New fan
Sorry for the long post, just want to get this off my chest. Sadly I was not very familiar with Glen’s music before he died. I love the show House MD and the scene in season 6 where Seven Day Mile plays has stuck with me for a long time. I adored that song and that scene was what introduced me to The Frames. I found Star Star from the same album and it became one of my favorite songs to listen to while driving at night; it’s like a warm blanket. I found Falling Slowly from it being one of their most popular songs on Spotify. I remember being struck by the raw emotion of it; it’s a song you just feel in your chest and the pit of your stomach. Later someone recommended Fool’s Game which I also loved. Glen was one of those musicians I always planned to get more into because I loved the few songs I had heard, but somehow I just never got around to doing a deep dive. Now I feel absolutely gutted that I didn’t get more into his music earlier.
I spent the day after he died watching his performances on YouTube and I was stunned at how unbelievably good he was. His performances are so soulful, he puts so much emotion behind every note, it’s just gut-wrenching and beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a live performance in the same way. I watched the National Library of Ireland performance and started crying listening to Bird of Sorrow. You know that feeling of incredulity and excitement when you discover an artist and you just know they’re going to become a new favorite? It’s a bit like falling in love I suppose. It’s been so bittersweet to have that feeling with every new song I’ve found and realize he’ll end up being one of my favorite artists and I’ll never get to see him live. And of course his performances with Markéta are stunning. The way they look at each other and the way their voices blend together is so beautiful. It’s obvious from the first notes they were musical soulmates. I watched Once a few days ago and it was just as touching as everyone said. I love playing music more than anything but sometimes I go through phases where I don’t feel motivated and I always know a song is special when I want to start playing again. Listening to Glen and Markéta immediately made me want to sit down at the piano (and then just strum the hell out of my guitar trying to learn Say It To Me Now).
It hurts that someone who gave so much of himself through music, charity, joy, and kindness could have such a tragic end. He should have had more time with his wife and son. I’m thankful and excited that I have many hours of more songs, performances and interviews to discover and that he lives on through his art, but I feel crushed that I’ll never get to see him perform and experience that magic in person. It’s strange to grieve a person I never knew but I think it’s a testament to his talent as an artist that he could connect so well with an audience.
I haven’t felt this sad about a stranger’s death since Scott Hutchison. I had already been a huge Frightened Rabbit fan when Scott died and following the news of his disappearance and when his body was found was horrible. I’d planned to go to a Frightened Rabbit show but had a conflict and a few months later he was dead. Not going to that show is one of my biggest regrets and Glen’s death has brought back a lot of those feelings because I know I’ve missed something incredibly special. I have a lot of sympathy for long term Glen fans and just want to send everyone a big hug and say thank you for the music, Glen.