Springsteen, Bono and Sheeran pay tribute to ‘one of the greats’ Glen Hansard

By Sean O'Grady, Press Association Deputy Entertainment Editor

Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Ed Sheeran are among a galaxy of stars who have paid tribute to Glen Hansard, remembered as “one of the greats” after his death.

The Irish musician, known as the frontman of The Frames, died aged 56 in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday.

Springsteen said in a post on Instagram that he was “heartbroken” at the news.

“We met in Ireland many years ago, and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man,” he wrote.

“Always positive, smiling and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones.”

U2 frontman Bono shared a clip on Instagram of his band performing alongside Hansard and others, alongside a tribute to the fellow Dublin man, describing an “angelic presence”.

“A smiling rascal if you needed him to be… this most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun… no airs, plenty of graces,” he wrote.

“He really was who you thought he was. He could never walk by a person living rough without checking they were OK… and more than that, he worked very hard so that less people had to live on the streets in the first place.

“Voice of the streets. A choir of angels in one man. The rest of us blessed to stand there beside our very own and very earthed Angel Gabriel… All of us welcome in his choir, whatever shape or form.

“… and I’m telling myself this morning that if he never existed, then he can never cease to exist. For me, he will always be everywhere I see a coin spinning into an open guitar case.

“May you rest in the peace you gave to so many.”

Sheeran shared his thoughts on Instagram stories, posting: “Heartbroken to hear the news about Glen.

“He was such an incredible human, an incredible force.

“I am grateful for the times we shared together, sending so much love to his family.”

Rachel Zegler and Chris O’Dowd are also among those who have paid tribute.

Zegler performed on stage with Hansard in 2024 where she sang Falling Slowly, an Oscar-winning song Hansard and his former partner, Marketa Irglova, composed and which featured in the 2007 film, Once.

Sharing several photos with Hansard, Zegler wrote: “Oh I will love you forever. Rest now, my friend.”

Comedian and actor O’Dowd said he could not believe the singer “left the world so terribly early”.

He wrote: “His energising melodies and soulful, searching voice made the tough times more manageable, the stagnant times more beautiful, and the joyful times even more memorable.

“I had the opportunity to tell Glen that for me, Seven Day Mile was that song.

“When I worked in a bar in South London, I’d be cleaning up after closing, and the opening bars of Seven Day Mile would light up my time, and carry me for the remainder of the messy shift.

“Anyone who makes use of music knows the feeling of being taken away. He did that. And he leaves it with us.

“Thanks Glen. Huge love to Maire and little Christy and all those who loved him.”

O’Dowd’s wife, the writer and presenter, Dawn O’Porter, shared a picture of Hansard to Instagram after she found out about the “horrible news” while in Dublin on Wednesday.

She wrote: “I was lucky to meet Glen Hansard a few times. The loveliest man.

“I’m sorry to everyone who will feel this so deeply. His family. The saddest news.”

Andrea Corr, lead singer of The Corrs, said she was “shocked and sad” by the news and called Hansard “a beautiful artist and man”.

She wrote: “Rest in peace Glen, and praying for comfort for his loved ones.”

Ryan Tubridy, former host of The Late Late Show, also paid tribute to the singer.

The 53-year-old broadcaster said: “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.

“Condolences to Glen’s family and his legion of fans. We have lost one of the greats. May he rest in peace.”

Rock band Aslan said they were “devastated” to learn of Hansard’s passing.

They wrote: “We’re here in the rehearsal studio, and the news has completely floored us.

“Glen was a remarkable artist whose music touched so many lives, and his loss will be felt far and wide.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Glen.”

In a statement, Hansard’s agents, ATC management, said his family were “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by the loss.

Hansard was the father of a three-year-old boy, Christy.

He had recently announced a tour of Ireland in October and November, with tickets going on sale earlier this month.