Oscar-winning Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard, 56, died in a motorcycle crash in the early hours of Wednesday, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred in west Dublin, with emergency services alerted shortly before 4:30 a.m.
Poignant video footage has emerged showing Hansard performing at The Wren's Nest, a Dublin pub, late Tuesday night, approximately one hour before his death. The clip, shared on X by user Joe O'Neill, captured Hansard playing guitar and singing.
The Wren's Nest, a pub established in 1588, released a statement expressing deep sadness. "It was always a privilege to welcome Glen to The Wren's Nest over the years," the statement read. "He will be remembered for his incredible talent, generosity and the joy he brought to so many."
Fans observing the video noted Hansard's final performance included the lyrics, "Time is the only thing that's going to fix this now." The footage, timestamped 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, shows Hansard immersed in his music.
Hansard, known for his role as guitarist Outspan Foster in the 1991 film The Commitments, won a Best Original Song Academy Award in 2008 for the song "Falling Slowly" from the indie film Once. He was also the lead singer for the rock group The Frames and one half of the duo The Swell Season.
His agents, ATC Management, issued a statement: "With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning. We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time."
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his condolences, calling Hansard a "talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years."
Beyond his music and acting, Hansard was recognized for his social activism. He frequently participated in charity events, including the annual Christmas Eve busk outside The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin to raise funds for the Dublin Simon Community homelessness charity. He also took part in protests addressing Ireland's housing crisis and other social issues.
Musicians and public figures, including U2 frontman Bono and former Irish president Michael D. Higgins, have shared tributes. Bono described Hansard as an "angelic presence" and praised his dedication to helping those experiencing homelessness. Higgins highlighted Hansard's "gift for storytelling" and his commitment to societal issues.
Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son, Christy.
In The Commitments, Hansard portrayed a guitarist recruited by Jimmy Rabbitte, the protagonist who dreams of forming a soul band. The film, based on Roddy Doyle's novel, garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple BAFTA awards.
His collaborators included Markéta Irglová, his co-star in Once and co-writer of the Oscar-winning song. The film was later adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Hansard also collaborated with artists such as Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, and Ed Sheeran, and performed at Joni Mitchell's 75th birthday celebration.
Joe O'Neill, who shared the video of Hansard's final performance, encouraged donations to the Northern Ireland Simon Community homelessness charity.