Tributes pour in for Glen Hansard 'whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences worldwide'

The death of singer-songwriter Glen Hansard at the age of 56 in a motorcycle crash has sent shockwaves through the music and entertainment world.

The 56-year-old Frames frontman died following a single-vehicle motorcycle collision near the Strawberry Beds, Lucan, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Oscar winning singer songwriter was due to headline the Púca Festival on the 29th October in Trim.

The Dubliner's celebrated music career began as a busker on the city's streets. He formed The Frames in 1990, leading the band to become one of Ireland's most acclaimed rock acts.

International recognition followed with his starring role in John Carney's Dublin-set film Once. Hansard and his co-star Markéta Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly, cementing his reputation as one of Ireland's best-known singer-songwriters.

Hansard is survived by his Finnish partner, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their son, Christy, who was born in 2022.

He had been due to begin a tour in August, with dates including the Puca Festival in late October and Cork Opera House in November.

"With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard who passed away, in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin," a statement from ATC Management said.

"Glen's family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.

"The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.

"As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time."

TRIBUTES

Former president Michael D Higgins has said he learnt of Glen Hansard with "deep sadness".

Mr Higgins described Hansard as "a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world".

"From his early days busking on Dublin's streets through to his work with The Frames, the Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, and on to his very successful solo career, Glen captured the attention of all who listened and rightly developed a loyal following all across the world.

"Throughout his career, Glen made a particularly noteworthy effort to keep alive the work of all those who had gone before him, keeping alive the songs of previous generations of Irish musicians and singers who had influenced him, as well as the songs of departed friends such as Mic Christopher and Fergus O'Farrell.

"Glen also placed great emphasis throughout his life to the importance of talking the problems of society, including regular work in drawing attention to the problem of homelessness. This work drove his annual Christmas Eve busk, which raised money for those suffering from homelessness and related causes at Christmas," Mr Higgins said.

"May I express my deepest condolences to Glen's wife Maire, to his son Christy, and to all his family, friends, band mates, fellow musicians and fans, who I know will all by so saddened by this shocking news," he added.

Aslan, whose frontman Christy Dignam died in 2023 said: "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, Glen."

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he is "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard".

Mr Martin described him as a "talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland's cultural landscape over many years".

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Robert O’Donovan said few artists have made as big an impact on modern Irish storytelling as Glen Hansard.

"From his early days busking on the streets of Dublin, through The Commitments, to founding rock outfit The Frames, Hansard consistently poured passion and vulnerability into every note.

"His impact will last generations in Irish music, even as his life has ended far too soon.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users who may have relevant camera footage, including dashcam footage, and who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make it available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.