Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 56.
Career highlights and background
Hansard was the frontman of the Irish band The Frames and appeared in the film The Commitments. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2007 for “Falling Slowly,” which he co-wrote with Markéta Irglová for the movie Once.
He also performed as one half of the rock duo The Swell Season and released solo albums. His album Didn’t He Ramble was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.
Statement and police investigation
In a statement to broadcaster RTÉ, his agents ATC management said: “With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard who passed away, in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin. 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. As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time.”
Irish police said a man in his 50s died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Lower Road, Strawberry Beds, Lucan, before 4:30am. The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Activism and charity work
For years, Hansard led the Christmas Eve charity busk outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, raising funds for the Dublin Simon Community. He also took part in protests against Ireland’s housing crisis, a march marking 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, prompting dancing in the aisles of the Co Tipperary church.
Personal life
Hansard is survived by a three-year-old son, Christy.
