Irish musician Glen Hansard, known for his Oscar-winning song and decades of busking, died in a motorcycle accident early Wednesday in County Dublin, according to reports.
Hansard, aged 56, was involved in a single-vehicle crash shortly after participating in a traditional music session at The Wren's Nest pub.
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A public wake is scheduled for Monday, August 3, at the Baroque Chapel at IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, from 11:00 to 16:00 local time.
His funeral will be held at St Patrick's Cathedral on August 4 at 13:30, with limited access due to expected attendance.
Career and Legacy
Hansard rose to international fame as the frontman of the rock band The Frames and through his role in the 2007 film Once, where he and co-star Markéta Irglová won an Academy Award for Best Original Song with "Falling Slowly."
He had a career spanning over four decades, including solo albums and collaboration in the duo The Swell Season.
Tributes poured in from musicians and public figures worldwide.
Bruce Springsteen expressed being "heartbroken," while other notable voices including Ed Sheeran, former US president Barack Obama, and Billie Eilish also paid tribute.
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Hansard was acclaimed for his dedication to music as a communal experience, often returning to busking in Dublin even after achieving fame.
He described busking as a formative and humbling education, shaping his artistic identity.
In 2015, Hansard reflected his street musician roots during a performance in Cologne when his guitar string broke mid-song but he continued playing, demonstrating his resilience and passion.
He was also known for his activism, supporting homelessness charities and participating in protests to raise awareness about housing issues in Dublin.
Hansard is survived by his wife Maire Saaritsa, their son Christy, and his siblings.
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His final album, a two-volume live retrospective titled Don’t Settle, was released shortly before his death, and he was working on new music planned for release next spring.
