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Hozier at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Hozier has returned to Melbourne, playing Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and thrilling fans who had eagerly awaited his comeback since his 2019 show at the Palais Theatre. The crowd, brimming with excitement, welcomed not only the Irish singer-songwriter but also support artist Joy Olodokun, whose soulful set captivated the crowd with songs about social anxiety, loneliness, and resilience. Her covers of Hallelujah and Rocket Man added unexpected highlights, while originals like Sunday, Taking Things For Granted, and AM I? showcased her talent.
Hozier opened the night with De Selby (Part 1) and De Selby (Part 2) from his latest album, Unreal Unearth; drawing the audience in immediately. He greeted Melbourne warmly with a ‘How you feeling this evening, Melbourne?’ and expressed his gratitude for the ‘joy and pleasure of playing with Joy’; a fitting nod to his support act. Moving into Jackie and Wilson, a fan favourite from his debut album, he kept the energy high and followed it with the powerful Nobody’s Soldier, released only a few months prior.
The evening continued with Eat Your Young, which closed with a beautiful instrumental passage showcasing the band’s skills on keys and violin. Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene followed, where Hozier joked, ‘I’m so glad the weather stayed sweet – you guys did that!’ He then launched into Dinner & Diatribes, before slowing things down with Francesca – a song inspired by reimagining Dante’s Inferno.
The next stretch included It Will Come Back and Like Real People Do, with Hozier noting that both tracks were from his debut album. For I, Carrion (Icarian), he shared a humorous take on the myth of Icarus and the sensation of falling. The audience sang along during From Eden, and we enjoyed the contemplative Abstract (Psychopomp) inspired by a haunting memory.
Hozier performed Would That I, where a fan’s proposal during the song sparked a moment of joy and congratulations across the venue. Too Sweet garnered the loudest cheers so far, followed by Almost (Sweet Music), where Hozier stopped to take a moment to introduce the band to the crowd.
The night’s intensity continued with Movement; his powerful vocals filling the Bowl, and finally, Take Me to Church, which the crowd greeted with an overwhelming response. In a touching gesture, Hozier left both a pride and a trans flag on the mic stand, showing his solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
For the encore, Hozier made his way to the edge of the lawn, where he serenaded fans with a solo performance of Cherry Wine in the open-air setting, remarking, ‘It’s pretty special to come back to Melbourne – it’s been 4-5 years. The fact that you picked tonight, and you picked this show… thank you so much.’ He followed with Unknown / Nth in an intimate moment on the lawn before making his way through the crowd.
Returning to the main stage, he performed Nina Cried Power as a duet with Melissa McMillan; introducing the song as a tribute to those who fight for their rights, with a heartfelt call for ‘a Palestine free from occupation’ and peace in Gaza.
To finish the night, Hozier invited Joy Olodokun back to the stage for Work Song, a soulful conclusion that brought the evening full circle. Hozier’s return to Melbourne was an unforgettable mix of music, sincerity, and moments that will stay with the audience long after the night ended.