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.