Irish singer‑songwriter Glen Hansard died in the early hours of Wednesday following a single‑vehicle motorcycle crash in Dublin. He was 56 years old.
Just hours before the tragedy, Hansard shared a video of his 2013 performance with Bruce Springsteen, playing “Drive All Night” on stage in Kilkenny. The post recalled the honor of joining the E Street Band during that concert.
Springsteen responded with a heartfelt message, describing Hansard as a great musician, a generous friend, and a constantly positive presence. He recalled their 2013 collaboration and expressed deep sorrow at the loss.
Other artists, including Bono and Ed Sheeran, posted tributes that highlighted Hansard’s kindness, his “angelic” presence, and his lifelong commitment to music and community. Their statements underscored his influence on peers and fans alike.
Hansard rose to prominence as the frontman of The Frames and earned international acclaim when he and Markéta Irglová won an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” from the film Once. The award brought global attention to his work.
Once achieved significant box‑office success and the Oscar‑winning song became a modern classic, cementing Hansard’s reputation as a leading figure in contemporary folk‑rock.
His solo career included the album “Didn’t He Ramble,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2016, further demonstrating his artistic range.
For many years Hansard led a charitable Christmas Eve busk outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, raising funds for the Dublin Simon Community and supporting the homeless during the holiday season.
He was also an outspoken activist, taking part in protests against Ireland’s housing crisis, anti‑austerity water charges, and other social movements, reflecting his dedication to social justice.
Hansard was married to poet Maire Saaritsa, and the couple shared a three‑year‑old son, Christy.
His representatives confirmed his passing, thanked emergency services for their response, and asked for privacy for his family during this difficult time.
Colleagues and admirers remembered him as a storyteller who kept the legacy of earlier Irish musicians alive, while using his platform to address homelessness and other societal challenges.
