Your Friday Video Link: Glen Hansard

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Glen James Angus Hansard last week. 

Hansaes was an Irish singer and actor who starred in the musical drama Once (2007), which earned awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly", with Markéta Irglová. 

Below is a video of Glen and Markéta performing "Falling Slowly" which is one of my all time favorite songs.  

Glen and Markéta's performance in Once was iconic enough to warrant parody on The Simpsons.

A few years ago, David Lettermen went to Ireland to film a documentary called “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming".

While in Ireland, Dave spent some time with Glen.  He posted a video from that time and wrote this in tribute.

"I spent time with Glen on a train to Dublin. He was smart and kind and I was immediately fond of him. A new father, full of excitement about his son. We talked about U2, Irish music, and fatherhood, and it was all magical.  He was new to me, but not a stranger. I often think of Glen and our train ride to Dublin."

Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash on July 29th.    

Tributes poured in from around the world from U2's Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Lin-Manuel Miranda amd President Barack Obama and hundreds more. 

It is a testatment to the man's talent and goodness that so many people have been compelled to give voice to their grief and their admiration for his life and his gifts.   

A public wake was held on August 3rd in the Baroque Chapel at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham, Dublin, and was attended by more than 11,000 people.

Hansard's funeral was held the following day at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

Glen Hansard with a gentle, kind soul beloved by so many people and it is truly a tragedy that he is no longer with us.

"Take this sinking boat and point it home."

We no longer have time but we have memories of a good man and a wonderful talent.