Glen Hansard, beloved WXPN artist, dies at 56

One of WXPN’s most favorite singer-songwriters, Glen Hansard, has died today in a motorcycle accident in his hometown of Dublin. He was 56 years old. His death was confirmed by ATC Management and issued this statement on his website and social media:

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning. We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.

Here at WXPN we’re deeply saddened to hear of Glen’s passing. He was an artist whose music left a permanent mark anyone who heard it. A longtime friend of WXPN, Hansard joined us for multiple Free At Noon performances and World Cafe sessions that showcased the heart and soul of his music. We’re grateful to have shared those moments with our listeners and to have been part of his remarkable musical journey. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless fans and musicians he inspired.

Hansard was a one-of-a-kind generational singer and songwriter who had a long and fertile career. From his start with the Irish rock band The Frames in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, he went on to a successful solo career. He came to more international fame after starring in the film Once, a movie about an Irish street musician and a woman he falls in love with. Along with his co-star Marketa Irglova, they won an Academy Award in 2008 for best original song, “Falling Slowly,” a beautiful tender ballad that was featured in the movie. Hansard and Irglová became romantically involved during Once, and out of their relationship they formed The Swell Season.

Since 2007 with The Frames, he’s been on World Cafe multiple times, performed at Free At Noon and at NON-COMM. His last appearance on World Cafe was with a reunited The Swell Season—with Irglova—in April 2025, talking with World Cafe host Raina Douris. About Glen, Douris says: “Glen was magnetic, full of life and, of course, full of music. It’s hard to believe someone so irrepressible could be gone.”

Many musicians have been weighing in on social media about his incredible talents including Philly’s Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie on Threads said: “RIP brilliant songster Glen Hansard. I was on a bill with him at Carnegie Hall in 2019 and he stole the show with his unbelievably powerful voice and presence. He sang without a microphone and absolutely brought the house down. Thanx for the songs, GH!”

Bruce Springsteen who counted himself as a fan said: “Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over of the death of Glen Hansard. We met in Ireland many years ago and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man. Always positive, smiling and ready to sing.”

World Cafe began its international Sense of Place trips in 2011 with a visit to Dublin. Ever the charmer and eager to share his knowledge, Hansard went on a walking tour with then host David Dye around the old haunts where Hansard got his start as an artist. Undeterred by the rainy weather, the two search for busking musicians and stop at the old Irish pub, O’Donoghue’s, for a pint and some live music. Much to the crowd’s delight, Hansard joined in to play a few tunes.