The Oscar-winning musician and songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a tragic motorcycle accident in Dublin.
The single-vehicle accident happened on the R109 between Tinker’s Hill and Rugged Lane, at the Strawberry Beds near Lucan, at 4.40 am on Wednesday.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene, and it’s understood Mr Hansard received treatment at the accident site but was declared dead a short time later.
Gardaí have launched an investigation to establish exactly what happened.
Specialist Forensic Collision Investigators have carried out an examination of the area, and the road has been closed while inquiries are underway. Local traffic diversions are in place.
Glen Hansard was an extremely well-known and talented musician and songwriter who burst onto the music scene in the 1980’s with his portrayal of the curly-haired guitarist ‘Outspan Foster’ in the movie, The Commitments.
Since then, Hansard has gone on to huge fame with his Oscar-winning performance of his self-penned ‘Falling Slowly’ from the movie ‘Once’.
He was known for his raw, heartfelt songwriting and a career that spanned rock music, film and solo performance.
Born on 21 April 1970 in Ballymun, Dublin, he left school at an early age and began busking on Dublin’s streets before becoming an internationally acclaimed musician.
From Dublin busker to rock frontman
Besides his appearance in the movie The Commitments, Hansard came to prominence in 1990 when he formed his band, The Frames.
The band became one of Ireland’s most respected live acts, earning a devoted following through emotionally charged performances and critically acclaimed albums including Fitzcarraldo, Dance the Devil and Burn the Maps.
Although The Frames never achieved massive commercial success worldwide, they became hugely influential within the Irish music scene.
Hansard’s international breakthrough came with the 2007 independent film Once, in which he starred alongside Markéta Irglová.
Made on a tiny budget, the Dublin-set love story became a worldwide phenomenon. Hansard and Irglová wrote and performed the film’s music, including the unforgettable song ‘Falling Slowly.’
The track won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 2008 Oscars, launching both artists onto the global stage.
The success of Once later inspired a hugely successful Broadway musical, which won multiple Tony Awards.
Solo career
Following the success of Once, Hansard established himself as a solo artist, releasing albums including:
- Rhythm and Repose (2012)
- Didn’t He Ramble (2015)
- Between Two Shores (2018)
- All That Was East Is West of Me Now (2023)
His music blends folk, rock, and soul influences, with deeply personal lyrics often exploring love, loss, hope, and social issues.
Collaborations
Over the years, Hansard has worked with many major artists, including:
- Eddie Vedder
- Bono
- Bruce Springsteen
- Markéta Irglová
He has also appeared on stage with numerous Irish and international musicians and was widely respected within the industry.
Charity work and activism
Hansard had long been involved in charitable and social causes. He has supported campaigns tackling homelessness, refugee issues and poverty, while regularly performing at benefit concerts and fundraising events.
He was also a prominent supporter of campaigns to save Dublin’s historic music venue The Bernard Shaw and has spoken publicly about protecting Ireland’s cultural spaces.
Awards and honours
Among his achievements are, of course, his Oscar for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly, a Grammy nomination through the Once soundtrack, and Tony Award success via the Broadway adaptation of Once (as songwriter).
Personal life
Hansard has generally kept his private life out of the spotlight despite his fame. He has spoken openly about the importance of creativity, community, and Dublin’s influence on his music.
He had been touring internationally while remaining closely associated with Ireland’s music scene. His powerful live performances and emotionally honest songwriting earned him a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest contemporary musicians, with a career that has taken him from busking on Grafton Street to winning an Oscar and performing on some of the world’s biggest stages.
He will be sadly missed by not only the music community, but the entire nation of Ireland as the country tries to come to terms with the tragic news of his death.
