It’s with a heavy heart that I share a tribute today for Glen Hansard, who sadly passed away at 56. He was reportedly involved in a motorcycle accident early Wednesday morning on the outskirts of Dublin. 

I’ve never had the chance to see his rock band. The Frames live; my knowledge of Hansard’s work mainly comes from the movies. I first came across Hansard in John Carney’s film ONCE, which is a romantic drama about two musicians trying to make it. It’s one of my picks of the 17 best Irish movies to watch. Carney and Hansard, both from Dublin, initially connected through the local music scene when Carney played bass for The Frames for a couple of years. Carney eventually left the band to focus on filmmaking, but the two stayed close friends and continued to collaborate creatively.

Here’s a fun fact about the casting of ONCE… Cillian Murphy was originally set to take on the lead role, and Hansard was just meant to create the soundtrack. When Murphy dropped out, Carney managed to persuade Hansard to take over the role. I really adore this film, and the chemistry between Hansard and Markéta Irglová is subtle yet profoundly moving. 

The beautiful song Falling Slowly won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008, which was so well deserved! Interestingly, Hansard and Irglová had actually written the song long before ONCE was released, so the Academy thought about disqualifying it since it had been performed and released prior to the film.

One more scene that really stuck with me is from one of my favorite recent musicals, Cyrano, directed by Joe Wright. The music was crafted by Aaron and Bryce Dessner from the indie rock band The National. While brainstorming the perfect fit for the film’s most heart-wrenching moment, the Dessners thought of Hansard. Having been good friends and collaborators for many years, Hansard was thrilled to take on the rare role of an unnamed soldier singing Wherever I Fall.

I remember crying my eyes out when I first watched this scene, and it never fails to move me to tears every time I see it. It’s such a heartbreaking song; the lyrics really got me, and Hansard’s performance gives the emotional gravitas the scene requires.

Hansard has appeared in just four films, one of which is a documentary detailing his own tour. I still need to watch The Commitments, in which Hansard played a guitarist. This 1991 Irish musical comedy-drama follows working-class youths in Dublin as they attempt to form a genuine American rhythm and blues and soul band.

Hansard’s departure came far too early; my thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans worldwide.

Rest in peace, Glen, and thank you for the musical legacy you left behind.

---