"Such a massive loss to his son" Glen Hansard singing has fans in tears

Glen tragically died in a motorcycle crash in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the Strawberry Beds in Lucan, Dublin.

As well as being a titan of Irish music, Glen was a father to his young son, Christy, who was born in 2022, and a video of him singing while holding his small child poignantly shows both his talent and love.

The Hill of Uisneach’s Instagram account posted the moving video, which has now been viewed more than two million times, on Wednesday alongside a poignant story about a recent interaction they had with Glen.

They wrote: "Only a few weeks ago, we had asked Glen if he would do us the honor of lighting our An Tairseach Samhain fire. Being the humble man that he was, he asked me if he was worthy enough.

"Worthy enough? I explained that we only ask people who have contributed heavily to Irish society, the arts and ancient customs of this island, and that there were few people I could think of who have done more for the above than him. He was so excited to be part of it.

"A giant of a man in the music industry, he also starred in two of the most celebrated Irish movies to date. Add in his charity work, awareness of social issues, and the way he carried Ireland with such pride wherever he went. There was nobody more fitting."

The statement went on to explain how they received the precious video of Glen singing, saying: "He sent us this beautiful video he recorded from the summit here at Uisneach as he went up the hill one evening to say hello to Manchán [Magan, the late author] and wanted to sing this wonderful piece in memory of him. It is something we will now cherish all the more."

It concluded: "The voice of a generation, who used that voice to champion others. His legacy will live on through his music, his kindness, and the countless lives he has touched.

"The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation, and Glen donated so much. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Hundreds of Glen’s fans were moved by the video, with many saying the little boy was clearly at ease in his arms and used to listening to his voice.

Glen Hansard.

"That child is very used to being sung to, and it is apparent that he finds great comfort in his father's voice. What a tremendous loss," wrote one person.

Another added: "A beautiful little boy resting his head on his rock, being loved and soothed by his dad’s beautiful voice - the loss is unbearable for this little boy."

"So so sad for his little boy. What a jewel we have lost,’ wrote someone else, while a fourth person penned: ‘So so sad but this is beautiful. Lovely memory for his young son to watch when he's older. Really feeling for the whole family."

Glen became a father at the age of 52. His son was born a few months before Glen married his wife, the Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, with the family splitting their time between Ireland and Finland.

On becoming a father, he told The Irish Times: "For 52 years, I was the most important person in my own life, and then suddenly I got a complete perspective shift, and I'm absolutely loving it.

"To be of service to this young mind, to this young life, is just… I can't believe I didn't do it before now. Isn't it true when the student is ready, the teacher appears?"

In the hours after Glen's death was confirmed, dozens of stars from the music and showbiz world have paid tribute.

* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.