Glen Hansard: from Springsteen to Bono, memories from fellow musicians

The death of Glen Hansard has stirred a wave of grief across the music world and beyond. The Irish singer-songwriter, an Oscar winner for "Falling Slowly" and the driving force behind the Frames and the Swell Season, passed away on July 29 at age 56 following a motorcycle accident in Dublin, leaving a deep mark on colleagues, friends and institutions alike.

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Among the first to pay tribute was Bono, who called Hansard "an angelic presence," recalling his dedication to the most vulnerable and his unbreakable bond with the streets of Dublin, where he had started out as a busker. "For me he will always be everywhere I see a coin drop into an open guitar case," wrote the U2 frontman.
Also Bruce Springsteen remembered his friend as "a great musician, a generous man full of grace." Finneas recalled singing "Falling Slowly" for the first time at age eleven, calling Hansard "the north star of songwriters." Lin-Manuel Miranda described him as "a once-in-a-lifetime artist," while Ed Sheeran spoke of "an extraordinary human being."

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Hozier underlined the musician's importance to his country's culture: "He was a central figure in Ireland's story, on stage, on screen and on the street. His kindness and his music inspired an entire generation."
Among the most personal tributes is that of Nels Cline of Wilco, who had been working with Hansard on a new album just months before the tragedy: "Anyone who met him felt his warmth, his passion and his immense talent."
Mike Scott, frontman of the Waterboys, wrote on X: "I just heard that Glen Hansard has died. Godspeed, my friend. You made your dreams come true. I am deeply saddened that he leaves behind his wife and a three-year-old child."

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

David Keenan also remembered his fellow musician with a personal anecdote: "I met Glen in Dundalk in 2015. He called me up on stage at the Spirit Store and I genuinely couldn't believe he'd done that. At a time when I was thinking of giving it all up, that meeting reignited the fire inside me."
Messages of condolence also came from Cat Power, Sharon Van Etten, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Warren Ellis, Gracie Abrams and actress Rachel Zegler, who shared several photographs with Hansard, writing: "I will love you always. Rest now, my friend."

Grief over the songwriter's death was also shared by Irish institutions. Colum Eastwood, former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, wrote: "I'm devastated to hear this news." He then recalled an episode that, in his view, best captures Hansard's character: "Some time ago he did me a huge favour I'll never forget. A friend of mine was going through a very difficult time and was a huge fan of Glen's. I mentioned it to him and he immediately sent her a beautiful video. No fuss, no fanfare. He was a genuinely good person."
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his condolences, calling Hansard "an immensely talented musician and actor, who for many years made a significant contribution to Ireland's cultural landscape."
Former Irish president Michael D. Higgins also remembered the songwriter as "an extraordinary musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences around the world." Looking back on his career, he added: "From his early days as a busker on the streets of Dublin, to his work with the Frames, to the Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, right through to his brilliant solo career, Glen had a way of winning over everyone who listened to him, building a devoted following across the globe."

The Púca Festival, where Hansard had been due to headline this year's edition, also paid tribute to him in a statement: "While words cannot ease the pain of such a devastating loss, we join music lovers around the world in remembering an extraordinary artist, whose talent, passion and performances left an indelible mark."

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