Obama pays tribute to 'great musician' Glen Hansard

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has joined a chorus of tributes for Irish musician Glen Hansard, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident in Dublin at the age of 56. Obama, known for sharing his musical tastes, featured a song by Hansard on his summer playlist, describing the Oscar-winning songwriter and frontman of The Frames as a "great musician."

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Our hearts go out to his family.

"Our hearts go out to his family," Obama posted on social media, highlighting a song that he and his wife, Michelle, "love by Glen Hansard."

Hansard's death has prompted widespread mourning, with numerous high-profile figures, including Bono, Bob Geldof, and Bruce Springsteen, sharing their condolences. U2 frontman Bono remembered Hansard as "the most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun," while Bob Geldof lauded his "great depth, understanding, compassion, daring and bravado" as a performer and songwriter.

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the most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun

The Dublin-born artist began his career busking on the streets before co-founding The Frames in 1990. He achieved international acclaim, including an Academy Award for the song "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once." He also enjoyed a successful solo career, leaving a significant mark on music, film, and theatre over three decades.

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a person and a songwriter and singer and musician and performer of great depth, understanding, compassion, daring and bravado

Fans have also paid their respects, with books of condolence opened at Dublin's Mansion House and Kildare County Council offices. Hansard's journey from street performer to award-winning artist is being remembered as a testament to his enduring talent and influence.

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a troubadour from a different time