Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, frontman of The Frames and Oscar-winning co-creator of the film Once, died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle crash in the Strawberry Beds area above Dublin, according to reporting on his life and career. He was 56 years old.
Early Years, Busking Roots, and The Frames
Born in Ballymun, Dublin, on April 21, 1970, Hansard quit school at age 13 to busk on the streets of Dublin before forming The Frames in 1990, according to historical profiles of the musician. Early critics labeled the band’s style as “raggle-taggle” emo-folk, placing them out of step with 1990s post-modern ennui. Despite initial friction with the era’s ironic cool, The Frames released six albums of increasing musical sophistication—including Another Love Song, Fitzcarraldo, Dance the Devil, For the Birds, Burn the Maps, and The Cost—through labels like Island Records and Trevor Horn’s ZTT label.
Before founding his own band, Hansard played guitarist Outspan Foster in Alan Parker’s film adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s novel The Commitments. Hansard later stated in interviews that he regretted taking the role because he felt it distracted from his genuine music career.
Did you know? Glen Hansard regularly returned to Grafton Street in Dublin every Christmas Eve to participate in a charity busk supporting the Dublin simon community, frequently sharing the pavement with artists like Bono and Imelda May.
International Breakthrough with Once and Oscar Success
While a decisive international breakthrough initially eluded The Frames, Hansard heavily influenced a new generation of Irish acts, including Mundy, Paddy Casey, David Kitt, Damien Dempsey, Damien Rice, Ed Sheeran, and Dermot Kennedy, according to music industry accounts. Global recognition arrived in 2007 through his collaboration with former Frames member and filmmaker John Carney and Czech songwriter Markéta Irglová on the independent film Once.
The film charted a fledgling romance between a Dublin busker and a Czech musician who perform as The Swell Season. The lead track, “Falling Slowly,” won Hansard and Irglová an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. The project subsequently expanded into a Tony Award-winning Broadway production.
Solo Career and Final Performances
Following the success of Once and subsequent touring with The Swell Season, Hansard launched a formal solo career with 2012’s Rhythm and Repose. He followed it with four additional studio albums: Didn’t He Ramble (2015), Between Two Shores (2018), This Wild Willing (2019), and All That Was East Is West of Me Now (2023).
Earlier this year, Hansard reunited The Frames for a series of intimate shows across Ireland designed to highlight the importance of grassroots music venues. Just three weeks prior to his passing, he performed at the summer concert series at Trinity College in Dublin. He leaves behind a four-year-old child, Christy, with his partner, poet Maire Saaritsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bands was Glen Hansard known for?
Glen Hansard was best known as the frontman of the Irish rock band The Frames and as one-half of the musical duo The Swell Season alongside Markéta Irglová.
What movie did Glen Hansard win an Oscar for?
Hansard won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly,” featured in the 2007 musical film Once.
Did Glen Hansard appear in The Commitments?
Yes, he played guitar player Outspan Foster in Alan Parker’s 1991 film adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s novel before focusing primarily on his own band, The Frames.
Honor the Legacy of Grassroots Music
Glen Hansard spent decades championing independent venues and street buskers. Support your local grassroots music scene by attending a show at an independent venue near you this week.
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