Glen Hansard has died at the age 56. Glen Hansard dies aged 56Raised in Ballymun, Hansard might never have become a professional musician had his headmaster not recognised his talent and suggested he start busking with his guitar. Although he had little initial interest in the craft, Hansard attended the audition for The Commitments on the advice of a friend, spoke a few lines and quickly got a call back. Hugely successful, not just in Ireland, but all over Europe, Glen Hansard found himself playing to adoring crowds. Main image: Glen Hansard.