Beloved Irish songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin at age 56 on Wednesday, July 29th. The news of his passing has inspired a flood of social media tributes, with politicians, musicians, and actors alike remembering The Frames frontman and star of Once.
President of Ireland Catherine Connolly shared a statement calling Hansard one of the country’s “great singer-songwriters,” describing his band The Frames as “one of the leaders of the thriving wave of Irish bands who emerged in the 1990s and were the source of so much inspiration to a generation of young people and musicians.”
Connolly continued,
“Whether with the Frames, with [The Swell Season bandmate] Markéta [Irglová], or as a solo artist, Glen was renowned for his incomparable live performances, beautiful evenings of music where Glen would regale audiences with stories as well as his music, along with that of many of those who had touched his life over the decades.
Glen will also be remembered for the generosity with which he shared his fame, providing encouragement to young musicians and performers, while working to assist with important causes, in particular those suffering from homelessness, with his annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin’s city centre one of the highlights of the Christmas period.”
Former president Michael D Higgins remembered Hansard as “a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world” and also praised the singer for his work with the homeless.
Bruce Springsteen posted an Instagram statement, which reads, “Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard. We met in Ireland many years ago, and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man. Always positive, smiling, and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones.”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds member Warren Ellis wrote on Instagram, “I can’t believe it, Glen. You were a good man and loyal friend. Traveling overnight to see Dirty Three in Boston recently. Always above and beyond. And always about the music, the blah blah, the dogs, and the meaning of it all. Sending my love to your family, bandmates, and friends. Heartbreaking.”
West Side Story and Snow White star Rachel Zegler, who joined Hansard on stage in New York City for a performance of his Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” this past April, shared an Instagram carousel of her best memories. In the caption, she wrote, “Oh, I will love you forever. Rest now, my friend.”
The Waterboys singer wrote on X/Twitter: “Just heard that Glen Hansard has died. Travel on well, Buddy. You made your dreams come true. I’m so sorry that he leaves his wife and 3-year-old child.”
See more tributes below. We will continue updating this post as more reactions come in.
Just heard that Glen Hansard has died. Travel on well, Buddy. You made your dreams come true. I'm so sorry that he leaves his wife and 3-year-old child.
— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) July 29, 2026
