Tributes have poured in for The Script's lead guitarist Mark Sheehan who found global fame with the rock band before he passed away at the age of 46.
The Dublin native who was also singer-songwriter and producer, died in hospital following a short illness on Friday. In a heartbreaking statement released by The Script on Friday, the band which includes lead singer Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power, paid tribute to Mark.
A short message released by the band and accompanied by a photo of Mark said: "Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness. The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time.”
Read more: Lead guitarist of The Script Mark Sheehan passes away
The 46-year-old musician was the father of teenage children and lived in the States with his wife of more than 20 years Rina.
Early career with The Script
The Dubliner, who is originally from the Liberties, is known as one of the founding members of the chart-topping band in the early 2000s along with lead singer Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.
The band would go on to sell 20 million records with hits such as We Cry, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and Hall of Fame. Mark and Danny were best friends since they were 12 growing up in Dublin.
Family life
In his personal life, Mark was notoriously private and rarely spoke about his family to the press in interviews.
Behind the scenes Mark had a wife called Rina, who he married in 2005. He met Rina, who is from Texas in the US, when they were recording in the US and she was brought in as a backing singer. Speaking to the Mirror in a rare interview back in 2008, Mark revealed: “Rina is from Texas - we met on the road.
“I was producing and working in different studios and she was a studio session singer and backing singer.” On the moment, he knew Rina was ‘The One’, Mark said: “We just kind of clicked in the usual way you do.
“We got married three years ago and now we have baby number one on the way.” After tying the knot in a secret ceremony, Mark and Rina went on to have a son, Cameron, who was born in August 2008 – making him 14 years old now.
Before having his first child, Mark told the Mirror in the same interview that becoming a dad was more nerve-wracking than playing to thousands of fans. He shared: “My wife has gone in to be induced and I am crapping myself to be honest with you. I’m trying to get into the nappies myself – they just don’t fit me.
“I am nervous of course – it is such a big deal. But I’m kind of in two whirlwinds at the moment where I am doing interviews and concerts while my wife is being induced.
"So you can imagine where my head is at.” The couple would go on to have two more children, daughters Avery and Lil, but it is not known exactly how old they are.
Following the sad news of Mark’s passing, stars of the music world and even the Irish President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to him. Irish pop duo Jedward said: "Everyone in the Irish music industry and worldwide mourn your loss RIP Mark such a talented musician from The Script [and] one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation."
Irish band Kodaline also paid a heartfelt tribute to Mark, writing on social media: "So sorry to hear the passing of Mark Sheehan! We had the great fortune of getting to spend time in his company over the years and was always such a lovely man! Deepest condolences to his family and his @thescript brothers."
Although how Mark died has yet to be revealed, last year he missed much of the Irish band’s world tour. His bandmate Danny said Mark’s absence was down to ‘family commitments’, adding to Sunday World: “It’s his story to tell, but his children needed a father and his wife needed a husband.
“He’s been the engine of The Script for such a long time. I told him ‘If you want to take a bit of time out for your family you are more than welcome to.
“He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed, then you come back with a new zest for life. I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us.”
The band were due to support Pink! on her upcoming European tour, starting in Bolton on June 7. They were also set to support They were also set to be supporting Take That in London on July 1.
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