to bear witness to the huge amount of zealous energy displayed by the band as they move around the stage confidently and with ease. The personal anecdotes relayed by each member between songs are friendly and amusing.

A calming instrumental interlude is played halfway through while the band make a swift transition to an elevated b-stage in the middle of the arena, where an upright piano, acoustic guitar and drum kit await. O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan and Glen Power reappear without their supporting band and begin an acoustic rendition of Never Seen Anything Quite Like You. Their harmonious and beautiful voices are exposed here as the three sing in balanced and flawless harmony. It’s a poignant moment in the evening as, among the constellation of star-like mobile phone lights, The Script reminisce on their eight years together as a band. The delighted crowd is a diverse group of fans, with men and women of all ages together under one roof – a testament to the band’s music, which has the power to inspire a range of emotions from heartache to euphoria in everyone. Unsurprisingly, the call for an encore at the end is unwavering and doesn’t go unanswered.

Emily D’Silva

For further information about The Script and future events visit here. 

Watch the video for No Sound Without Silence here: