For the first time in years, Hozier has emerged for a full North American tour- this time, in support of this year’s Unreal Unearth. The Irish crooner drew a sold out crowd to Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix this week where the outfits were on theme and the tears were flowing.
Opening the show was Madison Cunningham, a jazz-tinged folk-rock singer from California. Hozier himself (later in the show) sang Cunningham’s praises, saying she’s one of the most talented singer-songwriters in music today. The room was in clear agreement as they sang along with her powerful voice and cheered raucously after every song. Her gritty vocals filled the theatre for the perfect opening salvo for the rest of what was becoming an emotional show.
Hozier spared not one expense on behalf of this tour’s production, emerging into a field of starlight for “De Selby (Parts 1 and 2)”. His deeply soulful vocals and dazzling smile lit up the venue even more than the starburst of lights behind him on the stage. Fans in the front row had shown up very early that morning for the chance to see Hozier up close and their illuminated faces expressed what every other attendee in that room was feeling.
While he didn’t talk much onstage between songs, but his brief interludes were always cheerful and amusing as he spoke about this incredible tour, his love for the fans and the deep and obvious respect he has for the musicians sharing the stage with him. Midway through found the band quietly stepping away for Hozier’s spotlight moment during “Cherry Wine” and “I, Carrion”- a song about the myth of Icarus and Hozier’s musings about the city of Phoenix and its connection to mythology.
The vibes flowed like a slow-moving river as Hozier meandered through his set, holding his audience in a complete trance until the end of the show. Every song was accompanied by stunning visuals, including an entire landscape of trees that lowered above the stage for a perfect mirror image from top to bottom. Every era of his discography was well-represented and the final salvo of “Take Me to Church” was almost a surprise after the trance we’d been in all night.
Hozier poured his heart and soul into that final number, plucking a Pride flag from the crowd and demanding his audience sing their lungs out with him. Of course he came back for a beautiful encore that concluded the night with “Working Song”. Fans dried their tears and gave Hozier the ovation he deserved- we’re already hoping for another tour in 2024.
Check out all the photos from the show!
Story and photos by Olivia Khiel
