The Script’s frontman, Danny O’Donoghue, has openly discussed the emotional turmoil he faced following the loss of his bandmate and close friend, Mark Sheehan. Mark passed away in April 2023 at the age of 46 after a brief undisclosed illness. This tragedy profoundly impacted Danny, who struggled to cope with his grief and was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mark Sheehan’s Death and Its Impact
Mark and Danny had been best friends since childhood, forming a close bond while growing up in Dublin. They founded their first band, Mytown, as teenagers, eventually becoming The Script alongside drummer Glen Power in 2001.
In a candid interview, Danny revealed that he felt numb and unable to cry during Mark’s funeral. He stated, “It was very unlike me – I’ll cry at a Disney movie. I’m super, hyper emotional.” This inability to express his grief marked the beginning of a challenging period for the musician.
Struggles with Grief
Following Mark’s death, Danny spiraled into a deep depression. He resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Reflecting on his emotional state, he explained, “I think I carried over some of that COVID energy of like, let’s go mental!”
He also noted, “When my dad died in 2008, I had Mark for support. But after Mark passed, I didn’t have anyone.” Danny shared the bittersweet nature of his loss, as he often found himself wanting to share new music ideas with Mark.
Turning Point and Therapy
On the On The Mend podcast, Danny expressed feelings of wanting to escape reality. A friend encouraged him to seek therapy, which he described as a life-changing decision. Through therapy, he discovered he was dealing with PTSD. “When I start talking about Mark, the room kind of closes in a little,” he explained, illustrating the heaviness of his emotions.
- Mark Sheehan passed away in April 2023.
- Danny O’Donoghue was diagnosed with PTSD.
- He struggled with grief and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Therapy marked a turning point in his emotional recovery.
After a revelatory Christmas in Dublin, Danny made the decision to quit drinking and embrace sobriety. He reflected, “Enough’s enough. My relationships were suffering over my selfishness.” This commitment to change positively influenced his marriage with Anais Naing, whom he married in May 2025.
Conclusion
Danny O’Donoghue’s journey illustrates the profound impact of grief and the importance of seeking help. While the loss of Mark Sheehan has left a lasting void, therapy has provided Danny with tools to navigate his emotions and foster healthier relationships.
