Glen Hansard’s Untimely Passing: Tributes and Legacy

The Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, known for his Oscar-winning work in the 2007 film “Once,” has died following a motorcycle accident near Dublin on Wednesday. Hansard was 56 years old. His management, ATC Management, conveyed that Hansard’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken.

Tributes poured in from the music community, including from Bruce Springsteen, who expressed his sorrow on Instagram, describing Hansard as a “great musician, a good friend, and a generous and gracious man.”

Police in Ireland confirmed a man in his 50s died in a single-vehicle crash in Lucan, which is located on the outskirts of Dublin, just before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Despite receiving treatment at the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly after, though officials did not release his name.

Hansard balanced a career in acting and music. He appeared in the 1991 movie “The Commitments” as a member of a Dublin soul band. He is best known for co-writing “Falling Slowly” with Markéta Irglová for “Once,” which won an Oscar in 2008. This indie musical, centered on a love story between two musicians, inspired a Broadway adaptation that won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including Best Musical.

Beyond “Once,” Hansard led the rock band The Frames and was one half of the duo The Swell Season alongside Irglová. His solo album “Didn’t He Ramble” garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2016.

“Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world,” said Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly. “He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.”

Actor-comedian Chris O’Dowd highlighted Hansard’s impact, noting his “energizing melodies and soulful, searching voice.”

Hansard’s journey began as a busker on Dublin’s streets, gaining fame for leading the Christmas Eve busking event outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, where well-known Irish musicians raised funds for a homelessness charity.

Former Irish president Michael D. Higgins recognized Hansard as a “wonderful musician and performer” who emphasized societal issues throughout his life.

Hansard’s legacy extended to heartfelt performances, such as at the funeral for The Pogues’ frontman Shane MacGowan in 2023. There, alongside Lisa O’Neill, Hansard performed “Fairytale Of New York,” bringing the congregation to their feet.

He is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa, a Finnish poet, and their 3-year-old son, Christy.