Glen Hansard Remembered as “Incomparable” Troubadour Whose “Gift for Storytelling Brought So Much Joy”
Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, frontman of The Frames and star of the film "Once," died on 29 July 2026 in a motorcycle crash in Dublin at the age of 56. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, fellow musicians and actors, reflecting his stature as one of Ireland's most influential songwriters and his reputation as a generous mentor to younger performers.
President of Ireland Catherine Connolly praised Hansard as one of the country's "great singer-songwriters" and highlighted his incomparable live performances and storytelling, as well as his charity work with the homeless, including his annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin. Former president Michael D Higgins similarly hailed him as a "troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy" to audiences worldwide. Musicians including Bruce Springsteen, who called him "a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man," and Warren Ellis of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, also paid emotional tribute, alongside actress Rachel Zegler.
In short
- Glen Hansard, Frames frontman and "Once" star, died aged 56 in Dublin crash
- Irish President Catherine Connolly and ex-president Michael D Higgins paid tribute
- Bruce Springsteen and Warren Ellis among musicians mourning his death
Explained simply
Glen Hansard was an Irish singer-songwriter best known as the frontman of the rock band The Frames and for starring in the 2007 film "Once", in which he performed alongside Markéta Irglová. The film, which tells the story of two street musicians in Dublin, became a critical and commercial success, with the pair's song "Falling Slowly" winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Beyond his film and band work, Hansard was regarded as one of Ireland's most influential songwriters, known for his storytelling approach and energetic live performances. He was also recognised for his commitment to supporting the homeless in Dublin, including an annual Christmas Eve busking session that became a well-known tradition in the city.
His influence extended across the music industry, with fellow musicians viewing him as a generous mentor to younger artists. This combination of commercial success and grassroots charitable work reflected his prominence in contemporary Irish culture and music.
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