Celebrated Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died overnight following a motorcycle crash in Dublin, at the age of 56.
According to the Irish Independent, Hansard was involved in a single-vehicle crash in the early hours of Wednesday morning (July 29).
His death was confirmed by his agency, ATC Management, which also conveyed his family’s shock and grief.
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“With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard, who passed away in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin,” reads the press statement.
“Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time. The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.
“As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda [the national police force of Ireland] investigation, no further comment will be made at this time.”
Hansard cut his teeth on Dublin’s busking scene before forming The Frames in 1990. He came to international attention after featuring as a guitar player, Outspan Foster, in Alan Parker’s The Commitments.
His music-acting-songwriting career continued to take flight after his duo with Czech singer and pianist Markéta Irglová was the subject of the critically acclaimed movie Once. Released in 2007, the movie and core song, Falling Slowly, earned him an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Alongside his other work, he built a respected solo career, highlighted by his Grammy-nominated 2015 album Didn’t He Ramble. Hansard went on to collaborate and perform with the likes of Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen.
Throughout his career, Hansard was known for using Takamine Guitars. His NP15 model took him from the streets to international stages and was dubbed by the brand as one of its “hardest-working guitars.”
In an interview with Written in Music just a few months ago, Hansard expressed his enthusiasm for future tours and projects. He was scheduled to tour Ireland in October.
“At every gig, I want to give the audience everything I’ve got,” he said. “That’s precisely what makes every performance challenging and special for me too.’”
