Remembering Glen Hansard: A Musical Legacy Honored by Fans and Peers
Musicians from various eras have come together to honor Glen Hansard, the celebrated Irish singer-songwriter and Oscar winner, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Dublin on July 29, at the age of 56.
A Journey from the Streets to Stardom
Renowned as the lead vocalist of The Frames and for his pivotal role in the beloved 2007 film Once, Hansard’s journey began with street performances in Dublin, eventually leading to global acclaim. The film, co-created with Markéta Irglová, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for their haunting duet, “Falling Slowly,” featured in the movie’s soundtrack.
According to the Irish Autonomous, Hansard was involved in a single-vehicle accident during the early hours of July 29 in Dublin.
(Image credit: Luciano viti/Getty Images)
Tributes from Fellow Artists
Ed Sheeran was among the first to express his sorrow over Hansard’s passing, sharing his thoughts on instagram. “Heartbroken to hear the news about Glen,” he wrote. “He was such an amazing human-an incredible force.I am grateful for the times we spent together. Sending so much love to his family.”
Much like Sheeran, Hansard’s roots in music began with busking before he found success with the Frames. His acting debut in the 1991 film The Commitments further propelled him into the spotlight, establishing him as one of Ireland’s most revered singer-songwriters.
His illustrious career featured collaborations with notable artists such as eddie Vedder and a memorable appearance on The Simpsons as an Irish busker in the episode “In the Name of the Grandfather.” Though, it was Hansard’s genuine warmth and generosity that resonated most profoundly with those who knew him.
(Image credit: Stefan Hoederath/Redferns)
In a heartfelt message on X,Bono reflected on Hansard’s extraordinary presence. ”Sometiems I would wonder if Glen Hansard really existed,” he shared. “He was such an angelic presence… vrey much here, a smiling rascal when needed… this most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun [Ireland]. no pretensions, just grace.”
Bruce Springsteen, who shared the stage with Hansard in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 2013, also expressed his sorrow.”Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard,” he wrote. “We met in Ireland many years ago, and he was always a great musician, a good friend, and a generous soul. Always positive,smiling,and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones.”
The Iconic Takamine Guitar
For many guitar enthusiasts, Hansard is synonymous with his beloved Takamine NP-15 acoustic guitar, affectionately known as ”The Horse.”
Acquired from a Dublin music shop in 1990, this guitar became his lifelong companion, developing a distinctive wear mark on its cedar top from years of passionate playing.
“As The Horse worked harder, its working-class character became evident, with a hole forming in the cedar top where Glen’s fingernails and pick naturally struck the surface,” a post on the Takamine website explains. “By then, Glen had formed a deep bond with the guitar, choosing to keep playing it rather than retire it. Today, it stands as one of the most recognizable instruments in the guitar world.”
A Life Transformed by Music
Hansard’s musical journey began at the tender age of 13 when he started busking,a path that he credited with altering the course of his life. “I received my education on the streets,” he shared with RTÉ Radio.
“My uncle’s guitar was left at my home, and I learned to play it, which saved me,” he recounted. “I was heading down a dangerous path, getting involved with drugs. My girlfriend gifted me a Bob Dylan cassette when I was about 12 and a half, and it changed everything for me.I listened to Bob Dylan, and my entire perspective shifted.”
“I stayed in my room,playing Bob Dylan songs every day. I honed my craft and decided that music was my sole focus. My uncle was a musician, and I aspired to follow in his footsteps while also exploring the world of Bob Dylan.”
Hansard dedicated his life to pursuing that dream, transforming his passion for music, guitars, and street performances into a legacy that continues to inspire countless musicians around the globe.
