Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died aged 56 after a motorbike crash in Dublin, prompting tributes from musicians including Bono and Bruce Springsteen. The article reflects on his path from a difficult childhood in Ballymun to international recognition in music and film, highlighting the lasting cultural impact of his work.

Hansard began playing guitar as a teenager after an uncle left one at his home, and said a Bob Dylan cassette helped steer him away from early trouble towards music. He left school at 13, formed The Frames and signed a record deal in 1990, before gaining wider attention as guitarist Outspan Foster in 1991 film The Commitments after being cast unexpectedly.