The global music community gathered in Dublin on Tuesday, August 4, to bid a final farewell at the Glen Hansard funeral. The service, held following the influential musician’s tragic passing on July 29 at the age of 56, saw legendary figures including Bono and Eddie Vedder lead a series of poignant musical tributes that celebrated a life defined by artistic brilliance and profound human connection.
Bono’s contribution to the service highlighted Hansard’s extraordinary capacity for friendship. Addressing the mourners, the U2 frontman reflected on the late singer’s unique gift for making everyone—from lifelong companions to those who had never met him—feel like a “best friend.” He noted that everyone who encountered Hansard carried a vivid memory of the day they met him, a testament to his magnetic personality.
During his tribute, Bono shared a moving voicemail from Patti Smith, which included a lullaby she had recorded for Hansard’s family upon hearing the news of his death. Accompanied by The Edge, Bono then delivered a spoken-word rendition of U2’s “Beautiful Day,” altering the lyrics to honor Hansard’s legacy: “You write your life until the story becomes true.”
Eddie Vedder provided one of the afternoon’s most emotional moments, performing Hansard’s own “The Song of Good Hope.” Vedder was joined by Markéta Irglová, Hansard’s longtime collaborator and co-winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly.” The performance was visibly emotional, with Vedder’s voice wavering as he sang the line, “It’s not as bad as it seems,” while harmonizing with Irglová.
Richie Hansard, Glen’s brother, offered a powerful eulogy that spoke to the enduring influence of his brother’s spirit. “Glen said once that when you lose someone, you don’t really lose them,” he told the congregation. “If you have the strength and the will, you will gain them back and you inherit the best parts of them. We have inherited all the magical, colourful words, hugs, talks, madness, sadness, insightful, manic beauty that a brother, an uncle, a husband and a father could ever give.”
The service concluded with a collective performance of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young.” The ensemble featured Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers, Vedder, Bono, and The Edge, alongside a stage full of musicians who had come to pay their respects. Other notable attendees included Hozier, Imelda May, and Jake Clemons of the E Street Band, all of whom stood in solidarity to honor a man whose music and spirit left an indelible mark on the world.