Overview
- Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday, July 29, and his sudden death set off days of spontaneous memorials across Dublin.
- A large funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday drew hundreds inside and thousands watching on outdoor screens as family, friends and fellow artists paid their respects.
- Bono led a vocal tribute that included a recited Patti Smith message and a rendition of “Beautiful Day” joined by The Edge, while Eddie Vedder performed “The Song of Good Hope” with Markéta Irglová.
- Hansard’s widow, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, read a personal poem and said their three-year-old son was too young to attend, and mourners placed a wicker coffin with flowers, a guitar and family photos at the service.
- Coverage now centers on artistic tributes and personal reflections on Hansard’s legacy as leader of The Frames, Oscar-winning co-writer of “Falling Slowly,” and a long-time campaigner for homelessness and other causes.