Book of Condolence - Glen Hansard

A few messages from the virtual Book of Condolence

Two stories came to mind when I heard the news about Glen.

The first one is from the time when he had just become a father. I was thrilled every time he talked about Christy, and it was obvious, every single time, how much he enjoyed being a father. I thought every single time how lucky this child was to have been welcomed into this world by someone who was so ready to be a parent.

I particularly remember one photo from a walk in the forest. You could see Glen from the back, carrying his little boy in his arms. That photograph was more than a moment in time, it is all about what it feels and looks like to be held in every way possible.

The second story is from the time when I traveled to see him live in Munich. During the concert, between the songs, Glen would tell stories and one in particular stood out. He was talking about a walk he had taken through the city before the concert. And at the end of that brief reflection, he said, “Thank you for your beautiful city.”

That sentence captured how I always perceived Glen and how I will always remember him:

as someone who was present in the moment, in the environment, and with the people around him.

We weren't just the audience that came to see him - he also came to see us.

In days that followed his death, I witnessed an extraordinary display of grief, respect and dignity by everyone who was effected by this news. He was as true and real as they come, and I doubt that I will ever again feel such sense of loss for someone I have never even met.

Thank you, Glen, for your beautiful heart.

Ornela Maric

❦

Sincere condolences to Maire, Christy, the extended Hansard family and Glen’s many, many friends. Glen was a gift we’ll always treasure and it’s so lovely to read about the different ways Glen impacted people’s lives.

As a teenager in the early 90sI’d head into town on the bus every Saturday morning to meet my friends. There was always a smell of flowers from the flower stalls and a background of melody that carried us through the day as we gallivanted around. It was the buskers, playing their music and singing their hearts out. When I’d return home, my mother would ask ‘Did ye hear any good music in town?’ The answer was always ‘Yeah’, and very often, ‘Yeah, there was deadly music today! Glen was often that music, and delighted in being part of a melody that carried us all.

When I think of Glen, I think of dúchas.

Ba é dúchas ina steillbheatha é. Codladh sámh. Siobhán

Siobhán Breen

❦

Glen was part of my life for nearly 20 years.

His songs and lyrics comforted me and lifted me up during such difficult moments. He was like a friend who always found the right words.

His voice was a sense of security, reassurance, and strength.

I had the privilege of seeing Glen (and his amazing band) live more than 15 times.

That power, passion, and joy on stage, every single time – so much emotion!

At his concerts, I always felt seen and, above all, heard. I wasn't just part of the audience, but together with them, part of a community. Singing, dancing, and laughing together at Glen's countless stories.

The kitchen sessions during the first Covid lockdown will also hold a very special place in my memory; they made me feel like I wasn't alone... a sense of connection.

Glen will be missed so much. He was light and hope, comfort and high spirits.

He gave so many people support and strength, and live on stage, he was simply unbeatable!!

My deepest condolences go out to his wife, his son, his family, and all his loved ones!!

Kerni

❦

To Glen Hansard's family & friends,

Glen's funeral service was really beautiful - a credit to you and the relationships he cultivated throughout his life.

I’m from Dublin but didn’t know Glen personally, I attended many Frames concerts over the years and each moment was genuinely magical.

He was an exceptional songwriter and performer but I also admire him for how much discipline and integrity he demonstrated to achieve what he did through music.

Reflecting on Glen's life his generosity and lack of cynicism come to mind. When I see how he related to people from all walks of life it's his unwillingness to indulge in any kind of snobbery whether regular or inverted that has really stood out over the past couple of weeks and continues to inspire me along with his vast musical legacy.

Justin Swift

❦

So sorry to hear the sad news about Glen. Saw him so many times over the years in Vicar St, Iveagh Gardens and Grafton St on Christmas Eve! A man full of heart and passion in every performance.Condolences all who loved and were loved by him. X

Marie

❦

Dear Glen,

I was absolutely gutted when I heard the news of your passing. Even though we never met in person, it felt like I've just lost a good friend of many years.

I believe countless people all over the world felt the same at that moment. Your massive talent, kindness and character left its mark on so many.

Your music and the songs you played accompanied me from the very first trip to Ireland and afterwards, when I decided to move to Dublin for what happened to be the next 10 years.

I send love to your Family and Friends, you will be missed greatly, but you'll NEVER be forgotten.

Michal Kaczmarek and the family (Wroclaw, Poland)

❦

I'm not very good with words, but I just wish you as much strength in this difficult time, as Glen's music gave me through so many years. It has inspired me throughout my creative endeavours, and not only that - his art helped me believe that falling in love and being loved back is possible, despite all the fear I feel.

Sending you all the strength in the world,

Aneta from Poland

Aneta

❦

The song “Lay Me Down” has always touched me deeply. For me, it’s probably always been connected to my father’s (also unexpected) death when I was 20. Once, I had to pull the car over because I was crying so hard when the song came on while I was driving. Now, the song takes on another, even sadder layer of meaning. I probably won’t be able to listen to it for a while… Sometimes you feel silly when you mourn someone’s passing even though you didn’t know them personally. But Glen Hansard’s death makes me infinitely sad. I don’t know of any other musician who, all by himself with just a guitar, can generate such incredible energy as he could. I was lucky enough to have attended a total of four concerts over the years, the last one this past May in Vienna. My son is 10 and went to the concert with me and my wife. Like us, he was thrilled by the positive atmosphere, Glen’s enthusiasm, his funny anecdotes, and, of course, his powerful music. Who could have guessed that so soon afterward he would no longer be with us? Even though it’s a comfort to know that his music will live on forever, there will still be a tear in my heart—a wound that will never fully heal. It’s certainly a reminder to make the most of life and cherish every moment. Rest in peace, Glen. You were—and always will be—truly something very special.

Joerg

❦

Dear Maire and Christy and all your family and friends, I hope you will find all the strength you need to get through this incredibly sad time in your life.

Hopefully all your lovely memories about Glen, your laughters, hugs and so many special moments you had together will give you strength day by day, hour by hour.

Your shared memories will always stay with you and nobody can take this from you.

You will always have him with you in your hearts where ever you go.

I am very thankful I could experience some of his concerts since 2001, also together with my husband and this year also together with our ten year old son. Glens voice and wonderful way to spark will be always with us and always inspire us.

We are so sad and our thoughts are with you,

Sonja

Sonja

❦