Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore
Date: 12th April 2018
Promoter: Midas Promotions
Review by: Anna F.
Special Thanks: The Midas Promotions team
Photos by Alvin Ho
Currently on tour in support of their latest release, Freedom Child, The Script returned to our shores with a bang, and put on a performance that could only be described as empowering, inclusive, and relentless. Made up of frontman Danny O’Donoghue, lead guitarist Mark Sheehan, drummer Glen Power, and backing musicians Benjamin Sargeant and Luke Juby, the night was a celebration of hope, individuality, and liberation.
The high-octane set was replete with confetti explosions, an unusual display of what O’Donoghue termed ‘crowd control’ (which involved the audience having both arms wrapped around the people to their left and right, bopping in unison), and the staple call-and-response tactics. For roughly two hours, they provided solace for everybody going through hard times as they breathed new life into favourites like “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, “If You Could See Me Now”, “Breakeven”, and “Superheroes”. It was a remarkable manifestation of invigorating evolution, and testament to the fact that their entire catalogue consists of sheer hits; anthemic and inspiring to no end.
Before launching into “Arms Open”, Mark took some time to speak to the fans saying, “We felt that there’s a lot of hate in the world and sometimes we’ve all just gotta have each other’s back, we’ve all gotta stand together. It’s the only way; the only way to behave is with love.” The sentiment echoed throughout the night, with the Irish rockers making the place feel like home as they maneuvered through the stands to perform acoustic versions of “Never Seen Anything “Quite Like You”” and “If You Ever Come Back”, with Glen and Mark harmonising their vocals to precision. At times, Danny sprinted off on his own, circling round the parameter of the venue, forcing the poor security guards to keep up with his pace (and unrivaled stride length).
Quite a number of their tunes translated incredibly well in a live setting, including “Rock the World”, “Rain”, and “Paint the Town Green”, the first two coming off their fifth studio album. Freedom Child, which was released last year, is less of an introverted version of the charming Dubliners, who were inspired by the state of the world today. As Danny described it himself, the album acts as a mirror which reflects back society, and encapsulates the freedom to be who you are.
Pushing harder, smashing ceilings, the champions of arena rock shook the ground underneath our feet, convincing everyone in the audience that they are truly the greatest, the best. From Mark stealing the spotlight at times and showcasing his insane prowess on the guitar during pockets of sizzling licks, to Glen keeping it crisp behind the kit, the audience only reciprocated by roaring ebulliently, completely awed by Danny’s astounding vocal integrity and natural ability to pair serrate rawness with sleek melody.
Before closing out the spectacle with “Hall of Fame”, Danny made one last attempt in uniting the audience asking, “Singapore, you in the mood for making a moment, right here, right now?” And then they dove headfirst into the lead single from their third studio album #3, doing more than just blowing the roof off the place.
“It has been three very long years since we have seen you. Thank you so much for showing up; we love every one of you guys,” the charismatic frontman proclaimed, before they all took a final bow, and made their way offstage.
We love every one of you guys too, and even though we may not very willingly admit it, we all need you more than need, The Script; 24/7, 365.