Glen Hansard dies following motorcycle crash in Dublin

Singer and actor Glen Hansard 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”.

Irish musician Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56.

The Dublin singer-songwriter was best known as the frontman of The Frames, his work with The Swell Season, and for the Oscar-winning song Falling Slowly from Once.

Our thoughts are with Glen's family, friends and all who… pic.twitter.com/bbzeaongEv

— Today FM (@TodayFM) July 29, 2026

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.

Fans have already taken to social media to pay their respects following news of the passing. “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,” one wrote.

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.
@patrickdextervc haunting cello version of ‘Falling Slowly’ recorded in 2020. pic.twitter.com/BbdTPyNeCS

— Glenn Polley (@glennpolley) July 29, 2026

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 3-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.

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 3-year-old child.

— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) July 29, 2026

RIP Glen Hansard pic.twitter.com/keEohIMfz7

— Yo Banana Boy 𝕏 (@yobananaboyX) July 29, 2026

First gig I went to after Covid was The Frames in Kilmainham. Such a beautiful, joyous night. RIP Glen Hansard pic.twitter.com/QrdqkmWh8x

— David Coughlan (@davidcoughlan_) July 29, 2026

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. https://t.co/4gfn0TO0vb

— stephan (@cuuliem) July 29, 2026

Just heard the horrible news about Glen Hansard.

RIP

A fantastic Irish musician.

Gonna have to watch Once again today. pic.twitter.com/al5GakjSHb

— The Extreme Music Enthusiast (@TheExtremeMusi1) July 29, 2026

Absolutely gutted to hear the passing of Glen Hansard, a stallion man, a father who gave a voice to the voiceless upcoming artists – in fact gave Dermot Kennedy a significant early platform , as well as being an Oscar winner. Ireland loses a true gent today, may his soul rest

— Jim (@irishjimbob1) July 29, 2026

A consistent champion for the homeless in Ireland & a decent man. Shocking news, condolences to his family & friends.

Oscar-winning musician and actor Glen Hansard dies in Dublin motorbike crash
Singer found fame after starring in The Commitments and with his band The Frames… pic.twitter.com/35OPdml5rc

— Mick Caul (@caulmick) July 29, 2026

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.

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