Renowned Offaly singer pays touching tribute to 'trailblazer' Glen Hansard
Hansard passed away following a motorbike crash near Lucan in West Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday morning, July 29 at the age of 56
Renowned Offaly singer Mundy has paid a touching tribute to Glen Hansard following the Oscar-winning musician’s passing at the age of 56.
Hansard died in a motorbike crash at the Strawberry Beds near Lucan in West Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday morning, July 29.
Mundy took to social media to honour the memory of the Frames frontman and illustrate the impact he had on him, he said: “This guy was a trailblazer. He was such an influence on me. I met him when I was 16/17. His energy was unmatched. His right hand was the most magical thing to watch. He could whisper and roar the walls down.”
The ‘July’ singer also lauded Hansard’s musical ability as well as his tenacity and determination. “He pissed me off sometimes but that was a bit of jealousy and competition on my behalf. He was parallel to all the greats in my view and all the greats knew who he was.”
“Glen wouldn’t give up. He was dropped a few times by the record labels and that only made him stronger. I wouldn’t have liked a physical run in with him, cuz I know he would fight until his heart stopped beating.”
Mundy concluded his tribute by saying: “I love you Glen Hansard and thank you for being an inspiration and educator to us all. Forever Young.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Hansard across world of music from the likes of Bono, Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran as well as prominent Irish figures such as Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly.
Glen Hansard’s agency ATC Management released a statement on Wednesday morning which read: “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.”
It continued: “ 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.”
Hansard rose to prominence with his band ‘The Frames’ who were a pivotal part of the Irish music scene throughout the 1990s and 2000s performing regularly across the country including appearances at major music festivals like Electric Picnic and Oxegen.
The Dublin native also appeared in the beloved Irish film ‘The Commitments’ portraying Outspan Foster, the band's guitarist.
He earned widespread acclaim with his 2008 Oscar win for the song ‘Falling Slowly’ which he wrote with collaborator Markéta Irglová after they both starred in the film ‘Once’.
Hansard toured across Europe and North America as a solo artist in the years that followed and continued to release music earning a Grammy nomination for his 2016 album ‘Didn't He Ramble’.
In 2010, Hansard started an annual Christmas Eve busk on Grafton Street in Dublin City Centre to raise awareness of homelessness and much needed funds for the Dublin Simon Community which attracted high-profile musicians including Shane McGowan, Bono and Sinéad O'Connor.
Hansard married Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa in 2022 and they welcomed their first child soon after splitting their time between Ireland and Finland.
May he Rest in Peace.