The global music community is mourning the death of Oscar-winning Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard, whose career spanned more than three decades and whose influence extended far beyond music into social justice and charity work.
Hansard, 56, died in a single-vehicle motorbike crash on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin, in the early hours of Wednesday. Emergency services responded shortly before 4:30 a.m. local time.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from artists around the world, including Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Bono, Rachel Zegler and Mike Scott, who praised his generosity, artistry and commitment to helping others.
Springsteen said he was “heartbroken,” describing Hansard as “a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man.”
Ed Sheeran called him “an incredible human, an incredible force,” while U2 frontman Bono described him as “the most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun.”
Hansard rose to international prominence through his role as Outspan Foster in the 1991 film The Commitments, but his greatest global breakthrough came with the 2007 independent film Once, which he co-starred in with Markéta Irglová.
Their song Falling Slowly won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008, transforming the low-budget film into an international success and leading to a Broadway adaptation that won multiple Tony Awards.
As frontman of The Frames, Hansard became one of Ireland’s most respected musicians, while his collaborations with Irglová as The Swell Season and his solo career earned critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for his 2016 album Didn’t He Ramble.
Beyond music, Hansard was widely recognised for his work with homelessness charities. He founded the annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin, which raised funds for homeless services and attracted leading Irish musicians over the years.
The Simon Community, which supports homeless people in Ireland and the UK, said it was devastated by his death and praised his lifelong commitment to social justice.
“Glen’s talents will indeed be his legacy, but so too will his commitment to social justice,” the charity said.
Friends and colleagues also remembered his warmth and generosity. Artist Colin Davidson described him as “an incredibly kind, loyal, warm human being,” while actor Chris O’Dowd said Hansard’s music had the power to transport listeners and would continue to live on.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said Hansard made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape, while President Catherine Connolly said he had inspired a generation of musicians and helped bring people together through live music.
Hansard is survived by his wife and three-year-old son. A public book of condolence has been opened in Dublin, where admirers are expected to gather to honour the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential contemporary musicians.
