Photo Credit: Glen Hansard by Niccolò Caranti / CC by 4.0
Glen Hansard, the beloved frontman of the Dublin band The Frames, has died in a vehicle crash at age 56.
Singer Glen Hansard, the frontman of Dublin band The Frames, died in a motorcycle crash in West Dublin on Wednesday, July 29. He was 56 years old.
The Oscar-winning songwriter was a beloved figure in the Irish music scene, and his band was a major part of that scene during the ‘90s and early 2000s. Their indie tracks became staples of alt-rock radio stations across the country. The band performed widely across Ireland and made regular appearances at major music festivals such as Electric Picnic.
Hansard won an Oscar in 2008 for the song “Falling Slowly,” which elevated him to new heights of fame and introduced him to new audiences. He transformed this into a successful solo career with frequent tours across Ireland, Europe, and North America.
Authorities responded to a motorcycle crash at Strawberry Beds, near Lucan in West Dublin, at around 4:30 this morning. The statement, which did not name Hansard, said a man in his 50s was treated at the scene but was later pronounced dead. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
“With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning,” read a statement from his management company, ATC.
Ireland President Catherine Connolly led the tributes for the late musician, describing him as one of the country’s driving musical influences.
“Whether with the Frames, with (collaborator) Markéta (Irglová), or as a solo artist, Glen was renowned for his incomparable live performances, beautiful evenings of music where Glen would regale audiences with stories as well as his music, along with that of many of those who had touched his life over the decades,” Connolly said. “Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.”
Hansard released a new single, “High Hope,” this summer and played a solo concert as part of the Trinity Summer Series earlier this month. Beyond his musical career, Hansard was also a prominent homelessness activist and charity fundraiser. He led a Christmas Eve busk for the last 15 years to raise money for the Simon Community, an event which has become a staple of the season in Dublin and has featured special guests like fellow Dublin musician and U2 frontman Bono.
Bono was among those who paid tribute in a lengthy, heartfelt statement in which he called the Hansard “the shining star of the Christmas Eve busk.” Bruce Springsteen also paid tribute, describing Hansard as “nothing but a great musician, good friend, and a generous and gracious man.”
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