Bono leads tributes to Glen Hansard, 'a choir of angels in one man'
In a deeply moving tribute that has touched the nation, U2 frontman Bono has remembered his late friend and fellow Irish musician Glen Hansard as 'a choir of angels in one man'. Hansard, 54, tragically died in a single-vehicle crash in the early hours of July 29th on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin.
The two musicians, both proud sons of Ireland, had a bond forged through shared faith and a commitment to the most vulnerable. For years, they took part in the annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin, a tradition founded by Hansard in 2010 that raises vital funds for the Dublin Simon Community, a charity helping the homeless. The busk, which also featured stars like Hozier, Imelda May, and Damien Rice, became a hallmark of Dublin's Christmas spirit.
A tribute from the King of the Tribe
Taking to X after the news broke, Bono wrote a poetic and heartfelt message. 'Sometimes I would wonder if Glen Hansard really existed,' he began, capturing the almost otherworldly nature of his friend's character. 'Seriously, he was such an angelic presence... not otherworldly...in fact, very present this presence... A smiling rascal if you needed him to be... this most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun... no airs, plenty of graces.'
Bono recalled the Christmas Eve busk, where Hansard was 'the shining star... sometimes the only one reminding the rest of us that Christmas began with a refugee born in a manger, which is hardly a step from living on the street.' This sentiment, grounded in Christian tradition and a practical concern for the homeless, resonates deeply with British values of charity and community.
Voice of the streets
The U2 singer highlighted how Hansard was most at home not in grand venues, but on the street. 'Of all the grand and gigantic venues he and The Frames played, you sensed the street was his most favoured place to perform. And street people, his favourite audience.' Bono added, 'He could never walk by a person living rough without checking they were OK... and more than that, he worked very hard so that less people had to live on the streets in the first place.'
His tribute concluded with a powerful image: 'Voice of the streets. A choir of angels in one man. The rest of us blessed to stand there beside our very own and very earthed Angel Gabriel... All of us welcome in his choir, whatever shape or form. ....and I'm telling myself this morning that if he never existed, then he can never cease to exist. For me, he will always be everywhere I see a coin spinning into an open guitar case.'
Springsteen joins the chorus
Bono's tribute followed a heartfelt eulogy from Bruce Springsteen, who wrote, 'Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over 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. God bless him and his loved ones.'
Hansard, who won an Oscar in 2008 for 'Best Original Song' with 'Falling Slowly' from the film Once, had once said that receiving a text from Bono was the highlight of his Oscar night. 'For me it was just like getting a text off the King of the Tribe,' he told RTÉ.
The tragic accident
The singer-songwriter lost his life in the early hours of July 29th in a single-vehicle crash on Lower Road in Lucan. Emergency services were called at around 4:30am local time. Hansard was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
His passing was confirmed by ATC Management, who said in a statement, '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 Hansard leaves behind a legacy not just of music, but of profound kindness. As Bono wrote, 'May you rest in the peace you gave to so many.'
Frequently asked questions about Glen Hansard's death
How did Glen Hansard die?
Glen Hansard died in a single-vehicle road traffic accident on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin, in the early hours of July 29th.
What was Glen Hansard's relationship with Bono?
Bono and Hansard were close friends and fellow Irish musicians. They performed together annually at the Christmas Eve busk in Dublin to raise money for the homeless. Bono described him as 'a choir of angels in one man'.
What was Glen Hansard best known for?
Hansard was best known as the frontman of the band The Frames and for winning an Oscar in 2008 for the song 'Falling Slowly' from the film Once. He was also a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Dublin Christmas Eve busk for the homeless.