Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard, the frontman for the Irish rock group The Frames, was mourned by thousands of well-wishers following his death in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin. He was 56.
Mourners gathered at the Baroque Chapel at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, where traditional musicians played as Hansard's wicker coffin, adorned with greenery and apples, was laid on a table. Two of his guitars stood at the foot of the coffin, and many attendees laid hands on it as they passed to pay their respects. Flowers, cards, and notes were left as tributes.
Victoria Mary Clarke, the widow of Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, was among those who paid their respects, joined by singer Declan O'Rourke and music journalist Niall Stokes. Hansard had performed at MacGowan's funeral in 2023, collaborating with Lisa O'Neill on "Fairytale of New York."
IMAGE5
Hansard, who was also known for his role in the film "The Commitments," won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for "Falling Slowly," which he co-wrote with Marketa Irglova for the indie film "Once." He received another Oscar in 2027 for the same film. The Swell Season, a duo he was part of with Irglova, released solo albums, including "Didn't He Ramble," which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2016.
IMAGE3
Beyond his musical achievements, Hansard was recognized for his social activism. For 16 years, he organized an annual Christmas Eve charity busk outside Dublin's Gaiety Theatre, bringing together famous Irish musicians to raise funds for the homeless. He also participated in protests against Ireland's housing crisis, joined a march supporting Ukraine following Russia's invasion, and was involved in anti-austerity water charge protests in 2014. In October 2022, he released the song "Take Heart" in support of Ukraine, featuring Irglova, Bono, and Ukrainian refugees.
Friends and colleagues remembered Hansard for his generosity and talent. DJ Sinead Ni Mhorda described him as having a "raw talent that is joyous and all-consuming and life-changing," noting his humility and the compliment he received from Bruce Springsteen. Former Irish president Michael D. Higgins called him a "wonderful musician and performer" with a gift for storytelling and a commitment to social issues. Bono described Hansard as an "angelic presence" and a "smiling rascal," highlighting his dedication to those experiencing homelessness.
IMAGE9
Video footage captured Hansard's final performance at The Wren's Nest pub in Dublin late on Tuesday night, hours before his crash. The pub posted a tribute, stating it was a privilege to host him and remembering his "incredible talent, generosity and the joy he brought to so many."
Fans noted the poignant lyrics of his last performance, which included the line, "Time is the only thing that's going to fix this now." The clock in the footage showed 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
IMAGE2
Musician Dave Ashe called Hansard a "cultural node" for Ireland's music community, while songwriter Barra Donovan described him as a "hero" who was approachable and kind. Singer-songwriter Zoe Hayter recounted how Hansard changed her life for the better when she met him at age 10.
IMAGE4
