Music

Review: Hozier, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

We sent Hozier fan, Mark Stoeken, along to check out the singer’s sell-out show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Here’s what he made of it…

Hozier live review

I was really looking forward to see Hozier live at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, it was sold out to the max and he didn’t disappoint.

The atmosphere was electric.. 

There was a really nice atmosphere inside the iconic venue and naturally hits like Take Me To Church, From Eden and Sedated got the crowd going.

It was when he played In A Week, together with Alana Henderson, that he really captivated the crowd. Everyone was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. It was absolutely beautiful to see the Belfast-born singer accompany Hozier live.

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Living up to the hype…

Many may know Hozier for his biggest hit, but a string of sold out shows proves there’s much more to this singer-songwriter’s ability. Right from the moment he begins to hum Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene, the room is enchanted.

For every hook he packs, Hozier is just as charming. He may be less known for his clever wit and stage banter, but the Irish singer has plenty to say in between songs. It could be easy to hide behind the big tracks, but the crowd laps up the mid-set chat.

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It doesn’t stop there…

Watching Hozier stand alone for an encore of Cherry Wine, you can’t ignore how he pours everything into the lyrics. Take Me To Church may be the big band moment, but it’s the understated wow-factor of the album tracks which really ring home the set’s success.

For me, the sign of a good gig is wanting to listen to the record as soon as you get home, and I haven’t put his debut down.

Hozier returns to tour the UK this May, get full dates and ticket details today.