Barack Obama has paid tribute to the late Glen Hansard as he shared his annual summer playlist for 2026.
This week, the former US President kept up with his tradition of showing followers his annual lists of favourite music, movies or books, after sharing “some of the songs I’ve been listening to this summer” on social media.
In tribute, Obama made reference to the track, 'Song of Good Hope' from Hansard's 2012 album, Rhythm And Repose, writing: “It starts with a song [wife] Michelle and I love by Glen Hansard, a great musician who passed tragically this week".
He added: “Our hearts go out to his family".
Obama's list also includes The Strokes‘ ‘Going Shopping’, Noah Kahan‘s ‘Doors’, Mumford & Sons‘ ‘Rubber Band Man’ (featuring Hozier), Doechii and SZA‘s ‘Girl, Get Up’, Anderson .Paak‘s ‘Yada Yada’, and more, as well as classics from iconic artists like The Police, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, and Chaka Khan, as well.
Here are some of the songs I've been listening to this summer. It starts with a song Michelle and I love by Glen Hansard, a great musician who passed tragically this week. Our hearts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/3A1trYfXfx
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 30, 2026
Obama's tribute to Glen Hansard comes after the Irish singer/songwriter was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident earlier this week. He was 56 years old.
Among the household names to pay tribute to him include Bruce Springsteen, who shared this message on social media.
"Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard", Springsteen wrote. "We met in Ireland many years ago and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man".
"Always positive, smiling and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones".
Meanwhile, Hothouse Flowers singer, Liam Ó Maonlaí also paid tribute to Hansard.
"He was such a genuine man, and so full of love and fun as well, and always had time to enjoy life with those people, whoever they were, whether they were film directors in Hollywood to friends who were living on the street. He had time for them", the singer told RTÉ.
"Our hearts are broken," he said, "but we have to send the love to him and to his family".
Elsewhere, Markéta Irglová who starred alongside Glen Hansard in the 2007 film, Once, wrote: "My deepest condolences to Glen's family, his brothers and his beautiful wife and son, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your tragic loss, my heart goes out to you. May his love always surround you, his spirit guide and protect you, and may his light shine on throughout your days."
Earlier this week, a group of musicians gathered around Dublin City centre for a special busking session in honour of Glen Hansard, performing a number of his classic hits, including, Falling Slowly.
Glen Hansard began as a busker, before going onto become one of Ireland's most loved performers. He also held his annual busking charity session on Grafton Street on Christmas Eve. More on this here.
A public wake will be held in Dublin next Monday for Hansard, ahead of his funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin next Tuesday.
