IT Crowd star Chris O'Dowd has led tributes following the death of his friend, Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who died after a road traffic collision in County Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday (July 29). Hansard, 56, fronted the group The Frames and appeared in the film The Commitments. He won an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" in 2007, co-written with Markéta Irglová for the movie Once.
Tribute from Chris O'Dowd
News of Glen's death broke shortly after the crash, with fellow Irish star Chris O'Dowd, famous for his role of Roy Trenneman on The IT Crowd, among the first to honour his memory. Taking to Instagram, he shared photographs of the pair together. He wrote, according to the Express: "I've spent the last few hours listening to Fitzcaraldo & Dance the Devil. Can't believe Glen has left the world so terribly early. I recently encountered a Basquiat quote... 'Art is how we decorate Space & Music is how we decorate time.'"
He continued: "Glen was an incredible decorator of our time. 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 in 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."
Supporters flocked to comfort the comedian, with one writing: "I'm sorry for your loss, Chris. So tragic." Another added: "Just a sad loss of an amazing talent. RIP Glen." One more wrote: "A beautiful tribute, Chris. And how we are all feeling. We all had that song or songs from Glen. Mine was 'Her Mercy' and it's really difficult to listen to right now. I didn't know him. But sure felt like I did. What a loss. My condolences."
Family statement
Mr Hansard's grieving relatives are "deeply shocked and heartbroken" following his passing, his representatives confirmed to Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ. His management released a statement following the tragedy, saying: "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."
