Thousands of mourners gathered in Dublin to pay respects to singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who died in a motorcycle crash at age 56.
Key facts
- •Glen Hansard died on July 29 at age 56 following a motorcycle crash.
- •The public wake was held at the Baroque Chapel at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham.
- •Hansard won an Academy Award for the song "Falling Slowly" from the 2007 film "Once."
- •The funeral will take place Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
- •The family requested donations to the Dublin Simon Community or Ukrainian Action instead of flowers.
Thousands of fans gathered in Dublin today to pay their respects to Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard during a public wake. Hansard, who died on July 29 at the age of 56 following a motorcycle crash, is lying in repose at the Baroque Chapel at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham. The event drew mourners from across the globe, including attendees who traveled from as far as Chicago and the Netherlands to honor the musician.
Remembering the Musician
Mourners lined up to share memories of Hansard, who rose to prominence as a busker on Dublin’s Grafton Street before achieving international fame. Attendees recalled his influence on their own musical journeys and his character, with former roadie Kevin Bret describing his death as a "massive loss to the Irish music community." Others, such as Zoe Hayter, credited Hansard with introducing them to a "magical" world of music that left a lasting impact on their lives.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorials
Hansard’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. local time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. While the service is open to the public, seating inside the cathedral will be limited, prompting organizers to set up a public address system outside for those unable to enter. The ceremony will be broadcast live on RTE News and RIP.IE, with music provided by the late singer's friends and family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested that mourners make donations to the Dublin Simon Community, a charity supporting homeless individuals, or Ukrainian Action.
Career and Legacy
Born in Dublin on April 21, 1970, Hansard began his career busking on city streets before fronting the rock band the Frames and the duo Swell Season. He gained global recognition for his role in the 2007 drama 'Once,' for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly," co-written and performed with Markéta Irglová.
Timeline
- April 21, 1970Glen Hansard was born in Dublin.
- 2007Hansard starred in the drama "Once" and won an Academy Award for the song "Falling Slowly."
- July 29Hansard died at age 56 in a motorcycle crash.
- Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.The funeral service is scheduled to take place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Rolling Stone.
