Hozier’s worshipping Irish fans were happily taken to church at a sold out Dublin’s 3 Arena tonight.
The first of his two homecoming shows was warmly received as the Wicklow rocker played hits from his second album Wasteland, Baby!
The passionate Irish crowd sang along with every word of his signature numbers.
Pure rock and roll captivated the vibrant crowd.
His intricate finger-picking guitar style and powerful vocals stayed strong from the beginning of his set until the very end of the concert.
The fans in the capital were treated to an impressive lighting effects and set design.
Hozier - real name Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, played his biggest tunes and fans were thrilled by the live renditions.
The Wicklow native opened with Nina Cried Power, brooding and bathed in red light as the band came on stage.
He said: “How you doing this fine evening Dublin? It is an immeasurable pleasure to play here for the first time.
“Dublin are the loudest audience in the world.
“In the next few months, I’ll be releasing a few new songs.”
There was no let up as he drove into To Be Alone, a powerful vocal littered with high riffs.
He asked to pass the standard test of proving they would be loudest crowd and was sure they would pass with flying colours.
Fan favourite Someone New was a different arrangement than the recorded version and sounded wonderful.
The band are a quality sonic blend of upbeat and haunting.
He said: “ I want to thank you for giving me your Tuesday night. “
Angel Of Small Death and the Codine Scene continued the succession of hits from his first album Hozier.
He showed off his youthful by tearing through from one track to another.
His stamina has been built up by years of relentless touring since his international breakthrough.
Nobody was a nice change of pace, with a lighter tone on his guitar.
The violin added a sweet touch as the his gruff guitar tone dominated.
Jackie and Wilson was another fantastic moment. “We'll name our children Jackie and Wilson, raise 'em on rhythm and Blues”
Take Me to Church sounds as fresh as the day it was released.
It was the most streamed single of 2014 and has been played on Spotify upwards of a billion times.
“Jack Boot Jump,” is set to be part of an EP of completely fresh material that Hozier will release in 2020.
His gratitude for his band and stage crew – thanking every one of them several times – showed off his earnest and warm personality.
It left the delighted audience wishing they were going to Wednesday’s night concert too.
