Oscar-winning Irish singer and Once star Glen Hansard has died at 56. His management said he passed away in the early hours of the morning and asked for privacy for his family, friends, and colleagues. Irish reports say he was killed in a motorcycle crash in Dublin.
Hansard left school as a teen to busk on Dublin’s streets. He founded the rock band The Frames. Their first album, Another Love Song, came out in 1991. That same year, Hansard had a small role in the film The Commitments as guitarist Outspan Foster. The Frames released seven studio albums. Burn the Maps (2004) reached No. 1 in Ireland. The Cost (2006) hit No. 2.
In 2007 Hansard starred in the film Once, directed by John Carney, opposite Markéta Irglová. They wrote many songs for the soundtrack, including “Falling Slowly,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Hansard and Irglová briefly dated and formed The Swell Season. Their debut came out in 2006. Strict Joy reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200. Their last album, Forward, was released in July 2025.
Once became a stage musical in 2011. It opened on Broadway in 2012 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Hansard also won a Grammy for the musical’s album.
Hansard launched a solo career in 2012 with Rhythm and Repose, which hit No. 21 on the Billboard 200. His most recent solo record, All That Was East Is West of Me Now, was released in October 2023. He put out the live album Don’t Settle (Vol. 2 Transmissions West) in June.
Known for magnetic live shows, Hansard was a natural storyteller on stage. He started the Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street in 2010 to raise money for people experiencing homelessness. Other Irish musicians, including Bono, often joined him.
In 2021 Hansard joined Eddie Vedder’s backing band, The Earthlings, after the two became close following a tragic incident at a show in Saratoga in 2020. Hansard also opened for Vedder on tour.
He will be remembered for his songs, his bands, and his fierce commitment to live performance.
