The Oscar-winner had just released a new album and was getting ready for an extensive world tour and what would likely have been another appearance at one of Dublin’s most beloved Christmas traditions.
The 56-year-old musician had kicked off a new chapter in his career earlier this summer with the release of "Don’t Settle (Vol. 2 – Transmissions West)", which arrived in June to critical acclaim.
The album was set to be the centerpiece of a packed run of live performances that would have taken him across Europe, Ireland, South America and Italy before the end of the year.
Glen Hansard.
Hansard was due to begin the tour with appearances in London and Scandinavia before returning home for an extensive Irish run in October and November.
The tour would have seen him perform in Sligo, Kilkenny, Galway, Trim, Limerick, Cork, Belfast and Killarney, alongside festival appearances at the Púca Festival and Fomhair Festival.
Following the Irish dates, Hansard had planned to travel to Brazil for performances at the Best of Blues and Rock Festival before concluding the year with a string of concerts across Italy in December.
Beyond the tour, many fans had expected Hansard to once again lead the annual Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street.
Glen Hansard performing at the Christmas singalong on Grafton Street in 2016.
The charity event has become one of Dublin’s most treasured festive traditions, regularly bringing together some of Ireland’s biggest artists, including Bono and Hozier, to raise funds for the Dublin Simon Community [a homeless charity].
While this year’s line-up had yet to be announced, Hansard had become synonymous with the annual busk, having helped turn it into one of the country’s best-known Christmas events.
Instead, what had promised to be a landmark year for one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians has been tragically cut short.
Oscar-winner's death
The Oscar-winning musician and songwriter died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin.
Hansard and his partner, Markéta Irglová, won and Oscar for their song "Falling Slowly" which featured in the movie "Once".
The single-vehicle accident happened on the R109 between Tinker’s Hill and Rugged Lane, at the Strawberry Beds near Lucan, at 4.40 am on Wednesday.
Gardaí [Irish police] and emergency services were called to the scene, and it’s understood Mr Hansard received treatment at the accident site but was declared dead a short time later.
Glen Hansard was an extremely well-known and talented musician and songwriter who burst onto the music scene in the 1980s.
Glen Hansard played Outspan Foster in the 1991 movie "The Committments".
Following his tragic death, his management said:
"With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard, who passed away in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin.
"Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.
"The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.
"As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time."
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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