Hozier Honors Glen Hansard With an Emotional Tribute

Glen Hansard, known as the frontman for The Frames and for his work in the 2007 film Once, died at the age of 56 in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash. He passed in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland.

A statement from Ireland’s National Police and Security Service, which did not name Hansard, said that “The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene but was pronounced deceased a short time later.” Not long after, Hansard’s death was confirmed by his agents at ATC Management.

Hozier, a fellow Irish musician, took to social media to pay tribute to Hansard.

“Glen’s legacy reaches far beyond that of an Irish or Dublin musician whose work became beloved globally; he was a uniquely central feature and vessel of Irish story telling on both stage, screen and street for as long as many of us can remember,” Hozier said on Instagram. “Glen is so indelibly tied into the life and breath of Irish music, and particularly the city of Dublin, that it feels utterly surreal to imagine that he could be gone from us now.”

Hozier continued, saying that Hansard’s work inspired him both in his upbringing and adult life.

“This was a man who gave a remarkable amount of himself to song itself, to his shows, to the city he loved and to a community of musicians who loved and admired him dearly,” he said.

Hozier concluded his post, saying that he’s “among countless artists and fans today reflecting on his impact.” He said that his thoughts are with Hansard’s family and close friends.

Hozier performing with Hansard at a Christmas Eve busk
Niall Carson – PA Images / Getty Images

Niall Carson – PA Images / Getty Images

Hansard and Hozier often performed together, notably at an annual Christmas Eve busk in the streets of Dublin. In 2015, the two musicians were joined by Bono and The Script, singing songs like Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” and U2’s “When Love Comes to Town.”

“I re-watched one of your Christmas Eve busks with him,” one user commented on Hozier’s post. “Such an amazing talent and advocate! The world has lost a warrior.”

“I’ll still never forget seeing you, Glen, Bono, The Script, and more busking on Grafton St on Christmas Eve 2015,” another said. “We were only a few people back from the ‘stage’ – it was magical. Such a big loss.”

Read Hozier’s full post here.