This wasn’t just a concert — it was an experience, a reminder of how music can define moments in our lives, how songs we first heard in childhood can grow with us, taking on new meanings as we navigate life
MANILA, Philippines – Growing up, I never had my own device to listen to music. Instead, my brother would lend me his phone, unknowingly shaping my music taste with his playlist — one filled with the sounds of the 2000s and early 2010s.
From The Script to other millennial favorites, his music became mine. And just like that, The Script became part of my childhood soundtrack, their lyrics etched into my memory long before I fully understood their meaning.
Fast forward to 2025, and I was standing in the middle of a crowd at the Satellites world tour in Manila on February 11, about to experience them live for the first time. It felt surreal. As someone who prefers the comfort of my room, books in hand, and music playing softly in the background, I never imagined myself in a sea of people, screaming lyrics at the top of my lungs. But that night? That night changed everything.
Rising from Dublin to the world
Formed in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland, The Script originally consisted of Danny O’Donoghue (vocals, keyboards), Mark Sheehan (guitar), and Glen Power (drums). Their music — a blend of pop, rock, and heartfelt storytelling — quickly resonated with audiences worldwide, earning them a dedicated fanbase.
Following the heartbreaking passing of Mark Sheehan in 2023, the band announced new members in May 2024: Ben Sargeant on bass and Ben Weaver on lead guitar. Though Mark’s absence left a void, adding these new members means that The Script’s legacy would continue, bringing their music to life in ways that still felt true to their signature sound.
I was still trying to process that I was finally seeing The Script live when something completely unexpected happened — I found myself so close to them. And then, for a split second, it happened. Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue made eye contact with me. My breath hitched as he gave me a faint smile, a fleeting yet unforgettable moment. I was utterly stunned. The artist I had only ever seen on screens was right before me.
The concert opened with “You Won’t Feel a Thing,” an electrifying start that sent the crowd into a frenzy. From there, the band took us on an emotional roller coaster, seamlessly transitioning between heartbreak anthems and songs of resilience.
“Superheroes” and “Rain” had everyone on their feet, while “Six Degrees of Separation” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” tugged at our heartstrings, making the entire arena feel like a collective diary of lost loves and what-ifs.
“Last Time” and “If You Could See Me Now” were deeply personal moments, bringing back memories of heartbreak and loss. At the same time, “Paint the Town Green” turned the night into a celebration, filling the arena with a euphoric energy that was impossible to resist.
Then came “For the First Time” — a song that already carried so much nostalgia for longtime fans. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment when the band stopped playing and the crowd took over, singing in perfect a capella:
“Oh, these times are hard, yeah, they’re making us crazy. Don’t give up on me, baby.”
It was magical. For a few seconds, the entire arena became one, voices rising in harmony as if we were all holding onto the same emotions and memories tied to this song.
But the moment that truly made my heart melt? “Never Seen Anything ‘Quite Like You.’” My OG kilig song. Hearing it live, with Danny’s raw vocals filling the arena, was nothing short of breathtaking. The gentle melody, the sincerity in every lyric — the kind of song that makes you believe in love all over again. I stood there, swaying to the music, letting myself get lost in the moment. It was everything I had imagined and more.
One of the night’s most emotional moments was when the band paid tribute to their late guitarist, Mark Sheehan. The energy in the arena shifted as Danny spoke about his longtime bandmate and best friend.
“Mark should be here with us tonight,” Danny said, “But I know he’s probably looking down at us right now, his favorite whisky in hand.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, applause, and even tears. It was a bittersweet moment — a reminder of Mark’s impact on the band and their fans. The love in the room was undeniable, and it felt like he was still part of the show at that moment.
A night to remember
As the night neared its end, “Breakeven” was the moment every fan had been waiting for. It was surreal — this song, once just a track on my brother’s playlist, was now filling the air, with thousands of voices echoing every lyric. And finally, “Hall of Fame” closed the show with a triumphant anthem that left us all feeling like we could take on the world.
This wasn’t just a concert — it was an experience, a reminder of how music can define moments in our lives, how songs we first heard in childhood can grow with us, taking on new meanings as we navigate life.
I used to think listening through my headphones was enough, that streaming a song was the same as hearing it live. But I was wrong. Seeing The Script perform, feeling the energy of the crowd, singing until my voice gave out — it was something else entirely.
And just like that, I became the one who can’t be moved. – Rappler.com