Hozier was “Too Sweet” to Wilmington, NC

LIVE MUSIC

May 21

MAY 21, 2024 | by MONTANA DONAHUE

Hozier brought his Unreal Unearth tour to Wilmington, North Carolina on May 14th, 2024. He returned to North Carolina for the third time this year to play at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion. The venue was packed full of excited fans of all ages braving the potential storm to see him perform live.

Allison Russell started the show at 7:30pm, with an acoustic set. She let the crowd know she was playing some requests from a previous show in Raleigh. She played a few songs including “Persephone” and “Eve was Black,” which was the song that won her her first Grammy for Best American Roots Performance at the 2024 Grammys! She shared some stories behind her songs, delving into some deepering back stories, all while keeping a joyful and radiant tone. Russell displayed her charming personality and powerful vocals that left the crowd wanting more. It had been raining all day but slowed to a slight drizzle about twenty minutes before she came on. The light rainfall that came through added to the beauty and power of her music. I definitely left a fan and I look forward to exploring her catalog!

The crowd erupted when Hozier came on at 8:45 pm. There was talk of weather impeding the start of the show, even talks of evacuation if there was lighting, but mother nature held out for Hozier. He started off with “De Selby part 1” and seamlessly moved into “De Selby part 2” before playing “Jackie and Wilson.” He played songs from his most recent record as well as some well loved songs from previous records like “It Will Come Back,” “Movement,” and “Would That I.” He showed his genuine personality by thanking his crew everytime an instrument was given to him and expressed his gratitude for his fans for giving him the opportunities to tour and play his music around the world. A couple recently got engaged in the crowd and he congratulated them while also making a joke about an “engagement fee” on tickets! About midway through his set he brought out Allison Russell to play “Wildflower and Barley,” which she is featured on. His lighting and stage design complemented his breathtaking vocals. He played “Too Sweet” which came out in March this year. He once again thanked the fans for making this song his first number one in his career, which was definitely long overdue! He also played “Take Me to Church,” which he recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in September 2023. It was so amazing to hear this song live since this was the first song I ever heard of Hozier's!

He left the stage for a few minutes and the crowd immediately started chanting for an encore. Of course he wasn’t done with us yet! He played “Cherry Wine,” “I, Carrion,” and then brought out Allison Russell again for “Work Song” to finish out the show. Before playing the last song of the night, he made sure to re-introduce each member of his wonderful band. He also took the opportunity to tell his fans how thankful we should be to have a weekend, that every individual deserves safety, and encouraged everyone who felt moved to contact their representatives to make sure our voices were heard, because so many people rely on it! It is encouraging to hear an artist use their platform to push others to be informed and active in current events. His show was worth the three hour drive from Charlotte (and three hour drive back after the show) and I cannot wait for when he comes back to North Carolina again!

Hozier is playing shows and festivals throughout North America until late September before heading to Australia and New Zealand in November. He has some stops back in Europe in June! Be sure to catch him in your city because this is a show you definitely don’t want to miss!

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