Family, friends, and fellow musicians alike gathered in Dublin to celebrate the life of Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who died last week at 56.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Ireland, bringing together hundreds of mourners and fans in bidding a final farewell to the musician.
Among those paying their respects were U2 frontman Bono and Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder, two artists who shared both the stage and a longstanding friendship with Hansard.
“Everyone who met him, they just remembered the day they met him,” said Bono, before paying tribute by reciting lyrics from U2’s song “Beautiful Day.”
Other musicians present included Hozier, Declan O’Rourke, and Imelda May, along with longtime “The Swell Season” partner Markéta Irglová. Actors Steve Coogan and Chris O’Dowd also paid their respects.
Vedder joined Irglová for a heartfelt performance of “The Song of Good Hope” as loved ones remembered Hansard as an acclaimed artist and compassionate individual who helped shape the lives and careers of those around him.
“Glen’s remarkable gifts and outstanding talent, which touched so many hearts, took him from the streets of Dublin to audiences across the globe,” said dean of the cathedral William Morton.
Emergency responders attended to the musician at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, whom he married in late 2022, and their young son, Christy. In a personal tribute at his funeral, Saaritsa read a poem written for her husband from the early days of their relationship.
With a career spanning over three decades, Hansard rose to prominence in 1990 as the frontman of the Irish rock band The Frames. The group released several albums, with four earning top-10 spots on the Irish album charts.
Hansard gained international recognition through the 2007 independent film “Once,” in which he starred alongside Czech musician Irglová.
Together, they formed The Swell Season rock duo and received an Academy Award in 2008 for Best Original Song for their duet “Falling Slowly,” which was featured in the film.
Following the film’s success, the pair continued performing together, and Hansard also expanded his solo career. He released five solo studio albums and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album for “Didn’t He Ramble” in 2016.
Hansard’s most popular solo recordings include “Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting,” “Philander,” “Winning Streak,” “Her Mercy,” and “Roll On Slow.”
