Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter and frontman of the band the Frames, died on Wednesday in Dublin at the age of 56. His death followed a single-vehicle motorcycle accident early that morning in the Lucan area of West Dublin, according to a statement from Irish police. While authorities did not immediately identify the victim, subsequent reports confirmed Hansard was the man involved.

Hansard first emerged as a street performer in Dublin before founding the Frames in 1990, a band that went on to achieve significant success in Ireland. He gained international recognition with the 2006 film *Once*, in which he starred as a street musician and collaborated with co-star Markéta Irglová. The two won an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly,” featured in the film.

Critics praised *Once* for its intimate portrayal of music and relationships, with one reviewer calling the film “almost perfect.” The story was later adapted into a Broadway musical in 2012, which was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and won eight, including best musical.

Born Glen James Hansard on April 21, 1970, in Dublin, he grew up in a working-class family and experienced a challenging childhood marked by his father’s struggles with alcoholism and violence. An uncle’s abandoned guitar introduced him to music, which became a means of personal expression and emotional release. Hansard was inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Van Morrison during his formative years.

Hansard’s early career included a small acting role in the 1991 film *The Commitments*. He was initially hesitant to pursue acting again but accepted the role in *Once* after assurances he could leave if it did not suit him. The film, shot on a modest budget in 17 days, gained acclaim after its Sundance Film Festival debut.

Following *Once*, Hansard expanded his solo career with albums such as *Didn’t He Ramble* (2015), which earned a Grammy nomination for best folk album. He also formed the folk duo the Swell Season with Irglová, with whom he shared a past romantic relationship.

Hansard was known for his activism, particularly on issues related to homelessness and housing shortages in Ireland. He regularly performed at an annual Christmas Eve busking event in Dublin that supports those at risk of homelessness.

He is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa; their son, Christy; and three brothers. Throughout his career, Hansard described his songwriting as rooted in the language of love songs but encompassing broader themes, including his connections to his country, friends, self, and spirituality.