And then he was gone.
Glen Hansard at Slunovrat Festival 2026 – recorded June 19, 2026 – Radio Vltava.
We’re at that point now where some of our cherished musical icons have either left us from the ravages of age or the vagaries of excess – both are sad and in many cases bitter. But to die from an accident, particularly a Motorcycle accident, is something we really haven’t experienced since Duane Allman left us on Hillcrest Avenue in Macon, Georgia that October 29th in 1971.
In Glen Hansard’s case the poignancy is profound. An artist cut short in the midst of a meteoric climb, sparked by an Oscar win and spread by word-of-mouth from those who listened and heard and were moved to become fans.
No question in anyone’s mind that Glen Hansard was one-of-a-kind. Imbuing every phrase and every note with a sense of urgency and conviction. He was a beacon of light – but he was also a blanket of love and warmth – the kind that only singing from the heart can give.
All the more poignant I think, is that this is one of the last recorded concerts he did before his death – part of what was to be a very busy and fulfilling year for Glen Hansard. Tours which took him around the U.S. between March and April of this year, before embarking on a bigger Summer tour of Europe which was to wind up in Dublin at the end of Summer.
And now it’s done – the song if over. Just left with reminders.
As a reminder – here is his gig at Slunovat 2026, recorded in June 21 of this year.
If the hair on the back of your neck is standing up while you’re listening, you’re not alone.
Embrace it.
