Former US president Barack Obama paid tribute to Glen Hansard, describing the late Oscar-winning songwriter and The Frames frontman as a “great musician” following his death in a motorcycle crash in Dublin at age 56. According to social media statements, the tragedy prompted an outpouring of remembrance from international artists, Irish political figures, and fans.
Barack Obama and International Tributes
Former US president Barack Obama posted on social media that his summer music playlist starts with a song he and Michelle Obama love by Glen Hansard. “Our hearts go out to his family,” Mr Obama wrote on social media, noting that the musician passed tragically. The crash occurred near Strawberry Beds in Chapelizod in Dublin city, according to local reports.
Other prominent figures shared statements regarding the loss. U2 frontman Bono described Mr Hansard as the “most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun,” while Live Aid co-founder Bob Geldof called the singer “a person and a songwriter and singer and musician and performer of great depth, understanding, compassion, daring and bravado,” according to published statements.
Irish Leadership and Bandmate Remembrances
President Catherine Connolly stated that Mr Hansard would be remembered as “one of Ireland’s great singer-songwriters.” Colm Mac Con Iomaire, a bandmate in The Frames, remembered his friend as “a troubadour from a different time.” Additional tributes came from Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, and other artists across the global music community.
Did You Know?
Glen Hansard won an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” from the film Once.
Public Mourning and Condolence Books
Members of the public queued up to sign a book of condolence at the Mansion House in Dublin. Kildare County Council also opened a book of condolence for members of the public to sign at their offices in Naas, as fans continued to leave tributes.
Born in Ballymun, Dublin, on 21 April 1970, Mr Hansard began performing music at a young age by busking on city streets. He co-founded The Frames in 1990 and built an international career spanning more than three decades across music, film, and theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Glen Hansard pass away?
Mr Hansard died in a motorcycle crash near Strawberry Beds in Chapelizod in Dublin city at age 56, according to news reports.
What are Glen Hansard’s most notable achievements?
He was the frontman of The Frames, co-founded in 1990, and won an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” from the film Once.
Where can the public sign condolence books?
Books of condolence have been opened at the Mansion House in Dublin and at Kildare County Council offices in Naas.
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