Hozier: Unearth Unreal Concert Review

Hozier, the Irish god himself, had graced his presence in Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on September 9th and luckily, I was there to frolic in the glorious rock, soul, and folk music with him.

Irish based singer, musician, and songwriter; Andrew John Hozier-Byrne has been in the mainstream for more than a decade. His debut single “Take Me to Church” released in 2013, became a rock hit in the U.S. as it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This song alluded to themes of homophobia, which brought attention to the repression and persecution faced by the LGBTQ community. This was quite ground breaking at the time and marked Hozier as a profound activist through his lyrics. It was certified platinum in several countries.

Hozier initially became involved with Trinity Orchestra as he was a member of the choral ensemble Anuna from 2009 to 2012. Hozier was a background singer for Billy Ocean and even starred in a Wiggles music video. Fans did a double take as the singer was twenty years old and without his trademark facial hair.

I am very happy to have gone to this concert as I admired Hozier and his music, so when my sister offered me a ticket to come with her, how could I refuse?!

Golden 1 Center is such an amazing venue. It is humongous! I swear every time I go there I explore a new area. Only downside of the arena is the $6 water. Right as I got there, I went to the merch. The line was long but the options were limitless. Hozier supplied the most t-shirts and sweatshirts I have ever seen.

The opener was Grammy Award Winner singer, songwriter, and activist Allison Russell. Not only was she so beautiful, but her voice was captivating and powerful. I was engaged in her folk genre music, as it kind of gave witchy vibes, which I loved.

The messages in her music and her rantings about peace and action were amazing to hear. Everything was full of sincerity and passion. It was a joy watching her.

When Hozier and his band came out it was so casual–no big drop or intro, just him walking out and waving; it felt so genuine. That was what I kept noticing throughout the night: how genuine he was about his music, his lyrics, and his attitude towards his fans. He was constantly appreciative, which was so refreshing to see.

He opened with his song “De Selby (Part 1)” which is a slow and sorrowful song only sung in Irish Gaelic. I have never heard the Irish language in person, and when I tell you it was magical, it was. The song nearly brought me to tears. There is a reason why Hozier is one of the most respected artists of our time, and the moment in the concert felt like a one of a kind experience. Call it mesmerizing, because it was.

The Unreal Unearth Tour follows his 2023 album titled the same name. The album consists of a total of 16 beautifully written songs that takes a total of 62 minutes to fully listen to. Most of the songs–not just in the album but in Hozier’s entire discography–consists of socially conscious themes and even mentions of greek mythology. Hozier’s collegiate study was in music theory, which has inspired his songwriting to come from a “socially conscious perspective.”

Besides his study of music theory, his faith growing up had also inspired most of the themes he addresses about in his songs. Hozier grew up as a Protestant Quaker and practiced in the Catholic Church. He spoke out against the perspectives and morals that the church upheld in his songs and publicly advocated for a change.

I mention Hozier’s activism and socially conscious themes because towards the end of the show, there was a moment where he spoke of the importance of people being active in their communities, morals, and stances on various topics. Overall, he highlighted the importance of speaking up and speaking out. For about fifteen minutes during his encore, Hozier spoke out on the topic of activism.

Hearing an artist live speak out against the topic of injustice and how passionate they were about it, was so refreshing to hear. It just made so much sense for Hozier to be speaking out on topics like this as it gives a reminder about why Hozier and his music are so impactful and heard all around the world.

What was also so amazing and refreshing to hear from Hozier during this speech was that he wasn’t just talking passionately about one certain injustice–but multiple issues affecting marginalized groups from around the world. Ranging from LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights to the genocide in Palestine, it was amazing to hear a well-known artist share their views on injustices that were coming from the soul instead of just for the camera.

To see Hozier live and witness an artist who loves his band, his music, and his craft was mesmerizing. Everything was very professional, because he was! I experienced happiness, sadness, joy, and was in a state of awe throughout the concert all due to his high level of talent as a writer, performer, activist and the impact he makes with his art, along with the changes he advocates for. This will always have me coming back for more–whether that’s live or through my streaming services.

This concert not only put me through a wide range of emotions, but the concert themes and songs will move your heart and your feet. I would highly recommend for everyone to listen to Hozier’s music, and if his messages and songs are your cup of tea, seeing him live will be the cherry on the top. I loved this concert and would love to see him and his tall, beautiful self again.