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As reported on Paste…

It’s been a rough week for Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season. Just days after a fan committed suicide onstage at their Saratoga, Calif. show, the duo has announced that they are going on hiatus.The decision to part ways seems unrelated to the Saratoga tragedy; however, and the pair will still perform the remainder of their European fall tour dates. Hansard told Spinner.com that he and Irglova are pursuing different musical projects. “I’ll go back to The Frames, and Mar will make her own record at some point,” he said. “This band will eventually naturally end. But right now, all of us are just so grateful.”

The duo (which snagged an Oscar for Best Original Song with 2006’s “Falling Slowly”) forged ahead with their collaboration this past year despite ending their romantic relationship, and the two appear to be on good terms. Hansard said he’s looking forward to Irglova’s solo material. “I love the way she writes,” he said. “I think she’s an incredible songwriter, and I think she could make a really beautiful, beautiful record. I have no doubt, in fact.”

I’m bummed to see them part ways, and deeply saddened about the recent fan suicide… I hope they get back together some day.  I know I’ll enjoy future music from both Glen and Marketa.  I’m also glad I got to see them last fall in Eugene, Oregon.  Click here for my review (and more photos).

~Dan – np: John Zorn / Masada String Trio – Film Works XI: Under the Wing