Hozier at Wembley Arena

Introduced as “Forest Father” by Abigail Morris – lead singer of the extraordinary opening act The Last Dinner Party – Hozier takes the stage with impeccable punctuality. True to his title, he curates an experience that feels a bit like wandering through the sacred groves of a magical woodland. The stage itself is transformed into a living, breathing thing, with ethereal landscapes projected onto the screen and tree roots hanging upside down above.

His latest release, Unreal Unearth, was inspired by Dante’s Inferno: sonically complex tracks and staggeringly poetic lyrics that transport down into the earthly grounds below, while also allowing one to ascend to celestial realms. With devotion, tenderness and passion, he speaks about love sprouting from dirty soils, of loss, redemption, yearning and desire, in a way that a few artists have managed to accomplish. This thematic tension between light and darkness, love and death, decay and growth, is what renders his music so profoundly unique. And when performed live, there is no hiding from it; the emotional cascade envelops everyone, Hozier on stage and his devoted fans watching in awe.

The concert opens with the first track from his new album, De Selby (Part 1), a slower and melancholic piece that sets the tone for the night. The inclusion of Gaelic lyrics adds an extra layer of depth, immersing the audience in a rich sonic experience, guided by Hozier’s signature angelic vocals.

His band consists of some incredibly talented musicians from the US and UK, including a small string section with both a cellist and violinist. They leave the stage only once: Hozier is alone, surrounded by a circle of red lights, performing one of his darlings, the tender Cherry Wine. This is one of the most intimate moments, both nostalgic and sweet, and a reminder of how far this artist has come.

The soft-spoken storyteller also seems to enjoy interacting with his audience, for instance when he explains the meaning behind another one of the highlights, To Someone from a Warm Climate (Uiscefhuarithe): the experience of growing up in a cold country, explaining those little snippets of mundanity to someone who has never experienced that wet cold before. An ode to the little things that make life beautiful, something as simple as a warm bed in winter. Towards the end, he then plays one of the fan favourites from his latest album, the raw and deeply emotional Unknown / Nth – everyone seems to be waiting for the lyrics that will inevitably cause tears to be shed, as the singer proves just how powerful his voice is: “Do you know I could break beneath the weight / Of the goodness, love, I still carry for you? / That I’d walk so far just to take / The injury of finally knowin’ you?”

Overall, Hozier’s performance is a testament to his prowess as a musician and storyteller. The synthesis of nature, poetry, music and emotion created an otherworldly experience that left his audience all cosily curled up in their own emotional realms.

Benedetta Mancusi
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Hozier’s website here.

Watch the video for the single To Someone from a Warm Climate (Uiscefhuarithe) here: