U2 frontman Bono read out the band's 2000 hit, 'Beautiful Day' in a sweet tribute to Glen Hansard at his funeral in Dublin today.
The 56 year old musician was killed in a motorcycle accident last week while travelling back from a trad session at the Wren's Pub, Dublin.
Hansard's funeral was held at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin city centre at 1.30pm, which was also open to the public. A public wake had previously been organised in honour of Hansard on Bank Holiday Monday in Dublin, taking place at the Baroque Chapel.
Elsewhere, Bono had earlier been seen arriving at the funeral with his wife, Ali Hewson and also spoke to Victoria Mary Clarke, widow of the Pogues singer, Shane MacGowan. Glen Hansard had performed 'Fairytale Of New York' in honour of MacGowan at his funeral in 2023.
Actors Steve Coogan and Chris O'Dowd, as well as musician Eddie Vedder were also in attendance, as well as traditional musician, Finbar Furey, and former Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams.
Bono told the congregation that everyone who met Glen Hansard "remembers the day they met him".
He also told those who gathered that he had woken up to a voice message from Patti Smith, "another one of his best friends", after she had heard of Hansard's death. Smith was unable to attend the funeral herself, and was represented by her friend, Tony Shanahan.
“It’s a lullaby for Glen’s family and friends", he added.
Bono played the message he received from Smith, before going on to read the lyrics from Beautiful Day. He also sang the final chorus with his bandmate, The Edge.
Bono and Glen Hansard were close friends, having both played in the first ever Christmas Eve busk on Grafton Street, which had been organised by Hansard, raising funds for the homeless charity, the Simon Community.
Bono paid tribute to Glen Hansard (pictured) at his funeral today. Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Last week, in Hansard's honour, a group of musicians had gathered around Dublin City centre for a special busking session, playing a number of his tracks, including his Oscar winning hit, Falling Slowly.
The busk was organised, Jamie Harrington, a musician who hails from the same Ballymun suburb where Glen Hansard grew up. They had gathered around the Gaiety Theatre, where Hansard had held his annual Christmas Eve busk. More on this here.
Upon hearing the news regarding his death, a number of household names paid tribute to Glen Hansard, including Bruce Springsteen.
"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".
See this and more here.
