Music world mourns Glen Hansard after fatal motorcycle crash

Warren Ellis, Rachel Zegler, Bruce Springsteen, and several others have honoured singer and actor Glen Hansard following his death in a motorcycle accident in Dublin. He was 56.

The north Dublin musician was widely recognised as the singer of The Frames and for his solo career, which most recently produced the 2023 record ‘All That Was East Is West of Me Now’. He also formed The Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, and the pair released ‘Falling Slowly’. The song appeared in the celebrated 2007 movie Once and later received an Oscar.

Hansard also recorded and toured with The Frames, who came together during the 1990s and created six praised studio records. Their influential 2004 release, ‘Burn The Maps’, reached Number One in Ireland.

He eventually expanded into acting as well. Alongside creating music for Once, Hansard starred in John Carney’s Irish romantic musical drama as the main character, known as “Guy”.

His additional screen credits included the role of Outspan Foster in the 1991 BAFTA winning movie The Commitments, where he appeared with Robert Arkins, Angeline Ball, Andrew Strong, and others.

Confirmation arrived earlier today, Wednesday, July 29, that Hansard had died after a motorcycle accident in Lucan during the early morning. Reports said the single vehicle collision happened shortly before 5am.

His management released a message saying: “With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning. We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.”

Tributes quickly began appearing online. Warren Ellis of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Grinderman, and Dirty Three posted an emotional message on Instagram. “I Can’t believe it Glen. You were a good man and loyal friend,” he wrote. “Traveling overnight to see Dirty Three in Boston recently. Always above and beyond. And always about the music the blah blah the dogs and the meaning of it all. Sending my love to your family. Heartbreaking.”

Rachel Zegler remembered Hansard by uploading several photographs of them together and writing: “Oh, I will love you forever. rest now, my friend.”

Bruce Springsteen said he was “heartbroken” after learning of Hansard’s death. He added: “We met in Ireland many years ago and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man. Always positive, smiling and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones”.

Irish broadcaster Dave Fanning remembered Hansard as “one our best ever songwriters. And the nicest guy you’ll ever meet”. Photographer and director Danny Clinch described him as “one of the deepest” talents he had encountered. Lonely The Brave guitarist Mark Trotter added: “Heartbreaking. Glen and the Frames have always been an enormous influence to me. Utterly heartbreaking news. Rest easy big man and thank you, for everything.”

Former Irish President Michael D Higgins posted his own tribute on Instagram, calling Hansard a “wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world.”

Higgins also praised Hansard’s lifelong commitment to community projects and recognised the enormous impact he made across both music and cinema.

Dublin rock group Aslan expressed their grief, writing: “We are absolutely devastated to hear of the tragic passing of the incredibly talented Glen Hansard. 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.”

Courtney Andrews remembered Hansard as an “incredibly humble and generous person” who “made a great impact on us all”. Actor Chris O’Dowd also celebrated his “energising melodies and soulful, searching voice [that] made the tough times more manageable, the stagnant times more beautiful, and the joyful times even more memorable”.

One person wrote on X: “Terribly sad news about Glen Hansard. One of Ireland’s finest musicians, whose music resonated far beyond our shores. He’ll be very sorely missed.”

Another posted: “Just heard that Glen Hansard has died. Travel on well, Buddy. You made your dreams come true. I’m so sorry that he leaves his wife and three-year-old child,” while a third person recalled: “First gig I went to after Covid was The Frames in Kilmainham. Such a beautiful, joyous night. RIP Glen Hansard.”

A separate admirer reflected on meeting Hansard while he was touring, writing: “You will be missed glen. It was a pleasure seeing you on tour, talking with you. You were so humble, and clairvoyant. Your music was full of passion. RIP, one of the greatest. Hope you have fun with Leonard Cohen up there.”

Find more tributes below.

Officials have not yet released additional information about the accident. According to BBC News, police in West Dublin have asked anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them.

Hansard began his musical journey by busking around Dublin. His 2016 solo release, ‘Didn’t He Ramble’, later received a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. He is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their son Christy, who was born in 2022.