More than 11,000 people turned out in Dublin to attend a public wake for beloved Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, as the city came together to say goodbye to one of its most cherished musical voices ahead of his funeral.
The turnout was remarkable, with fans, friends, and fellow musicians queuing for hours to pay their respects. The sheer scale of the crowd spoke volumes about how deeply Hansard had connected with people, not just in Ireland but far beyond its shores.
Hansard, best known as the frontman of The Frames and for his Oscar-winning work on the Once soundtrack, spent decades busking on Grafton Street before becoming one of Ireland’s most recognised musical exports. For many Dubliners, he was not just a star, he was part of the fabric of the city itself.
Scenes outside the venue were emotional, with people of all ages gathering to share memories, sing songs, and celebrate a life that was so deeply tied to the streets and soul of Dublin. Many brought flowers, handwritten notes, and even guitars. Impromptu singing broke out at various points as the crowd paid tribute in the most fitting way they knew how.
Hansard had a rare quality that few artists ever achieve. He could fill a concert hall one night and sit on a street corner the next, and people would stop for both. His music was honest, raw, and deeply human, which is exactly why so many felt a personal connection to him even if they had never met him.
The Once soundtrack, which he created alongside Marketa Irglova, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for Falling Slowly, a moment that put Irish music on a global stage in a way that felt entirely genuine rather than manufactured. He never seemed to chase fame, and perhaps that is exactly why it found him.
Beyond the accolades, Hansard was known for his generosity and his deep roots in the Dublin community. He was a regular presence at local causes and charity events, and those who knew him personally have spoken about his warmth and his willingness to show up for people when it mattered.
His funeral is set to take place tomorrow, and further large crowds are expected as Dublin continues to mourn the loss of a man who gave so much of himself through his music and his presence in the city he loved.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world since news of his passing broke, with artists from Ireland and internationally taking to social media to share what Hansard meant to them. The messages have been consistent in describing him as kind, generous, and utterly dedicated to his craft.
For the thousands who stood in line at the public wake, the chance to be there in person clearly meant everything. In a world where so much grief is processed online, Dublin chose to do it the old-fashioned way, together, in person, with music in the air.