Catherine Connolly, Billie Eilish and Bono among those leading tributes to Glen Hansard

The Oscar-winning musician died following a motorcycle crash yesterday morning.

The Ballymun singer-songwriter was the frontman of The Frames and shot to global prominence for his performance in John Carney's 2007 film Once, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

President Catherine Connolly is among those sharing tributes to Hansard, describing him as "one of Ireland's great singer-songwriters."

She wrote: "Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work."

Connolly also praised Hansard's advocacy and charity work, writing: "Glen will also be remembered for the generosity with which he shared his fame, providing encouragement to young musicians and performers, while working to assist with important causes, in particular those suffering from homelessness, with his annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin’s city centre one of the highlights of the Christmas period."

U2 frontman Bono described Hansard as having an "angelic presence" and heralded him as "the shining star of the Christmas Eve busk".

"To be utterly yourself by being more interested in others - a clue for any of us trying out different personas," he wrote. "He really was who you thought he was. He could never walk by a person living rough without checking they were OK... and more than that, he worked very hard so that less people had to live on the streets in the first place."

In an Instagram post, Bruce Springsteen described Hansard as "a great musician, a good friend, and a generous and gracious man".

"Always positive, smiling and ready to sing," he wrote. "God bless him and his loved ones."

Billie Eilish reposted a tribute written by her mother Maggie Baird, and said she was "devastated" by Hansard's death, adding that she wouldn't be who she is today without his influence.

Ed Sheeran wrote that Hansard was "an incredible human" and "an incredible force", and said he was grateful for the time they spent together.

Former president Michael D. Higgins wrote that Hansard "placed great emphasis throughout his life to the importance of talking about the problems of society, including regular work in drawing attention to the problem of homelessness."

"This work drove his annual Christmas Eve busk, which raised money for those suffering from homelessness and related causes at Christmas," Higgins wrote.

Irish singer-songwriter Damien Dempsey described Hansard as "one of the finest songwriters he ever heard", and said he was in tears while writing a tribute.

"I’m still stunned and can’t believe it, safe travels Glen, soul brother, you lift so many hearts and help so many people through life with your beautiful soul ceol and your huge socialist heart and always will, a great legacy to leave this world, far too soon," he wrote.

Bob Geldof wrote that we have "lost one of the great ones", describing Hansard as "a person and a songwriter and singer and musician and performer of great depth, understanding, compassion, daring and bravado."

In her tribute, Lisa Hannigan said she will "never forget" the first time she heard Hansard sing.

"I was 18 and went to Vicar St to see the Frames not knowing a single song," she wrote. "I was left in absolute awe at his gifts - the raging power and fragile beauty of his voice, his songwriting, his confidence, his humour."

Chris O'Dowd remembered Hansard for his "energising melodies and soulful, searching voice" which he said "made the tough times more manageable, the stagnant times more beautiful, and the joyful times even more memorable."

A book of condolences for Hansard has been opened to the public in Dublin's Mansion House.

Feature image: RollingNews.ie