Live Report: The Script serenade Dublin's 3Arena

Last Friday, The Script delivered an emotion-powered performance at the 3Arena as part of their Satellites World Tour.

The stage lighting was blue and flashy, as fog machines abounded in anticipation of the band's performance. It was clear, judging by the varied age profile of the audience, that the hometown heroes have a massive, wide-ranging appeal.

The Script at 3Arena. Copyright Peter O'Hanlon.

Drummer Glen Power emerged centre stage playing an epic clear drum set covered by lights and fog playing an anticipatory beat, while axe-man Ben Weaver strummed his guitar, looking like a rock star on the left side. 

Amidst a crowd illuminated by spear-like lighting, frontman Danny O'Donoghue made his way out to rapturous cheers. Adorned in a flashy long cape draped in glitter with a red shirt underneath, he kicked off the band's performance with 'You Won't Feel A Thing' from their 2010 opus Science & Faith. 

The Script at 3Arena. Copyright Peter O'Hanlon.

The band's placement in the middle of the crowd created a distinct, intimate atmosphere. From the start, it was clear they were bursting with energy, and the arena was brimming with good vibes.

As they dived into their hit ‘Superheroes’, the crowd erupted, singing every lyric as the band bounced around onstage. A particularly wholesome part of the show came during the performance of ‘Rain’, which O'Donoghue injected with a swaggering white boy rap beat, punctuated by a repetitive "woaahhhhooohh" melody.

The Script let audience members take turns singing the refrain, resulting in a diverse range of vocal performances. The mixed chorus of "ooohs" was very cute, ranging from younger fans with high-pitched voices to older men who, despite their best efforts, could not carry as good of a tune.

The Script at 3Arena. Copyright Peter O'Hanlon.

‘Both Ways’ carried an edgier vibe, as the bass came front and centre to rip an electrifying riff, before each member of the band had a little solo moment to show off their talent.

Danny O'Donoghue then took time to acknowledge the sad loss of their former member Mark Sheehan, who passed away in April 2023 after a brief illness.

The singer thanked his fans for helping him through the band's toughest moments: "We didn't know what we were going to do," he said. "Every single person that came up to us wishing us well is the reason why we're back on this stage.”

The Script at 3Arena. Copyright Peter O'Hanlon.

For the remainder of the set, the band moved around the arena, as the crowd were showered with pink confetti. There were striking visuals throughout, adding depth to the performance by fitting into the band's alt-rock aesthetic.

The show ended with an encore of two of their most beloved hits,  'Breakeven' and 'Hall of Fame'. I remember listening to both of these tunes on the radio growing up, and O'Donoghue's raw vocals brought them up to another energetic and uplifting gear in the live setting.

It proved a fittingly emotional conclusion to the concert, as The Script left the diehard Dublin crowd delighted.