New script needed
THE SCRIPT
Perth Arena
April 24
The Script are an unlikely success story. Were they athletes, they’d be the ones who were not overly talented but getting the most out of themselves.
Initially making their mark as part of Irish boy band Mytown, frontman Danny O’Donoghue and co. worked as songwriters and producers for Britney Spears and TLC before their major label breakthrough in 2008.
They have since remodelled themselves in the vein of Snow Patrol and scored at least one commercial hit from each of their four albums.
Speaking of unlikely successes, high-profile support Tinie Tempah was a no show. Reportedly ill, the London rapper born to Nigerian immigrant parents has transcended his upbringing in council projects and would’ve added an extra dimension.
As it was, little known Phoenix, Arizona singer-songwriter Colton Avery was left to open the show with just an acoustic guitar. While the unsigned act’s enthusiastic chat between songs, including a back story about getting picked up by the Script while they were on tour in the US was a touching rag-to-riches tale, his songs left little impression.
For their part, the Script came out guns blazing. Surrounded by at least 20 brightly lit green flags and flag bearers, the band entered through the back of the general admission area and walked across the dance floor before jumping onstage for Paint the Town Green.
It was an elaborate and bold play that left the crowd of some 10,000 impressed. The Script were at their best on this and similarly Celtic-tinged numbers, including Hail Rain or Sunshine next up.
Unfortunately they struggled to maintain momentum. Breakthrough hit Breakeven and recent smash Superheroes soon after only exacerbated the problem as things fell away swiftly afterwards.
Very little was unscripted and no stadium trope left unturned. Audience participation including O’Donoghue calling a crowd member’s ex and calling them an asshole, confetti, streamers and the obligatory B stage acoustic set were all handled slickly but the visuals, stage set up and worse still, the songs themselves, were largely uninspiring.
If that seems cynical, so did the show. Worst of all was when O’Donoghue and guitarist Mark Sheehan rapped on shockers If You Could See Me Now and Good Ol’ Days.
Redeeming themselves in an action- packed encore, which culminated in No Good in Goodbye and Hall of Fame, their fans cheered loudly and there was undoubtedly love in the room. But if the Script are U2’s Irish stadium successors, we’re all in trouble.
THE SCRIPT
Perth Arena
April 24
REVIEWHARVEY RAE
