The Script to release new album and head out on area tour, including date at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena

After 10 billion streams, 12 million album sales, and six UK number one albums, a pop group is back with a new album and arena tour.

The Script’s new album Satellites is set for release on August 16, and later this year the group will head out on a UK and European arena tour.

The preview single Both Ways sees The Script strike out with swaggering new energy, with boisterous hip-hop and funk rhythms providing the irresistible dance-floor vibes to complement the star quality of Danny O’Donoghue’s voice.

The result is frantically fun, an explosive cocktail that brings to mind Black Eyed Peas playing Bruno Mars’ Locked Out of Heaven and it is a world apart from anything The Script have previously released.

Glen Power said: “Both Ways is high energy, and maybe not what people might expect from us. But we’re The Script, and now we have something to prove: that there is life and light after the darkness. It’s why we’re coming fast and strong with that one.”

Vowing to pay tribute to their friend Mark Sheehan by continuing the band they had built together, vocalist Danny returned to the studio and experimented in a number of ways: using 808s and playing with R&B-inspired sounds, focusing on upbeats sonics, and co-writing with hitmakers Steve Robson (Rascal Flatts, Take That) and Wayne Hector (One Direction, Nicki Minaj) as well as bandmate Glen.

What emerged is Satellites, an uplifting collection of songs that forges a new future for The Script while remembering that although Mark may no longer be here, he remains a vital part of everything that they do.

Danny added: “The album cover is silhouettes of me, Glen and Ben Sargeant, our bassist, who's been with us from the beginning. Then we have a hooded silhouette, because the air of Mark is still there. He always will be, but it's also giving a tip of the hat to the future. It'll never be the same Script. We're just trying to get on and do what it is that we all feel is the next right thing to do and that’s to keep making more great music.”

Tour support comes from special guest Tom Walker, and The Script will be at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on November 20.