Oscar winning musician Glen Hansard dies after motorcycle crash in Dublin 

The Oscar-winning singer-songwriter and The Frames frontman died following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Dublin on Wednesday.

Glen Hansard pictured performing during a special tribute to Shane MacGowan on The Late Late Show.

Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died following a motorcycle crash in Dublin.

The 56-year-old died following a single-vehicle motorcycle collision near the Strawberry Beds, Lucan, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Dubliner's celebrated music career began as a busker on the city's streets. He formed The Frames in 1990, leading the band to become one of Ireland's most acclaimed rock acts.

International recognition followed with his starring role in John Carney's Dublin-set film Once. Hansard and his co-star Markéta Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly, cementing his reputation as one of Ireland's best-known singer-songwriters.

Hansard is survived by his Finnish partner, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their son, Christy, who was born in 2022.

Glen Hansard with Markéta Irglová, winners of an Oscar in 2008 for their song Falling Slowly, from the film Once.  

Music career and activism

Hansard was a frequent performer at benefit concerts, supported campaigns to tackle homelessness, and was a long-time participant in Dublin's annual Christmas Eve busk.

In February, The Frames played a tour of small venues around Ireland to highlight the importance of such spaces to the Irish music scene.

“We must keep community alive. Keep meitheal alive," Hansard had told the crowd at a packed DeBarra's in Clonakilty, Co Cork. 

In March, Hansard appeared on the St Patrick's Day edition of The Late Late Show, where he performed a rendition of Carrickfergus.

Hansard remained active as a recording and touring artist. His most recent release was the two-volume album Don't Settle, issued across April and June.

He had been due to begin a tour in August, with dates including Cork Opera House in November.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users who may have relevant camera footage, including dashcam footage, and who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make it available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.