The Script at the O2 Arena

Concerts are performances first and foremost, and as such the thrill of live shows lies in entertaining characters and impressive settings. The Script don’t miss the point of their gigs, with each moment marked by coordinated screens, bursts of confetti and dramatic lighting. They also make full use of satellite stages: every walk from the raised platform on one side of the elliptical arena to the main stage includes numerous stops among fans to pass on the mic and take selfies. Danny O’Donoghue is a frontman impossible not to be fond of, truly enjoying his engagement with the crowd and the pleasure and fun of being on stage. His entrance on the opening notes of You Won’t Feel a Thing, flanked by LED light bars, is greeted with growing cheers from every level of the venue.

Superheroes demands all hands up, creating a sea of arms moving in unison. The extremely danceable Rain shifts into tropical rhythms, warming up the atmosphere as concertgoers sing louder and louder, at times almost taking over the band.

The sequence on the main stage kicks off energetically with Both Ways, the opening song of the group’s latest album, a pop-heavy hit that gets the crowd jumping. Glen Power’s vocals come in strong during Six Degrees of Separation, while cinematic cityscapes and street corners accompany The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. Goosebumps and a lump in the frontman’s throat are evident as If You Could See Me Now is introduced, dedicated to founding member Mark Sheehan, who passed away a year and a half ago. The hip-hop beats zigzag until the fierce chorus and the voraciously vibrant drumming take over.

A soothing moment comes with the simple yet emotional Never Seen Anything “Quite Like You“, the piano leading the low and comforting rhythm. A nostalgic dive into the band’s beginnings follows with Before the Worst, one of their debut singles that already carried the signs of The Script’s music: mellow pop-infused indie rock with lyrics that reflect on the ebb and flow of everyday relationships.

The Celtic echoes of the band’s homeland are irresistible in Paint the Town Green. The exhilarating modern twist on Irish anthems finds the four members going full tilt, with O’Donoghue executing enthusiastic steps before all four pick up tambourines and drums. For the First Time is preceded by a cappella harmonies and a wave of phone lights rising from across the arena. The encore ends with a blazing Breakeven and the rousing rap-infused Hall of Fame.

A final bow marks the end of the performance, and it’s the curtain call of a riveting gig.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit The Script’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Both Ways here: