Ryan Tubridy and Dawn O’Porter lead tributes to Glen Hansard after his death
By Sean O'Grady, Press Association Deputy Entertainment Editor
Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy and writer Dawn O’Porter have led tributes to Glen Hansard, who has been remembered as “one of the greats” after his death.
Hansard, known as the frontman of The Frames, died aged 65 in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday.
Tubridy, former host of The Late Late Show, is among the famous faces and fans to pay tribute to the Oscar-winning singer, who has been praised as “the loveliest man”.
The 53-year-old broadcaster said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts I post a few words about Glen Hansard who has died.
“I’ve been a fan, an admirer and, thanks to multiple chats on TV and radio, an interviewer of this extraordinarily talented singer and storyteller.
“Apart from his talent as an artist, he also cared. He cared about the homeless, and he cared about Ireland.
“The Oscar, the achievements and the humanity were all part of a life well lived.
“Condolences to Glen’s family and his legion of fans. We have lost one of the greats. May he rest in peace.”
O’Porter shared a picture of the singer to Instagram and said she found out about the “horrible news” while in Dublin on Wednesday.
The star, who is married to actor Chris O’Dowd, wrote: “I was lucky to meet Glen Hansard a few times. The loveliest man.
“I’m sorry to everyone who will feel this so deeply. His family. The saddest news.”
Rock band Aslan said they were “devastated” to learn of Hansard’s passing.
They wrote: “We’re here in the rehearsal studio, and the news has completely floored us.
“Glen was a remarkable artist whose music touched so many lives, and his loss will be felt far and wide.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Glen.”
In a statement, his agents ATC management said Hansard’s family were “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by the loss.
Hansard was the father of a three-year-old boy, Christy.
He had recently announced a tour of Ireland in October and November, with tickets going on sale earlier this month.
Gardaí said a man in his 50s died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the outskirts of Dublin before 4.30am on Wednesday.
The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
