Tom Dunne: Patti Smith voice note stopped the clocks at Glen Hansard's funeral
Irish musician Tom Dunne reflects on the funeral of Glen Hansard, held at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. The piece captures the emotional atmosphere of the service, blending personal anecdotes with the shared grief of the Irish music community.
Why it matters
It provides a cultural snapshot of the Irish music scene's communal response to the loss of a prominent figure.
I’ll tell you one thing Glen, that was some send off. Picture: Damien Eagers/PA
Funny things funerals. Even funerals that are being televised to the whole nation. Cameras or no cameras, you are left alone with your thoughts. Was Glen Hansard a protestant? Why are we in St Patrick’s, a Church Of Ireland premises? I spot a line of ancient Union Jacks in the church. Funny old island this.
I’ve never been inside St Patrick's Cathedral before. I did play a gig outside it once in the early days of my band Something Happens. A guitar tech put two D strings on the same bass that day. Disaster.
My family are from nearby in the Liberties. I wonder how they viewed this cathedral. I see it largely as a music venue.
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