The Script Makes ‘For the First Time’ Feel Like the Best Time on the Satellites World Tour in Pittsburgh

Photos by: Abigail McNatt
Review by: Chris “Oberrated” Ober

It’s as if the world amassed a few of the most wonderful voices designed to make you fall in love and slapped them together for a tour. Who are those voices, you ask? Well, it’s The Script and Patrick Murphy, and what’s that tour, you ask? It is none other than the “Satellites World Tour.” On August 19, 2024, the “Satellites World Tour” took over Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to which it catered to a large turnout filled with audience members of all ages. Which it is safe to say, The Script has certainly become a band fit for many generations.

As I previously mentioned, a budding young star was present on the night, and his name is Patrick Murphy. It took no time at all to recognize why Patrick was a part of this tour for a few shows. Not only behind the scenes does Patrick draw comparisons to The Script and their lyricism and sound, but he also has a voice to stop anyone dead in their tracks and make them listen. This man’s voice is as powerful when it wants to be as it is beautiful at any other given moment. Quickly, my first thought was that the country-laden tonality of Patrick’s sound mixed with his romantic lyrics reminded me of Dan + Shay. Think of my surprise as when I did a little background research on Patrick Murphy, his Spotify bio drew the same comparison along with the likes of Rascal Flatts, which I can also agree with.

This vibe would continue on from start to finish for Patrick’s set. Never once did this man’s voice falter. He hit every note with such moxie, his control was incredible, and this was especially apparent when he hit his covers of Bryan Adam’s “Heaven” and his finale of “Drops of Jupiter” by Train. As the ever so familiar lyrics wisped throughout the venue, the crowd joined in singing along with Patrick ever so beautifully, and this crowd was surely ready for The Script.

In no time at all, everyone’s favorite Irishmen were now gracing the stage. Fresh off the release of their newest album Satellites (released on August 16th), it is now The Script taking on the world with the Satellites World Tour. Almost instantly, the crowd erupted in cheers as the band stepped out, and as if it were even possible, they got louder once lead vocalist Danny O’Donoghue stepped up to the mic. From there on, the rest was history. Nearly every song was met with a crowd singing along to an impressive degree. Danny was all over the stage, jumping up and down, getting animated, and interacting with as many people as possible from the stage. The people really got their money’s worth from this ageless band.

It is pretty apparent that The Script has such a vast and recognizable discography by the way that the crowd was singing LOUD and dancing along with every single certified banger that was played. Playing the likes of highly recognized tracks like “Superheroes”, “Six Degrees of Separation”, and “For the First Time,” while also playing some deeper but still equally beloved tracks like newer songs “Both Ways,” “At Your Feet,” and “Before the Worst.” In typical fashion, however, Danny and The Script spoke to the crowd and gave a few introductions and behind the scenes insights before certain tracks. For “If You Could See Me Now,” Danny paid tribute to late guitarist, Mark Sheehan. Before “For the First Time,” he provided insight on the creation of the fan favorite where the band found themselves broke and lost in uncertain times but found togetherness in simpler things. Let’s also not forget the Irish BANGER that is “Paint the Town Green” where the whole band brought out drums that echoed throughout the entire venue and had the crowd going manic as everyone was illuminated in green.

You wouldn’t have been able to recognize the night was coming to a close with the amount of energy pumping through Stage AE on a Monday night, but that was indeed what was happening as The Script was stepping off the stage after completing “For the First Time”. However, as the crowd continued the lyric “Oh, these times are hard, yeah, they’re making us crazy, don’t give up on me baby.” long after the band stepped off the stage, they shortly returned and officially wrapped up the night with a three-fer consisting of their ultra popular tracks “Home is Where the Hurt Is”, “Breakeven”, and finally, “Hall of Fame.” Some might argue that recent years have seen a resurgence of nostalgic bands from the early 2000s, but regardless of that, seeing The Script return in 2024, looking as fresh as ever, was a real treat for everyone in attendance. As far as I’m concerned, August 19th in Pittsburgh, PA will be on the walls of the hall of fame.