Reality bites: The Script are over Reality TV singing contests

For young men who have held thousands in their thrall, you might be surprised that they were star-struck at meeting a woman in her 80s.

At a studio in West London, The Script fondly recalled to M how they met Queen Elizabeth II.

"I'll never forget the moment she appeared," guitarist Mark Sheehan said dreamily.

"The world stopped. It was like all the air was sucked out of the room... I've never met anyone with such star quality."

"And he's met me!" quipped frontman Danny O'Donoghue, flashing a cheeky grin.

There's no denying The Script's star is still on an upwards trajectory.

Danny, Mark and drummer Glen Power are currently rehearsing for their upcoming UK tour; including a homecoming show at Dublin Castle, which sold out in just three minutes.

"It's a good sign and shows that it's a healthy time for us to come back," Mark enthused.

"I think you can overexpose yourself - do too many shows, and suddenly people get fed up of seeing you. It was good to go away for a while before returning."

The Script's fourth album, No Sound Without Silence, will be released on iTunes on Sept 15.

The band said it is the most positive, uplifting album yet.

Lead single Superheroes is a strong start: It is a punch-the-air victory theme, a sharp contrast to previous bittersweet songs like Breakeven.

"Most bands at this stage write songs that go, 'Woe to me, it's so tough being famous and away from home,'" said Glen.

"But our album sounds like we're celebrating!"

The Script plan to return to Singapore soon, for what will be their fourth visit.

FOND MEMORIES

They have fond memories of their local fans and nasi goreng - but not our weather.

"That outdoor gig at Fort Canning was the hottest show in The Script history!" Glen exclaimed. "It was like playing in a sauna...we were all sweating like crazy!"

The band also faced a different kind of heat when Danny served as coach on reality TV singing contest The Voice UK.

While the show rapidly accelerated The Script's fame, it was a huge demand on Danny's time, and a sobering lesson on the reality of singing contests.

"Unfortunately, lots of people watch these shows for the awful singers, and that's just a joke," Mark said.

"And most of the media attention ignores their talent - it's about their personal history, or what they were wearing. Why call it The Voice? They should just call it The Dress!"

Danny has since quit The Voice after two seasons, and does not miss it.

"I enjoyed my time there, but I'm just happy to have my Saturday nights back!"

These days, the band members keep busy in other ways - like personally autographing every pre-ordered copy of their new album.

"It's easy nowadays to fabricate signatures, but we want fans to know these were really signed by us - that's my real (rubbish) handwriting there!," Mark said.

Sure enough, on the way out we spot Glen, dutifully scrawling away. He gave a cheerful wave, then returned to the immense pile of discs.

They may not be rock royalty yet, but these lads know how to please their adoring public.