Tributes have begun to pour in for Glen Hansard, who tragically passed away following a motorbike crash in Dublin on Wednesday morning.
Ryan Tubridy led the tributes, sharing pictures of the pair on The Late Late Show, he wrote: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts I post a few words about Glen Hansard who has died.
“I’ve been a fan, an admirer and thanks to multiple chats on tv and radio, an interviewer of this extraordinarily talented singer and storyteller.
“Apart from his talent as an artist, he also cared. He cared about the homeless and he cared about Ireland. The Oscar, the achievements and the humanity were all part of a life well lived.
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“Condolences to Glen’s family and his legion of fans. We have lost one of the greats. May he rest in peace.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also took to social media to share his condolences: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard. A talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.
“My sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and fans. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Michael D Higgins wrote an impassioned tribute to the late musician, saying: “It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the death of Glen Hansard.
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“Glen was a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world.
“From his early days busking on Dublin’s streets through to his work with The Frames, the Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, and on to his very successful solo career, Glen captured the attention of all who listened and rightly developed a loyal following all across the world.”
He continued: “Throughout his career, Glen made a particularly noteworthy effort to keep alive the work of all those who had gone before him, keeping alive the songs of previous generations of Irish musicians and singers who had influenced him, as well as the songs of departed friends such as Mic Christopher and Fergus O’Farrell.
“Glen also placed great emphasis throughout his life to the importance of talking the problems of society, including regular work in drawing attention to the problem of homelessness. This work drove his annual Christmas Eve busk, which raised money for those suffering from homelessness and related causes at Christmas.
“Glen also made an indelible impression in Irish film, with his roles as Outspan Foster in the Commitments and perhaps most notably in former bandmate John Carney’s Once, for which he and Markéta Irglová so deservedly won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
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“I was delighted to welcome Glen to Áras an Uachtaráin in 2013 when he performed as part of Glaoch – The President’s Call, and was also honoured when he performed as part of the Ceiliúradh concert during my State Visit to the United Kingdom the following year. Most recently, we were in neighbouring dressing rooms for the Hot Press anniversary concert in the 3 Arena in February, where the Frames delighted the audience with a typically engaging performance.
“May I express my deepest condolences to Glen’s wife Maire, to his son Christy, and to all his family, friends, band mates, fellow musicians and fans, who I know will all by so saddened by this shocking news.”
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West Side Story star, Rachel Zegler shared a series of pictures with Glen with the simple caption: “oh i will love you forever. rest now, my friend.”
Rest in peace, Glen.