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Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, the Academy Award-winning musician behind the beloved song “Falling Slowly” and star of the acclaimed film “Once,” has died after a motorcycle crash in Dublin. He was 56.
Hansard’s management confirmed his death Wednesday, telling Irish broadcaster RTÉ that his family was “deeply shocked and heartbroken.”
According to Irish police, a man in his 50s was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, on the outskirts of Dublin, before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. First responders treated the rider at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
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Hansard’s legacy was tied to “Once,” the 2007 Irish musical drama that transformed him from a respected hometown musician into an international star.
Starring opposite Markéta Irglová, Hansard played a struggling street musician whose connection with a fellow artist unfolds through music on the streets of Dublin.
The film became a global success, earning roughly $23 million at the worldwide box office and producing one of the decade’s most memorable original songs, according to Rolling Stone.
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Hansard and Irglová won the Academy Award for best original song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly,” a quiet acoustic ballad that became synonymous with the film.
Long before Hollywood recognition, Hansard had already established himself as one of Ireland’s most respected performers.
Born in Ballymun, Dublin, in 1970, he began playing music as a teenager while busking throughout the city.
In 1990, he founded The Frames, a band that developed a devoted following over several decades. Around the same time, Hansard expanded into acting, appearing as guitarist Outspan Foster in Alan Parker’s 1991 film “The Commitments.”
His career continued to evolve after “Once.” Alongside Irglová, he formed The Swell Season while also maintaining an active solo career.
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His 2015 album “Didn’t He Ramble” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.
Hansard was equally recognized for the way he remained connected to Dublin’s music community despite his international success.
Each Christmas Eve, he gathered fellow musicians outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre for a charity busking tradition benefiting the Dublin Simon Community, an annual event that became a holiday fixture for locals.
He also played a prominent role during one of Ireland’s most emotional public farewells.
At the funeral of Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan in December 2023, Hansard and Irish singer Lisa O’Neill performed “Fairytale of New York,” inspiring mourners throughout the church to sing and dance in celebration of MacGowan’s life.
Hansard’s reputation reached well beyond Ireland.
The Irish musician joined Bruce Springsteen onstage at Kilkenny’s Nowlan Park in 2013 for a performance of “Drive All Night.”
Tributes from across Ireland began pouring in within hours of news of his death.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin wrote on X that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard.”
“A talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years,” Martin posted.
Waterboys frontman Mike Scott also reflected on Hansard’s legacy, writing on X, “Just heard that Glen Hansard has died. Travel on well, Buddy. You made your dreams come true. I’m so sorry that he leaves his wife and 3-year-old child.”
Hansard is survived by his partner, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their son, Christy, who was born in 2022.
His career leaves behind a catalog that stretched from Dublin sidewalks to the Oscar stage, making him one of Ireland’s most enduring musical voices.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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