The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue: ‘I was in therapy, saying all the right things but drinking at weekends’

Danny O’Donoghue, the lead vocalist of The Script, has recently opened up about the profound impact of personal loss on his life and music. Following the deaths of his mother in 2019 and longtime bandmate Mark Sheehan earlier this year, O’Donoghue confronted a difficult period marked by grief and reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. These experiences have deeply influenced the creation and direction of The Script’s latest album, The User’s Guide to Being Human.

O’Donoghue candidly revealed that despite attending therapy and committing to sobriety during the 2023 Christmas season, he found himself unable to resist drinking, which led to a period of emotional numbness and self-reflection. This struggle underscored the challenges he faced not only in dealing with personal sorrow but also in managing the expectations tied to his role within the band, especially after Sheehan’s passing.

Mark Sheehan, who passed away in April 2023, was more than a bandmate to O’Donoghue; he was a mentor and close friend since their youth in south Dublin. Sheehan’s death left a void that triggered an existential crisis for O’Donoghue, prompting him to question the future of The Script and his own creative identity. He grappled with concerns about whether audiences recognized his contributions as a songwriter and whether the band could sustain its legacy without Sheehan’s influence.

Despite these uncertainties, O’Donoghue channeled his emotions into music, resulting in the 2024 album Satellites, which reaffirmed The Script’s presence in the music scene while honoring Sheehan’s memory. The current release, The User’s Guide to Being Human, marks a further evolution: it is the first project created entirely without Sheehan and drummer Glen Power, symbolizing both an ending and a new beginning for the band.

Musically, the new album retains the anthemic pop-rock style that initially brought The Script widespread acclaim, including massive hits from their 2008 debut. O’Donoghue remains committed to crafting songs with broad appeal, emphasizing accessible melodies and heartfelt lyrics designed to resonate with a large audience. He acknowledges that this approach may sacrifice certain critical accolades but embraces the band’s identity and connection with fans.

The album’s lead track, Man in the Arena, exemplifies this ethos, with O’Donoghue delivering impassioned vocals that reflect his determination to persevere and inspire listeners. The record’s commercial performance has been strong, securing a number one debut in Ireland and a top-three position in the UK charts, underscoring The Script’s enduring relevance despite lineup changes and shifting industry landscapes.

Alongside his reflections on The Script’s trajectory, O’Donoghue recalled his longstanding relationship with fellow Irish musician Glen Hansard, who tragically died in a car accident shortly before the album’s completion. Their connection dates back to childhood tours and busking sessions, and they had collaborated remotely during the pandemic. O’Donoghue has yet to revisit their shared work since Hansard’s death, as he needs time to process the loss fully.

Hansard’s funeral, held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, was a poignant moment for the music community. O’Donoghue expressed frustration with the harsh online criticism directed at Bono’s tribute during the service, criticizing the social media backlash as disrespectful and symptomatic of a harsher cultural climate.

Looking ahead, The Script is preparing for an arena tour in Ireland and Belfast with a refreshed lineup. Guitarist Ben Weaver and bassist Ben Sargeant have joined, while Adam Marcello replaces Glen Power on drums, who has taken an extended break. O’Donoghue himself plans to pause touring early next year, signaling a period of personal and professional reassessment.

Amid these transitions, O’Donoghue is exploring new avenues beyond music, including a hands-on project renovating a property in Wicklow and focusing on family life with his wife Anaïs Niang. After nearly two decades of relentless work, he is contemplating a slower pace and the possibility of redefining his future—both as an artist and as an individual. The User’s Guide to Being Human embodies this moment of change, capturing a band and frontman navigating grief, legacy, and renewal.