Glen Hansard Dead at 56
Sad news from Ireland via the Irish Independent:
Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died overnight in a motorcycle crash in Dublin’s Lucan.
The renowned musician was killed in the single-vehicle crash near Strawberry Beds in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
I’ve listened to Glen Hansard’s voice for countless hours over my life. On road trips, while making supper, playing along (and singing poorly) on guitar, etc. Like many I first found out about his music via the Jim Carney directed movie, Once, and the accompanying soundtrack for which Hansard and Marketa Irglova won an Oscar.
...fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up.
We got to see Glen and Marketa at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 2010. My photo library is failing me right now, but it was such a memorable concert. It felt so cool being able to see these musicians who were on stage at the Oscars walking past us to get on stage in a field in Manitoba. I remember thinking how much shorter Glen was than I thought he'd be.
Falling Slowly is the beautiful song you’ve likely heard. Say It To Me Now is another amazing song from the Once soundtrack that really shows off Hansard's range from whisper quiet to raging with emotions:
I’m glad the music lives on, but I’m sad he won’t get to create more of it for the world. Prayers for his family and friends, and the young son he leaves behind.
Hansard spoke to the Irish Independent in 2023 about becoming a father for the first time in his 50s.
“My kid, Christy, was born when I was 52,” he said. “I had my whole life with me being the most important person in it. Then, suddenly, I find my heart has completely turned in another direction and I’m in utter service to this joyful being,” he said.
I put on his music during my walk this morning and was reminded of the poignant lyrics from "Grace Beneath the Pines" on his 2015 album, Didn't He Ramble:
There’ll be no more running round for me,
No more backing down, you’ll see
Whatever lies in store for me,
I’ll get through it
There’ll be no more going half the way,
You'd better listen to these words I say
Whatever ties they bound to me,
I’ll cut through them
Now I found some
Grace beneath the judge's gavel,
Grace among my brothers on the firing line,
Grace upon this road less travelled,
Grace beneath the pines, the pines,
Grace beneath the pines
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