Review: Hozier, O2 Academy
He was visibly overwhelmed by the reception from a sell-out audience who were loudly word perfect.
He responded with a fantastic performance despite confessing to having a painful back injury. We were warned not to be surprised if he started making noises like a goose being slaughtered.
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Hide AdAll the noises on stage were anything but alarming in the event.
Hozier is easy-going and assured and his gentle humour charmed his audience.
Right from opening number Like Real People Do to the storming conclusion in Take Me To Church, the place was captivated by great song after great song from his self-titled debut album.
He changed the mood from sultry on Sedated to gentle on a solo version of Cherry Wine in the encore.
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Hide AdA cover of The Beatles’ Blackbird was clever and funky with a lovely solo by cellist Alana Henderson.
He was joined for duet In a Week by Karen Cowley, whose band Wyvern Lingo were the support act.
The gig took place on the day that David Bowie died and Hozier paid tribute to his genius. Sadly he didn’t perform his cover of Changes but instead left the stage as Heroes played, with pictures of Bowie on giant screens.
* Julia Armstrong