LIVE REVIEW: The Script – Riverstage

Every show you go to of The Script is going to feel like a “greatest hits” show because let’s face it, their discography is full of chart topping hits and heart-warming anthems. The singalong’s are always passionate and loud, and the production value is always big. It becomes a celebration every time the Irish trio come to town, and for that night only it becomes Brisbareland. It’s been four years between visits, but they’re finally back down under, and they kicked off their ‘Tales From The Script – Greatest Hits Tour’ at a packed Riverstage to a crowd who was very excited to be reunited with them again. And this show was truly a greatest hits show from start to finish. There were no “filler moments”, just hits.

With a spotlight shinning on the middle of the stage as the band took their places, lead singer Danny O’Donoghue stared out at the crowd before the punchy beginning of ‘Superheroes’ ignited with confetti propelled into the sea of people. “Good evening everybody. How are we doing? We are The Script from Dublin Ireland” O’Donoghue exclaimed as the crowd screamed back to let them know how excited they were for 100 minutes of their favourite songs and memories from the past twelve years. ‘Rain’, ‘We Cry’, ‘Pain The Town Green’, ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’, and ‘Before The Worst’ immediately had the singalong’s loud, while new single ‘Dare You To Doubt Me’ received a just as passionate response compared to the older material.

Throughout the show, the band showed their love to their long term supporters and exclaimed how much it meant for them to be back performing for them again. “You aren’t fans anymore, you’re family. We’ve been through the wars together” O’Donoghue stated. Wanting to get closer to everyone, the band ventured into the middle crowd where they performed an acoustic set of ‘If You Could See Me Now’ and ‘Nothing’. O’Donoghue also took someone’s phone and spoke to their ex, which was the exact level of chaos I want from every show I attend.

The hits kept on coming as they returned to the main stage for a marathon of tracks like ‘Arms Open’, ‘Talk You Down’, ‘For The First Time’, as well as a little pyrotechnics display during ‘Something Unreal’. As the band said goodnight to the crowd, they all knew it wasn’t really over. Some fans near me were chanting for ‘Six Degrees Of Separation’ (which they unfortunately never played), but when the band did return they launched into the mammoth hits ‘No Good In Goodbye’, ‘Breakeven’, and ‘Hall Of Fame’ which felt like the perfect way to tie a bow on this show. With confetti once again propelled into the air as they said goodnight, the crowd was smiling ear to ear and cheering for them as the band vowed to be back soon alongside new music.

The Script are a band that always impresses. I saw them on their arena ‘#3 World Tour’ in 2013, but there was something about being in the open air at the Riverstage that just felt right. Everyone felt united as they held onto each other and sung some of their favourite songs alongside a band who always know how to deliver.

Check out the full gallery captured by Finnian Hudson BELOW;