Oscar-winning Dublin musician Glen Hansard dies in motorbike crash, aged 56

Glen Hansard, the 56-year-old Dublin songwriter and frontman of The Frames who won an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, died in a motorbike crash in Dublin on Wednesday, prompting widespread tributes from figures including Bono and Bruce Springsteen.

Hansard first gained attention after joining the cast of Alan Parker’s 1991 film The Commitments and later co-wrote and starred in John Carney’s 2007 film Once, for which he and Markéta Irglova received the Oscar for Best Original Song. He left school at 13, formed The Frames and signed his first record deal in 1990.

Hansard described a musical turning point after discovering a Bob Dylan cassette and said his headmaster encouraged his pursuit of music. He recounted arriving at The Commitments audition by chance and being cast as guitarist Outspan Foster, an experience he later called enjoyable even if it did not define him.

Over his career he met and performed with musical figures he admired, including encounters with Van Morrison and sessions with artists such as Eddie Vedder, Ringo Starr and Stevie Wonder. Hansard also organised an annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin for homelessness charities, helping to raise over €2m for services supported by the Simon Community.

Following the 2023 death of Shane MacGowan, Hansard acted as musical director for MacGowan’s funeral, arranging performances and readings from prominent Irish musicians and friends. He is survived by his child.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The death of Glen Hansard highlights his dual impact as a musician and occasional actor, reflected in his Oscar-winning songwriting, his role in two influential Irish films and his long-standing charity work. Tributes from international artists underline his recognition across the music community, while his annual busking fundraiser demonstrated a sustained commitment to local homelessness causes.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Glen Hansard, 56, died in a motorbike crash in Dublin on Wednesday.
• Hansard won an Oscar for “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, which he also starred in.
• He rose to prominence after appearing in the 1991 film The Commitments and led the band The Frames.