When a band releases a compilation album it often signals a career summit has been reached and the well of creativity has run dry. But it’s not all bad news…
For fans, live shows stripped of unfamiliar material can be a thrilling experience. Pop-rockers The Script returned to Aberdeen last night and delivered some show at P&J Live, as part of their Greatest Hits tour.
The Irish trio were a while in the making, with singer Danny O’Donoghue and guitarist Mark Sheehan based in California in the early 2000s, writing hits for the likes of Britney Spears and Boyz II Men before hooking up with drummer Glen Power.
This set in motion a commercial juggernaut of a career, starting with 2008’s hit single The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and barely stopping, as The Script racked up four platinum albums.
Danny O’Donoghue’s bond with fans made them feel part of P&J Live show
Time moves quickly in pop, so for a band who’ve been on the go for just south of two decades it was no surprise that looking at the 5,000 folk packed in last night it was a sea of (mainly women) of all ages.
Never seen anything quite like Aberdeen, tonight… first night in Scotland ✅ thank you for an EPIC time, you guys were loud !! 🏴 #TalesFromTheScriptTour pic.twitter.com/KdIbuj9VCx
— the script (@thescript) May 26, 2022
The cavernous venue was an apt setting, as this show had all the cliches of arena rock; vast stage, pyros, confetti, huge video screens – and didn’t it feel good.
In truth The Script’s sound adds little to what Keane and Coldplay have already done in blending pop piano and big choruses, but who cares. This was a feelgood show that engaged the audience from opener Superheroes to The Last Time and Breakeven.
This vibe comes from Danny O’Donoghue’s bond with the fans and a delivery that makes them feel part of the gig, rather than just observers.
Hits kept on coming and phone torches kept on waving
He was out on a mini stage in the centre of the arena and even popped up with Sheehan and Power in a seating block for an acoustic section that included a phone call to a fan’s unwitting ex-boyfriend.
And those hits from The Script just kept coming, the spirited Hall Of Fame created a huge choir, and phone batteries were drained as torches were lit and waved during a stirring For The First Time.
Ella Henderson delivered impressive set in support of The Script
Earlier, opening act Ella Henderson delivered an impressive set which charmed the audience. Plucked from obscurity ten years ago via X Factor, Henderson has carved out a career collaborating with the likes of David Guetta and Tom Grennan.
Her live vocals were top notch, cutting through a rather muddy sound mix. She got a great reaction in the room, helped by a cracking band.
The likes of Ghosts and Risk It All would surely have made headliner Danny O’Donoghue turn his judge’s chair when he was on The Voice.
An uplifting night.
