Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish musician and activist, has died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 56.
Career highlights
Hansard was the frontman for the Irish band The Frames, featured in the Irish film The Commitments, and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” in 2007, which he co-wrote with Markéta Irglová for the movie Once.
He was also one half of the rock duo The Swell Season, and released solo albums including Didn’t He Ramble, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.
Family and tributes
In a statement to the Press Association, his publicists ATC management said: “With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning.”
The firm told RTÉ: “Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time. The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in a post on social media: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard. A talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years. My sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and fans. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Crash details
Irish police said a man in his 50s died in a single vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the outskirts of Dublin before 4.30am on Wednesday. The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later. Hansard died on Lower Road, Strawberry Beds, Lucan.
Activism and legacy
For years, Hansard led the Christmas Eve charity busk outside The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin city, where members of the public gathered to see famous Irish musicians perform in aid of the Dublin Simon Community. He also took part in protests against Ireland’s housing crisis, a march to mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the anti-austerity water charge protests in 2014.
At the funeral of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan in 2023, Hansard performed Fairytale Of New York with Irish singer Lisa O’Neill, which prompted dancing in the aisles of the Co Tipperary church.
He is the father of a three-year-old boy, Christy.
