In brief
Irish songwriter Glen Hansard, best known for his Academy Award‑winning song "Falling Slowly", died after a motorbike crash on Lower Road, Lucan in the early morning hours. The 56‑year‑old frontman of The Frames and co‑creator of *Once* has left a profound legacy for music, film and charitable work. His death has drawn heartfelt tributes from global stars, including Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran and Bono. The crash underscores ongoing road‑safety concerns in Ireland.
In a tragic accident on Lower Road in Lucan, Dublin, Irish songwriter Glen Hansard lost his life in a single‑vehicle motorbike crash, the 56‑year‑old was reported to emergency services shortly before 04:30 local time.
Hansard first came to international attention as the lead singer of the critically acclaimed Irish band The Frames. He shot to fame through the 1991 film *The Commitments* and later, alongside Czech singer Markéta Irglová, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for "Falling Slowly" from the low‑budget romantic drama *Once*.
No one could have foreseen the loss of such a prolific artist. Tributes have flooded in from the music industry and beyond. Bruce Springsteen posted that "Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard." Ed Sheeran marked “he was such an incredible human” and Bono called him “the most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun.” Even Irish political leaders, including Director General Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly, expressed their sorrow.
Beyond his music, Hansard was known for his charitable work. He organised the annual Christmas‑Eve busking event in Dublin City Centre to raise funds for the homeless, drawing support from celebrities such as Bono, Sinéad O’Connor and Shane McGowan. The Simon Community, which helps homeless people in the UK and Ireland, said it was “devastated” by his death and highlighted his commitment to social justice.
In his lifetime, Hansard released six studio albums with The Frames, three albums with Irglová as The Swell Season, and a series of solo releases culminating in 2023’s “All That Was East Is West Of Me.” He also collaborated with notable artists such as Eddie Vedder, James Hunter and Nina Nesbitt. A 2025 television broadcast of his performance with Vedder at the Ohana Music Festival illustrates his enduring presence in the music world.
The accident took place early Wednesday morning on Lower Road, Lucan, west of Dublin. Police report indicated the incident was likely a single‑vehicle crash. Family representatives, who are deeply shocked, thanked emergency services for their swift response. A public condolence book will be opened at the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday and Friday between 10:00 and 16:00.
