Tributes have poured in for Glen Hansard, the Irish musician who died aged 56 in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday. Known as the frontman of The Frames, Hansard was remembered as “one of the greats” by those who knew him and his work.
Rachel Zegler and Chris O’Dowd share memories
Actress Rachel Zegler, who performed with Hansard in 2024 singing the Oscar-winning song Falling Slowly from the 2007 film Once, shared several photos on social media. “Oh I will love you forever. Rest now, my friend,” she wrote.
Comedian and actor Chris O’Dowd said he could not believe the singer “left the world so terribly early”. He wrote: “His energising Melodies and soulful, searching voice made the tough times more manageable, the stagnant times more beautiful, and the joyful times even more memorable. I had the opportunity to tell Glen that for me, Seven Day Mile was that song. When I worked in a bar south London, I’d be cleaning up after closing, and the opening bars of Seven Day Mile would light up my time, and carry me for the remainder of the messy shift. Anyone who makes use of music knows the feeling of being taken away. He did that. And he leaves it with us. Thanks Glen. Huge love to Maire and little Christy and all those who loved him.”
Further tributes from Irish figures
O’Dowd’s wife, writer and presenter Dawn O’Porter, shared a picture of Hansard to Instagram after learning of the news while in Dublin. “I was lucky to meet Glen Hansard a few times. The loveliest man. I’m sorry to everyone who will feel this so deeply. His family. The saddest news,” she wrote.
Andrea Corr, lead singer of The Corrs, said she was “shocked and sad” and called Hansard “a beautiful artist and man”. She wrote: “Rest in peace Glen and praying for comfort for his loved ones.”
Ryan Tubridy, former host of Irish chat show The Late Late Show, also paid tribute. “It’s with the heaviest of hearts I post a few words about Glen Hansard who has died. I’ve been a fan, an admirer and thanks to multiple chats on TV and radio, an interviewer of this extraordinarily talented singer and storyteller. Apart from his talent as an artist, he also cared. He cared about the homeless and he cared about Ireland. The Oscar, the achievements and the humanity were all part of a life well lived. Condolences to Glen’s family and his legion of fans. We have lost one of the greats. May he rest in peace,” he said.
Aslan and management react
Irish rock band Aslan said they were “devastated” to learn of Hansard’s passing. “We’re here in the rehearsal studio, and the news has completely floored us. Glen was a remarkable artist whose music touched so many lives, and his loss will be felt far and wide. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Glen,” they wrote.
Hansard’s agents, ATC management, said his family were “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by the loss. Hansard was the father of a three-year-old boy, Christy. He had recently announced a tour of Ireland in October and November, with tickets going on sale earlier this month.
