Guitarist Mark Sheehan of rock band The Script has passed away, the sad news was confirmed tonight by the band’s official social media accounts. A text message containing a photo of Sheen read: “Loving husband, father, brother, band member and friend Mark Sheen passed away in hospital after a short illness.

“At this tragic time, the family and group ask fans to respect their privacy.” Mark Sheen is one of the core trio behind the Dublin action, who have been credited for “The Untouchables” and “For That.” “The band was unable to comment, but on the band’s social media they mentioned that he is currently spending time with his family,” a spokesperson for The Script told Sunday World.

The band are currently touring the US and will play a number of Irish shows over the next few weeks, including at SSE Belfast on May 14-15, 3 Arena Dublin and Cork’s Musgrave Park on June 19 open-air concert. The group is led by Danny O’Donoghue, and their other main member is drummer Glen Power.

Mark and Danny cut out their first experience in the pop band My Town, managed by U2 guru Paul McGuinness. After the band broke up, at McGuinness’s suggestion, the two boys went to Los Angeles to study producing and recording. Joined on drums by Dublin native Glenn Power, The Script was born in 2007 and released their self-titled debut album a year later.

Their lead singer, Danny O’Donoghue, became a UK superstar after being a judge on The Voice. Drummer Glenn, who has a girlfriend, recently told the Sunday World he was looking forward to the Irish show. He was close to his late father Gary, who was a well-known entertainer on the Dublin circuit.

“It’s going to be a huge buzz. After all of this, it feels like the time to do this (biggest show),” he said.