Tributes paid after Glen Hansard dies in motorcycle crash: “A remarkable artist whose music touched so many lives”

Rachel Zegler, Warren Ellis and more have paid respects for The Frames frontman, who also starred in films ‘The Commitments’ and ‘Once’

By Liberty Dunworth|
Glen Hansard performs in 2026

Glen Hansard performs in 2026. CREDIT: Lorne Thomson/Redferns/Getty

Warren Ellis, Rachel Zegler, Bruce Springsteen and more have paid tributes to singer and actor Glen Hansard, who has died following a motorcycle crash in Dublin. He was aged 56.

The north Dublin artist and frontman of The Frames was known for his solo albums, the most recent of which was 2023’s ‘All That Was East Is West of Me Now’. He also made up one half of the duo The Swell Season, alongside Markéta Irglová, and together the two of them shared the song ‘Falling Slowly’, which featured in the acclaimed 2007 film Once and went on to win an Oscar.

Hansard also performed with The Frames, who formed in the ’90s and released six acclaimed albums together – with 2004’s seminal ‘Burn The Maps’ topping the charts in his native Ireland.

He later went on to take on work as an actor. As well as composing music for the aforementioned film Once, he also took on a lead role in the Irish romantic musical drama film, written and directed by John Carney, playing a character called “Guy”.

Other acting roles included his portrayal of Outspan Foster in the 1991 BAFTA-winning film The Commitments, acting alongside Robert Arkins, Angeline Ball, Andrew Strong and more.

Earlier today (Wednesday July 29), it was confirmed that the singer and actor died following a motorcycle crash, which occurred in Lucan during the early hours of this morning. The incident was reportedly a single-vehicle collision and happened just before 5am.

The musician’s management company shared a statement that read: “With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning. We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.”

Fans have already taken to social media to pay their respects. On Instagram, Warren Ellis of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Grinderman, and Dirty Three wrote a heartfelt message. “I Can’t believe it Glen. You were a good man and loyal friend,” he wrote. “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. Heartbreaking.”

Actor Rachel Zegler also shared her respects, posting a series of photos of the two of them together and writing: “Oh, I will love you forever. rest now, my friend.”

Bruce Springsteen shared that he was “heartbroken” by the news, and wrote: “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”.

Irish radio broadcaster Dave Fanning described Hansard as “one our best ever songwriters.
And the nicest guy you’ll ever meet”, while photographer and filmmaker Danny Clinch called the late artist “one of the deepest” talents he ever met, and Lonely The Brave’s Mark Trotter shared: “Heartbreaking. Glen and the Frames have always been an enormous influence to me. Utterly heartbreaking news. Rest easy big man and thank you, for everything.”

Former President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, took to Instagram to describe Hansard as a “wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world.”

The MP also went on to share his admiration for the community efforts the artist made over his life, as well as his massive contributions to film and music.

Dublin rock band Aslan also paid tribute, writing: “We are absolutely devastated to hear of the tragic passing of the incredibly talented Glen Hansard. We’re here in the rehearsal studio, and the news has completely floored us.

“Glen was a remarkable artist whose music touched so many lives, and his loss will be felt far and wide. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace.”

Courtney Andrews wrote that he was an “incredibly humble and generous person” who “made a great impact on us all”, and actor Chris O’Dowd praised the late artist for his “energising melodies and soulful, searching voice [that] made the tough times more manageable, the stagnant times more beautiful, and the joyful times even more memorable”.

One fan on X shared: “Terribly sad news about Glen Hansard. One of Ireland’s finest musicians, whose music resonated far beyond our shores. He’ll be very sorely missed.”

Another shared: “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 three-year-old child,” while a third shared on X: “First gig I went to after Covid was The Frames in Kilmainham. Such a beautiful, joyous night. RIP Glen Hansard.”

Someone else remembered what stuck with them after seeing Hansard perform live, writing: “You will be missed glen. It was a pleasure seeing you on tour, talking with you. You were so humble, and clairvoyant. Your music was full of passion. RIP, one of the greatest. Hope you have fun with Leonard Cohen up there.”

Find more tributes below.

Further detail of the accident have not yet been shared by authorities. BBC News reports that police in West Dublin are appealing for witnesses who saw the crash to come forward.

The artist started out as a busker on the streets of Dublin, and his 2016 solo album ‘Didn’t He Ramble’, earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. He is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and his son Christy, who was born in 2022.