Hozier at Finsbury Park

Hozier played a truly incredible show to a sold-out Finsbury Park on a quintessential English summer day July, amid sporadic rain storms and ending with lots of sunshine. The lineup was dreamlike, with a day of performances by Ye Vagabonds, Lord Huron and Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes, culminating in the Irish headliner’s set.

The entire park was packed with people eager to hear Hozier’s musings, enduring the weather and long queues. Some fans even carried custom pens designed with elements from their favourite singer as a tribute to their loyalty. Lord Huron’s southern twang, accompanied by Howard’s soulful performance, really set the tone for what to expect from the main event.

When the frontman took to the stage, the sun had just started setting, casting the most beautiful colours onto the sky. You could feel the excitement from the entire 45,000-strong audience, and as he began with the song Eat Your Young off his latest release Unreal Unearth, it was spellbinding.

The set continued with Jackie and Wilson, From Eden, Angel of Small Death and The Codeine Scene and To Be Alone, all of which are from his 2014 self-titled album. This was just the start of the set, yet the crowd were already in awe, overwhelmed with emotions. Fans were crying, laughing and singing at the top of their lungs. The power of Hozier’s music was felt, heard and seen throughout the night.

As the performance went on more and more songs from Unheard were showcased in full force, with tracks such as Francesca, De Selby (Part 2),  and I, Carrion (Icarian). The melodic wonders that Hozier’s music holds are not truly felt unless heard live and in person, as many members of the audience attested to.

An incredible moment unfolded on stage when Hozier brought Howard of Alabama Shakes back to join him in covering Joe Cocker’s Feelin’ Alright. The combination of her soulful voice with his created something out of this world. He ended his pre-encore set with some of his most streamed songs Too Sweet, Almost (Sweet Music), Movement and, lastly, Take Me to Church. The sound of the audience singing every word back to him was a special and surreal moment.

After departing from the stage momentarily, the singer returned with Cherry Wine, silencing everyone in a mile radius just so they could hear this beautiful tune in all its glory. Continuing with this sentiment, Hozier took a few moments to speak on civil rights, followed by Nina Cried Power. He finished his set with Work Song just as the sun set for the day, leaving Finsbury park in awe and undoubtedly empowered. A beautiful end to a moody but  musical English summer day in North London.

Kirst Hubbard
Photos: Guifre de Peray

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

Watch the video for the single here: