Danny O'Donoghue shared an origin story with the sun-drenched Geelong crowd at A Day On The Green - how the late Mark Sheehan brought rap lyrics to him in the band's "broke" early days.
Though hesitant about rapping, O’Donoghue’s addition of soaring pop melodies to that rhythmic delivery created The Script’s signature style, leading to one of pop’s biggest success stories of the 2000s.
The Irish outfit’s knack for confessional lyrics and polished hooks drew a remarkably diverse crowd, from wide-eyed pre-teens to appreciative retirees. Their set demonstrated why they’ve maintained relevance: O’Donoghue’s ability to switch between intimate verses and soaring choruses, peppered with those distinctive quasi-rap rhythms.
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Local touches elevated the show, from cycling through the front row’s vocal chops, to a Waltzing Matilda outro in Never Seen Anything Quite Like You, to the customary phone call to one of the audience’s exes during Nothing. The all-Irish craic celebration Paint the Town Green remained the set’s highlight, transforming the vineyard into a Celtic party. That said, Hall of Fame was the perfect end-point, as it – more than any other of their tracks – showcases their successful adaptation to modern pop production without sacrificing their rock foundations.
Calum Scott provided the afternoon’s vocal highlights, moving from his Maroon 5 cover band roots (with a crowd-pleasing This Love) to his current status as a power ballad specialist, closing with a stunning rendition of Robyn’s Dancing On My Own.
Scott’s evolution from Britain’s Got Talent contestant to global pop artist was reflected in his growing confidence as a songwriter. His powerful tenor voice clearly remains his defining instrument, but he could match The Script for British charm, as well.
X Ambassadors complemented the bill perfectly, matching The Script’s emotional weight with their own brand of anthemic rock and plenty of nostalgic bliss for the right demographic.
The next generation impressed too, with Lotte Gallagher’s growing alt-rock reputation justified through a compelling set. Montaigne’s performance showcased their evolution as an independent artist.
Their sheer bravery as an independent act, pushing the experimental boundaries of her own vocal register, really shined in the heat. Though it must be said, Because I Love You was a highlight – reminding everyone why it stands as one of Australian pop’s finest recent moments.
A Day On The Green is still heating up summer, get tickets to see The Script, Fatboy Slim, Roxette and more right here.