PHOTO GALLERY: Hozier | Highlight Magazine

9.5 Must See

"etween highlighting women in the music industry and giving speeches about how everyone in the crowd should take care of each other, it is clear to see that Hozier not only cares about his own music and career but the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of his own fans that he definitely treats like family. "

Must See 9.5

Hozier

Hammerstein Ballroom // New York, NY // November 22nd, 2019

Photos and review by Jess Williams

In 2013, Andrew Hozier-Byrne released his debut EP under the moniker, Hozier. “Take Me To Church,” a particular song off the EP instantly blew up and became the song of the year. Over the course of the several years since his first release, Hozier has climbed the charts and exploded in popularity, landing him to where he currently is — a 5 night, completely sold out residency at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom.

The Hammerstein Ballroom is one of my favorite venues in Manhattan because of it’s extremely large size (an estimated capacity of 2,200) and ornate and majestic interior. I arrived at the venue on Friday night for the second night of Hozier’s residency as part of the Wasteland! Baby tour, in support of his recent record of the same name. When I walked into the ballroom, opening act Angie McMahon was belting it on stage. Her voice was beautiful and raw as she stood center stage with nothing but her guitar and small sign propped on the staircase behind her that read her name. Fans throughout the venue were receptive and welcoming of McMahon, giving her music and performance the space and respect that it definitely deserved.

I made my way through the packed crowd of young and middle aged people. Finally, I squeezed my way into the photo pit and took my spot center stage. Hozier’s stage was set up much like the living room of an old Victorian home. The entire floor was spread out with carpeting and small wooden chairs sat across from each other on the stage. Multiple microphones were set up for Hozier’s vast and talented supporting band and I was growing more and more excited for the show to start.

Without any hesitation, the lights went dark as Hozier and his band entered the stage. A single red spotlight shined down on Hozier as he began to sing the opening lines of “As It Was.” I will admit, prior to Friday night’s show, I was not the biggest Hozier fan. I had heard a couple of his songs and knew that he had a beautiful, powerful and moving voice but I was truly blown away with his performance. Chills shot down my spine as he belted the chorus “That’s the kind of love I’ve been dreaming of” on “Dinner & Diatribes” and it was a moving political statement that Hozier presented during “Nina Cried Power,” when images of police brutality protest, climate change rallies and Greta Thunberg were blasted across the massive LED screen at the back of the stage.

Twinkling lights and Hozier’s beautiful voice and stage presence combined to create a beautiful show which featured a variety of songs including “From Eden” and “Take Me To Church” as well as a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City.” Hozier also gave fans a taste of new music to come in 2020 with his newest song “Jack Boot Jump” that has some killer guitar riffs!

Hozier concluded his set with “Work Song,” in which he brought out Angie McMahon to perform it with him before concluding the night with a final thank you and goodnight. Hozier is hands down one of the sweetest and most talented individuals in the industry right now. Between highlighting women in the music industry and giving speeches about how everyone in the crowd should take care of each other, it is clear to see that Hozier not only cares about his own music and career but the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of his own fans that he definitely treats like family.