07/31/2026
All of our love to Glen Hansard, Maire Saaritsa and Christy; The Frames; Joe, Colm and Rob; Marketa, and the family & friends of Glen.
Glen was everywhere. For over 25 years, (all of the 21st century), Glen was both a real part, and simultaneously an ethereal spirit of the Hideout. He lived in Chicago & Dublin, at the same time! Chicago really was his Second City, and his Second Home. He was at the Hideout either before a show, elsewhere performing, and/or back later from a show, trying out new songs. Before the sun set and until the sun rose.
Glen loved us all. His first Chicago show was at Gunther Murphys, then Uncommon Ground. Then we all jumped in- The Hideout, The Metro, Schubas, Chicago Theater, Wrigley Field and Salt Shed. He was in all our clubs, all the time. He was in movies, TV & Broadway, and awards shows: Tonys! Oscars! The White House! But he always included us on his journey. We have endless adventures and memories with Glen. We think Glen's first show at Hideout was 2000 & his last surprise performance at Hideout August 2024. There were countless drop ins and several Hideout Block Parties.
Glen was generous. When he performed at the Hideout, inevitably someone would show up and say something like; “I ran into Glen at a restaurant” or “last time Glen was in Chicago he told me I’d be on the guest list”. Whether they were on the list or not, we let them in, knowing that story was true! As they say, "Glen never met a stranger." He was gracious, kind and welcoming.
Glen wanted us to join him on his odyssey. He once said, “I’m not any bigger, I’m still the same shirt size, I’m just busier, but never too busy for you!” He meant that. He came, and he never left. Look around, he might stop by tonight or tomorrow.
Glen is ever present. Look for him with Rob Bochnik at Electrical Audio joking with Steve Albini. (Thanks Rob for keeping the Chicago connection!) He’s at Metro with Joe Shanahan now, running over to see Michael Cameron at UnCommon Ground. (Thanks Joe and Michael for sharing Glen!) I think Zoran Orlic just got another photo of Glen on Belmont looking for Gunther Murphy’s. (Thanks Zoran for introducing us!) Howard Greynolds is loading in his guitar amp right now, and buying drinks for the house, again and again. (Thank you, Howard, for making the magic happen!) If Glen is the spirit, Howard is the Patron Saint! Magic doesn’t just happen without schedules, equipment, transportation and logistics!
Thanks, Glen, for bringing us all together!
