Script’s third number one “for all the unsung heroes”
TEN years ago, the Script were sitting on top of the Irish singles chart with a song frontman Danny O’Donoghue said was written for “the unsung heroes out in the world”.
“Superheroes” was the Irish band’s third Irish number one hit, following “For The First Time” in 2010 and “Hall Of Fame” (with will.i.am) in 2012.
The song, written by O’Donoghue and bandmate Mark Sheehan in collaboration with songwriter James Barry, was the first track written for The Script’s fourth studio album “No Sound Without Silence”.
Released as the album’s lead single, it reached the top ten in many countries, including Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, South Africa and the UK.
It had certified sales of over a half a million in the US where it peaked at 73 in the Billboard Hot 100. USA Today declared “Superheroes” song of the week, with music critic Brian Mansfield stating “The Script continues to display its biggest strength: making pop music with heart and power”.
A feature of the release was the music video, shot on location in Johannesburg, South Africa. by frequent Robbie Williams collaborator Vaughan Arnell.
The choice location was inspired by the song, with Danny O’Donoghue telling Capital FM, “We went to Johannesburg to shoot the video, there were about 200,000 people in the township and it’s a pretty poor area. We went down and we set up a stage and basically this carnival atmosphere ensued.”
“We had an amazing, amazing time,” he added. “We spent a few days there and spent a lot of time with the people in the township, because they are our superheroes, people who are going through the hardest of times but can keep their head held high. That’s basically what the song is about.”
He told The Sun: “We are good at sitting around and talking about issues late at night. That song came from that. There’s people being bullied and sold to the sex slave trade, yet they remain optimistic and positive. They’re unsung heroes.”
The Script’s eponymous first album debuted at number one on the UK charts in 2008. Since then, they’ve become one of Ireland’s leading musical exports. 2012’s “Hall Of Fame” charted in over 30 countries and is their biggest selling single to date.
Mark Sheehan, Script co-founder and Danny O’Donoghue’s best friend since the age of 12, died last year aged 46 after a brief illness.
The Script’s seventh studio album “Satellites” - the first since Sheehan’s passing - was released on August 16. To promote the album, the band have embarked on a world tour which will include dates in the US, Europe, Australia and Asia in 2024 and 2025.