Glen Hansard

From The Frames

Glen Hansard formed The Frames in the late 80s after years of busking on the streets of Dublin.

Shortly after the band was formed he played the character of 'Outspan Foster' in the Alan Parker film The Commitments.

During downtime from The Frames Glen often performs solo and has been involved in many collaborative projects:

In 2003 he presented a RTE live music television show recorded in Dingle, Co Kerry “Other Voices – Songs from a room”.

In 2005 he released a limited edition live CD with celebrated piper and whistle player Eoin Duignan recorded live in 2003 at McCarthy’s Bar in Dingle and benefiting the Dingle Hospice Fund.

In recent years he collaborated with Czech pianist and singer Marketa Irglova to perform around Europe and in the US as The Swell Season and in 2006 they recorded an album of the same name.

In 2006 he wrote a song for and performed on The Cake Sale album in support of Oxfam Ireland's Make Trade Fair campaign and their overseas programme work.

In 2007 he costarred with Marketa Irglova in the independent movie “Once” which was written and directed by friend and ex Frames bass player John Carney. They play a Dublin busker and immigrant street vendor who become friends. The film won the Sundance World Cinema Audience Award in 2007.