Always in the frame

Dublin star Glen Hansard has guested on stage with Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran, dined with Bob Dylan and had a masterclass from Irish legend Van Morrison.

Frontman with roots rockers The Frames, he first came to widespread prominence when he appeared in smash music movie The Commitments, and won an Oscar for his song Once in the biographical film.

Between Two Shores, Hansard’s third solo album, shows the consummate talent that has attracted Bono and Hozier to join in annual Christmas busking sessions in his native city to raise money and awareness for the homeless.

“Everyone comes back to their hometown for Christmas,” he says. “So if you’re an Irish musician who is in town for Christmas, like Bono or Hozier, then you might as well pop in and sing a song or two.

“It means a lot to the people and the charities as there are a couple of very generous donations made by some of the singers.”

Glen, 47, has had personal family experience of homelessness – his aunt died living on the streets of Birmingham. But his musical career has been charmed, first meeting Springsteen the night he won his Oscar.

“I was about to go on stage and he (Bruce) looked at me and said,