Bono and Eddie Vedder led a group of musicians in a final farewell to Glen Hansard at his funeral in Dublin on August 4. The service brought together figures from the music industry to honor the life and career of the singer, who died at 56 following a motorcycle accident on July 29.
Bono shared memories of Hansard during the service, highlighting the late musician's gift for maintaining deep friendships. He incorporated a voicemail message from Patti Smith into his tribute and delivered a spoken-word performance using adapted lyrics from the U2 song Beautiful Day. The Edge accompanied the recitation, grounding the moment in shared history and personal loss.
Eddie Vedder performed The Song of Good Hope alongside Markéta Irglová, who gained international recognition alongside Hansard for their work on the film Once. Their performance underscored the connections Hansard built through his music and creative partnerships over decades in the industry.
The service concluded with a communal performance of Bob Dylan’s Forever Young. Bono, Vedder, and the Edge joined Liam Ó Maonlaí and other musicians on stage for the song. Attendees included Hozier, Imelda May, and Jake Clemons, reflecting the reach of Hansard's influence on his peers.
Richie Hansard spoke on behalf of the family, noting that his brother’s legacy persists through those he impacted. He described the inheritance of his brother’s words, insights, and character as a central theme in their grieving process. The event served as both a public recognition of a significant musical talent and a private gathering for those who knew him best.