Prominent figures from the music industry, such as Bono of U2, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, and Hozier, gathered on Tuesday to bid farewell to Glen Hansard. The 56-year-old Irish songwriter and Academy Award winner passed away recently following a motorcycle accident in Dublin.
Known for his role in the 1991 film The Commitments and his long-standing leadership of the band The Frames, Hansard was widely admired. His unexpected death prompted an outpouring of grief from peers including Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran. The funeral took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, where family and friends provided musical tributes.
During the service, attendees such as The Edge, Steve Coogan, and Imelda May heard a poignant eulogy from Hansard’s widow, poet Maire Saaritsa. She reflected on their shared life and their young son, Christy, noting that the child carries his father’s bright spirit. Bono and The Edge led a version of the song Beautiful Day, and the ceremony concluded with the congregation singing Bob Dylan’s Forever Young.
Beyond his musical career—which included an Oscar for the film Once and multiple albums—Hansard was recognized for his charitable contributions, particularly his annual Christmas Eve busking events to aid the homeless. Fans also gathered in Dublin this week, queuing at a public wake to honor a musician many described as a true staple of Irish culture.
