The Frames

The Frames are an Irish rock band from Dublin, formed in 1990 and still active today. They are best known for their emotionally charged live shows and a sound that blends folk intimacy with rock intensity. Over six studio albums, they have cultivated a loyal fanbase in Ireland and abroad, with the album The Cost (2006) often cited as a high point. The band has sold millions of records worldwide and remains a cornerstone of the Irish music scene.

As of 2026, the band continues to perform, anchored by original members Glen Hansard and Colm Mac Con Iomaire, alongside long-time rhythm section Joe Doyle and Rob Bochnik. Their music, rooted in Hansard's songwriting, explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, delivered with a raw sincerity that resonates deeply with listeners. [edit]

The Frames began in Dublin in 1990 when Glen Hansard, then a teenage busker on Grafton Street, met violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire while both were playing for change. They struck up a musical partnership that same day. Hansard had been fixing bicycles in his spare time, and the pile of frames in his yard inspired the band's name. The original lineup included guitarist Dave Odlum, vocalist Noreen O'Donnell, bassist John Carney, and drummer Paul Brennan.

The band made its debut at an Irish music festival in September 1990. Their first single, "The Dancer," arrived in early 1992, followed by the debut album Another Love Song later that year on Island Records. The album was produced by Gil Norton, who had worked with the Pixies, giving the band a loud, angular sound. Early reviews were mixed, but the band's live energy won over audiences. Over the next few years, the lineup shifted: O'Donnell left in 1996, bassist John Carney departed to pursue film directing (he later directed the Oscar-winning film Once), and Joe Doyle joined on bass. The band's second album, Fitzcarraldo (1995), showed a maturing sound, but it was 1999's Dance the Devil that began to define their signature blend of folk and rock. [edit]

The Frames' music has evolved from the loud, punk-inflected alternative rock of their debut toward a more introspective folk-rock sound. Early work, produced by Gil Norton, bore the influence of the Pixies in its dynamic shifts and abrasive guitar. Over time, Hansard's songwriting grew more reflective, and the band incorporated violin, piano, and richer arrangements. Albums like For the Birds (2001) and Burn the Maps (2004) showcase a balance of hushed intimacy and explosive crescendos, a hallmark of their live performances. Lyrically, Hansard writes about personal struggle, relationships, and everyday life with a poet's eye for detail. The band's later work, including The Cost, is characterized by a restrained, earthy production that lets the songs breathe. [edit]

The Frames have been described as "enormously popular in their home country of Ireland" and are considered pillars of the Dublin music scene. They have influenced a generation of Irish rock bands, both through their sound and their DIY ethos. The band's connection to the film Once, Hansard co-starred and co-wrote the Oscar-winning song "Falling Slowly", brought international attention, though the band itself remained a cult act abroad. Their live performances, known for their emotional intensity, have been cited by many musicians as inspirational. The Frames also helped build a community around Dublin's alternative music scene, mentoring younger acts and fostering a collaborative spirit. [edit]

The Frames' fanbase, while not defined by an official name or color, is known for its fierce loyalty. Fans often travel long distances to see the band play, and live recordings circulate widely among the community. The band's annual Christmas shows in Dublin became a tradition, with fans gathering year after year. After the release of The Cost, a groundswell of online support helped the album reach a wider audience. The band's intimate connection with fans is evident in the call-and-response moments during concerts, where Hansard often invites the crowd to sing along. [edit]

The band's name comes from Hansard's childhood habit of repairing friends' bikes; the many bicycle frames in his yard led neighbors to call his home "the house with the frames." Glen Hansard co-starred in the 1991 film The Commitments as Outspan Foster. Former bassist John Carney later became a successful film director, known for the film Once. The band's debut album was produced by Gil Norton, famous for his work with the Pixies. The song "Falling Slowly" originally appeared on The Frames' album The Cost before being featured in the film Once. [edit]