Bruce Springsteen and Bono Pay Tribute to Glen Hansard, “Falling Slowly” Co-Writer Who Died Early Wednesday

Glen Hansard, the songwriter and actor known for co-writing “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, died early Wednesday morning, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and the news quickly spread through the entertainment industry. In reactions reported by the trade publication, Springsteen and Bono were among the prominent artists who publicly remembered Hansard, describing his presence and artistic impact in tributes that circulated across music and social media. The outpouring also highlighted how widely “Falling Slowly” has remained part of the cultural soundtrack for audiences well beyond its original release. Hansard’s work, particularly as a co-writer of “Falling Slowly,” connected him to the mainstream success of Once, a collaboration that drew attention to the songwriting craft of a relatively small group of creators while later turning the song into a recognizable staple in live performances and recorded covers. The Hollywood Reporter’s account framed Wednesday’s tributes as a response to Hansard’s sudden death, with reactions coming rapidly after the early-morning news. The reporting also noted that tributes extended beyond just mainstream rock circles, reflecting Hansard’s reach across different corners of the music industry. For many artists, the remembrance centered on his role as a songwriter and performer whose work traveled across genres and generations. As the industry responded, the immediate public record remained focused on tributes rather than detailed biographical specifics, with The Hollywood Reporter describing the death timing and the reactions from major figures. With a sudden death, families and representatives typically control the flow of further information, and additional details often emerge through official statements rather than first reactions. In the hours after the announcement, the practical effect was largely cultural and communal: artists and music institutions used public posts and statements to recognize Hansard, and audiences were directed toward his catalog and collaborations. The next step for fans and industry stakeholders is likely to be confirmation and elaboration from Hansard’s representatives or other official sources, along with any planned memorials or acknowledgments tied to forthcoming industry events.