Footage has emerged of Glen Hansard‘s final live performance, captured just hours before the Irish singer-songwriter’s death. Watch below.
Hansard, known as the frontman of The Frames and one half of the duo The Swell Season, tragically died in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday (July 29). He was 56 years old. The incident occurred in the village of Lucan, west of his home city of Dublin.
Tributes have since poured in from across the music world and beyond, with the likes of U2, Warren Ellis, Rachel Zegler and Bruce Springsteen paying their respects.
Now, a video has surfaced showing Hansard singing and playing an acoustic guitar at The Wren’s Nest pub in Chapelizod – a suburban village of Dublin. According to RTÉ, the establishment hosts regular traditional Irish music sessions.
“Time is the only thing that’s going to fix this now,” Hansard sings in the poignant clip, filmed on Tuesday night (July 28). A clock hanging on the wall behind the artist shows that the performance took place at 11:15pm, with the musician reportedly leaving at closing time.
Hansard was discovered on the road beside his motorbike after it crashed at around 4.30am. The incident was reportedly a single-vehicle collision.
Poignant Video. This was recorded 1 hour before Glen (Rip) was killed. He was in the Wrens Nest, Strawberry Beds at a session. pic.twitter.com/QFTzJ9tLu3
— Joe O’Neill 🐀 (@actingjoe) July 29, 2026
One person who was in attendance at the pub told RTÉ that they were “in awe of his genius”, without them “realising how famous he was or anything like that”.
The Wren’s Nest subsequently paid tribute to Hansard, saying it had “always [been] a privilege” to host him at the pub over the years.
“He will be remembered for his incredible talent, generosity and the joy he brought to so many,” the post added. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Glen.”
Further details of the crash have not yet been shared by authorities. BBC News previously reported that police were appealing for witnesses who saw the crash to come forward.
Hansard was also an actor, starring in films such as The Commitments and Once. He won an Oscar in 2008 for Best Original Song in 2008 alongside his Swell Season bandmate, Marketa Irglova, for their Once track ‘Falling Slowly’.
The artist started out as a busker on the streets of Dublin. His 2015 solo record ‘Didn’t He Ramble’, earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. He is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and his young son Christy.
Since the news of his passing, fans have been remembering his work for Once – the 2007 Irish romantic musical drama, written and directed by John Carney. Hansard played a character called “Guy” in the film, opposite Markéta Irglová’s “Girl”.
The late artist had recently spoken about his powerful friendship with Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, too.
Elsewhere, Billie Eilish and Finneas’ mother has said the duo “would not be who they are” without Glen Hansard’s music.
