The global music community is in mourning following the sudden death of beloved 56-year-old Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who lost his life in a crash in the early hours of last Wednesday. The tragedy came just hours after Hansard took part in a traditional Irish music session at The Wren’s Nest pub, a beloved local venue in County Dublin.
A career that spanned more than 30 years, Hansard first rose to international prominence in 1991 when he was cast as guitarist Outspan Foster in the hit musical comedy film *The Commitments*. Beyond his early on-screen success, he built his reputation as the long-time frontman of The Frames, an acclaimed Irish rock band that earned a dedicated global fanbase.
His most iconic career milestone came in 2008, when he and collaborator Marketa Irglova won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” from the low-budget independent musical romance *Once*. The pair went on to release three full-length albums as the duo The Swell Season, while Hansard also built a successful solo career. His 2016 solo album *Didn’t He Ramble* earned a Grammy Award nomination, cementing his status as one of Ireland’s most talented contemporary musicians. Away from the spotlight, Hansard was also a dedicated philanthropist, widely praised by homeless advocacy charities for his consistent fundraising work supporting vulnerable communities. He is survived by his three-year-old son.
In the days following his death, a wave of tributes has poured in from across the global entertainment and political landscape. High-profile figures including music legends Bruce Springsteen — who shared that he was “heartbroken” over the loss — Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, *Hamilton* creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, *West Side Story* actor Rachel Zegler, and former United States President Barack Obama have all honored Hansard’s legacy and life. On Thursday evening, hundreds of fans gathered in Dublin for a public memorial busk, celebrating his music and connection to the city’s artistic community.
To allow members of the public to pay their final respects, official funeral arrangements have been confirmed. A public wake will be held on Monday, August 3, in the Baroque Chapel at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, located within Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Hansard will lie in repose at the venue from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time. His funeral service will take place the following day, August 4, at 1:30 p.m. local time at St Patrick’s Cathedral in central Dublin. While the funeral is open to all members of the public who wish to attend, venue organizers have noted that access inside the cathedral will be limited due to the large volume of mourners expected to attend. Music for the service will be performed by Hansard’s close friends and family.