Live Review: The Script – Satellites World Tour 2025 in Perth
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
5th of February 2025 at the Burswood Park in Perth Western Australia.
When we lost our guitarist Mark Sheehan… it hasn’t been the same since…but everytime when we get back onto the stage, for every gig that we have been doing, we started to feel the love again, we started to feel we are back again. We could never get rid of the grief, we just crawl around it, we never want to get rid of it…we would like to dedicate this song to the big man. – Danny O’Donoghue
He carried the burden of “If You Could See Me Now” with the conviction that it deserves; a staccato intro that seals the confidence of a rocker but with the vulnerability of a man who has recently escaped from “the darkest two years” of his life. It isn’t part of the script, but it sparked a teary moment for some, with salt water running down the faces of those who have endured a similar chapter. His voice trembles with emotion in parts, as the spot light punctuates the darkness and shines on him. He gazes upwards, hands raised to the starry sky, disappearing into darkness.
It may not be the typical mood in the pop rock category – but rest assured – that was the single moment where our emotions lay bare in the shadows of sorrow. It was a poignant reminder but it wasn’t long until the stage was filled with rock stardom and revelry of the Irish flavour.
We were invited by Frontier Touring to The Script in 2022 at the RAC Arena. We weren’t sure about the dynamics following the passing of Mark. But even with the two new members Benjamin Sergeant on bass and Ben Weaver on lead guitar, The Script remain as the familiar force in live entertainment. There is a sense of old and new, but with Danny O’Donoghue on mic being the driving force since their inception in 2001, The classic Script lives to the live spectacle that they’re known for.
The night commenced with the dramatic solo display of percussion by Adam Falkner (who’s sitting in for Glen Power – absent due to personal reason) before the rest of the members graced the stage with You Won’t Feel A Thing. The Perth crowd did not disappoint as they welcomed the quartet with open arms and cheers. The massive hit Superheroes came in at number two, sweeping the open field like a dose of energised pill on this hot summer’s night. Lead vocalist Danny O’Donoghue was uplifted, crisscrossing the stage and looking like the fusion of Elvis and Brandon Flowers – thanks to his demeanour, freestyle choreography and stage presence.
It’s hard to believe Danny is 44. Looking and sounding youthful, the lead vocalist is a master of crowd interaction, with every move he made – whether pointing to the skies or to the crowd, drew screams of excitement from the maniacal fans of a well-balanced demographic.
Following the poignant moment of their late friend, Mark, The Script performed Inside Out – a track about mental health that strikes a chord with Danny as he struggles with depression and anxiety. The melancholic yet hopeful performance was ripped by the vocal performance through delivery and the acoustic elements, highlighting the sentiments of the track. – perhaps manifested from the sincerity propagated by his demons. Nevertheless, in those 90 minutes on stage, he was free.
And with that freedom, Danny stepped off the stage and weaved through the crowd at the GA section, snaking his way while the fans politely fused their bodies and politely mobbed him like the rockstar that he is. Mobile phones punched through the canopy of heads to capture the moment for their TikTok accounts. There were unsolicited hugs and kisses, but O’Donaghue forgave the shenanigans.
And with joyful moments, there were plenty. “Any Irish in the crowd?” – Danny asked rhetorically. The spirit of Ireland were positioned in every corner and in between, with the familiar accents forming the conversations and karaoke outburst. The open-air venue was painted in green with Irish flags flying through the scorching summer air while other members played on the bodhrán during Paint My Town Green.
At the business end, the trio of hits came through as one of the most popular ones. He stepped onto the piano again with For The First Time – it was the celebratory performance with the en masse appointing themselves as the backup vocalists before guest performer Calum Scott joined the stage in Breakeven. Hall of Fame sealed the night with the uplifting message, one track that echoed in the mind of this writer at the time of writing.
Danny O’Donoghue’s status as a band leader is defined by his stage persona through the vocal delivery and passionate animation. It was a perfect track that delivered a message of hope and perseverance. His vocals strike as emotional, conveying the message of resilience and determination. It’s an anthem that is every bit of The Script.
After two decades, The Script remain relevant, living their dreams by doing what they love, and have undoubtedly secured their place in Ireland’s Hall of Fame.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank A Day On The Green and The Script for the media invite.
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 150 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and of course The Script with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
