Live Review: Hozier - O2 Apollo, Manchester 19/09/2019
Hozier took to a sold out O2 Apollo Manchester and treated his audience to a night of beautiful music, electric atmosphere and Irish charm. Making his first return to the city after the release of his second album ‘Wasteland, Baby!’, Hozier played an extensive set of his best known tracks from both records.
Opening up was fellow Irishman David Keenan, who came onto the stage solo, with just a single spotlight illuminating himself and his guitar. Playing his popular tracks ‘Two Kids’ and ‘Postcards from Catalonia’, Keenan entertained the crowd as they anticipated the headline act.
As Hozier finally took to the stage, he began with ‘As It Was’ off the second record, performing it while eerie red lighting filled the stage and every eye was on the artist and his band. He truly captured the room as he moved onto the next songs, ‘Would That I’ and ‘Dinner and Diatribes’, as the band lined up beside him and they treated the crowd to not just an incredible vocal performance, but a visual one as well.
Hozier then asked his fans to ‘not hide their voices away’, and join him in song, making it an incredibly interactive performance between artist and audience. ‘Nina Cried Power’ and ‘To Be Alone’ followed next, with the crowd staying true to their promise and singing along to every lyric. He constantly praised his fans, stating that they had been ‘really lovely!’ in between tracks such as ‘Angel of Death and the Codeine Scene’ and the well-loved ‘Someone New’. A special highlight was a stripped back, slowed down acoustic version of ‘From Eden’ in which Hozier once again captured the entire venue.
He introduced ‘Shrike’ by explaining the meaning behind the song, which alludes to birds but is turned into a love song. The hits never ceased as ‘Moment’s Silence’, ‘Jackie and Wilson’, and ‘Almost (Sweet Music)’ all featured on the set list. For, arguably his most well-known track, ‘Take Me to Church’, Hozier came down to the barrier and shared a special moment with his audience. However, something else, which truly shines through at a Hozier gig, is how lovely his personality is. The artist used the encore to thank each and every member of his band and production staff, even making time to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the drummer.
‘Cherry Wine’ and ‘Work Song’ were the final two performances of the show, as Hozier exclaimed that his time in Manchester had been ‘a joy and a pleasure’. The entire crowd united as one, knowing every lyric right to the end of the gig, as they cheered and got on their feet as Hozier waved himself off stage.
Catch Hozier on the remaining leg of his UK tour, for an unmissable night of magnificent music and an atmosphere second to none.
Words and Photography by Jess Foster