Bono, Eddie Vedder and Hozier among mourners at Glen Hansard's funeral
The 56-year-old, who shot to prominence in 1991 musical comedy film The Commitments, died in a motorcycle crash last week.
Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish singer and songwriter, passed away in a motorcycle accident last week at the age of 56. The news sent shockwaves through the music world, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists. Among those in attendance at Hansard's funeral were U2's Bono, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, and Hozier, alongside other notable musicians such as The Edge, Steve Coogan, Imelda May, Paddy Casey, and Imelda May.
The funeral service took place at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, where a guitar was presented to the altar by former Frames band member Colm Mac Con Iomaire, who performed a song for the mourners. Irish traditional musician Breandáin Ó Beaglaoich paid tribute to Hansard, describing him as an "ordinary kind-hearted Ballymun man.. a true Dub."
Hansard's widow, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, expressed her gratitude for her late husband and their shared experiences, emphasizing that their three-year-old son, Christy, carries on their legacy. U2's frontman Bono recited their song A Beautiful Day, and The Edge joined in the performance. As the service concluded, mourners sang along to a rendition of Bob Dylan's Forever Young.
Throughout his career, Hansard's dedication to music spanned over three decades, including winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 with Markéta Irglova. He released numerous albums, both as part of The Frames and as a solo artist, and was also recognized for his charitable work in raising money for the homeless.
Hansard's impact on the music scene and his contributions to raising awareness for homelessness were widely acknowledged, earning him a place as an international Irish institution.
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