The reaction to Glen Hansard’s death has become one of the biggest stories in entertainment news Ireland, with tributes pouring in from across the music world. Among the most moving messages were those shared by Billie Eilish, FINNEAS and their mother Maggie Baird, who revealed just how deeply the Irish songwriter shaped their family’s creative life.
Hansard, the Oscar-winning musician behind The Frames and the beloved film Once, died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin at the age of 56. As Irish entertainment news continues to follow the global response, the messages from the Eilish family stand out for their warmth, intimacy and honesty.
Billie Eilish and FINNEAS Share Personal Memories
FINNEAS paid tribute with a touching remembrance, describing Hansard as a guiding force in his life as a songwriter.
In his message, he called Hansard a “North Star songwriter” and “most wonderful person,” adding that the first song he ever performed publicly at age 11 was Falling Slowly, Hansard’s Oscar-winning collaboration with Markéta Irglová.
He also reflected on how Hansard’s music affected him from an early age:
- It inspired him to begin writing songs
- It gave him an emotional connection to music
- It remained part of his creative foundation for years
FINNEAS also remembered meeting Hansard in Dublin in 2019, saying the Irish star welcomed the family “like old friends,” despite them arriving simply as admirers. That memory has now taken on even greater emotional weight in the wake of the loss.
How Glen Hansard Influenced the Eilish Family
Maggie Baird’s tribute added another powerful layer to this story, one that will resonate strongly with readers following celebrity news Ireland and music news Ireland. Sharing a series of photographs, she recalled first meeting Hansard at Electric Picnic in 2019 and described the moment as unforgettable.
Her most striking revelation was that Hansard’s work had helped shape both of her children’s artistic journeys. According to Baird, FINNEAS’ first public performance was Falling Slowly, while Billie Eilish had learned every song from Once. She suggested that neither of them would be the artists they are today without his music.
That sentiment was later echoed by Billie herself, who reshared her mother’s tribute and wrote a brief but devastating note: she said she “wouldn’t be who I am today without Glen.”
A legacy that crossed borders
This is why the story has reached far beyond Irish celebrity news or global entertainment news. Hansard’s influence was never limited to Ireland. His songwriting, performances and humanity clearly reached artists working at the very top of the international music industry.
Tributes have also arrived from major names including Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Nick Cave, Dermot Kennedy, Chris O’Dowd and Lin-Manuel Miranda, underlining the scale of his impact on modern music and pop culture Ireland.
Why Glen Hansard’s Story Still Matters
For audiences following latest entertainment news Ireland, Hansard’s passing is more than a headline. It is a reminder of how one artist’s work can ripple outward through generations, influencing future stars in ways the public may never fully see.
From The Frames to Once, from Dublin stages to the Academy Awards, Hansard built a body of work that connected deeply with listeners. The Eilish family’s tribute makes that legacy feel personal, proving that his songs did not just win awards — they changed lives.
In the days ahead, entertainment news Ireland will continue to reflect on Hansard’s life, but one message already feels clear: his music endures in the artists he inspired, the fans he moved and the memories he leaves behind.
Image Courtesy: Extra.ie
Credit/Courtesy for the Article: Extra.ie
