Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter and frontman of The Swell Season and The Frames, died at the age of 56 following a traffic collision in Dublin, according to multiple reports. His death prompted tributes from prominent cultural and political figures, including U2 frontman Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Irish President Catherine Connolly.
Dublin Traffic Collision Claims the Life of Glen Hansard at Age 56
Glen Hansard died on Wednesday morning during a traffic accident in Dublin at the age of 56, as verified by news reports. The musician, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, shaped a decades-long career that spanned street busking to international acclaim.
Tributes emerged across public platforms following the news. Markéta Irglová, his former musical partner and co-star in Once, shared a message on Instagram offering condolences to Hansard’s family, including his brothers, wife, and son, while accompanying a photograph of the late artist with a biblical quotation.
Bono highlighted Hansard’s substantial contributions to street music culture, according to statements cited in reports. Bruce Springsteen described him as a great musician and a kind person. Irish President Catherine Connolly characterized him as one of Ireland’s most significant songwriters, and former US President Barack Obama also shared remembrances of the artist.
From Dublin Street Busker to Oscar-Winning Collaborator With Markéta Irglová
Hansard began his career as a street performer in Dublin before forming the band The Frames in 1989, building a path toward broader recognition. Global success followed through his partnership with Markéta Irglová, culminating in their Oscar win for “Falling Slowly.”
The pair first met in 2001 when Hansard and his band performed at the Valašský špalíček festival in Valašském Meziříčí, at which time Irglová was 13 years old. Two years later, he invited her on a European tour, and their romantic relationship developed over time. “I loved her for a long time, but I kept convincing myself that she was still a child,” Hansard stated, according to Lidové noviny.
Professional Continuity and Solo Work Following Partnership Changes
After several years as a couple, Hansard and Irglová parted ways in 2009 but maintained professional ties through The Swell Season, the musical duo they formed during the filming of Once.
The duo reunited years later for an extensive North American tour and released their third collaborative album, titled Forward, last year. Alongside his work with The Swell Season and The Frames, Hansard pursued a solo career. His 2015 solo album, Didn’t He Ramble, received a Grammy nomination in the folk category.
In his personal life, Hansard married Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa in 2022. Their son was born in October of that same year.
Did you know?
Glen Hansard’s Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly” was written for the film Once, in which both Hansard and Markéta Irglová starred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Glen Hansard best known for?
Glen Hansard gained international fame as the frontman of the rock band The Frames and as one half of The Swell Season alongside Markéta Irglová. He won an Academy Award in 2008 for the song “Falling Slowly” from the film Once.
How did Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová meet?
They met in 2001 at the Valašský špalíček festival in Valašském Meziříčí, where Hansard was performing with his band and Irglová was 13 years old.
What was Glen Hansard’s latest musical project?
In addition to his solo work—such as his Grammy-nominated 2015 album Didn’t He Ramble—Hansard and Irglová released a third collaborative album with The Swell Season titled Forward.
Who survived Glen Hansard?
Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, their son born in 2022, and his brothers.
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