Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC was more than a venue on the night of October 22; it was a cathedral where Hozier, the Irish musical luminary, and Madison Cunningham, the enigmatic opener, led the congregation through an odyssey of sound, emotion, and introspection as part of the "Unreal Earth" Tour.
Madison Cunningham warmed the sanctuary with her set, a blend of intricate fingerstyle guitar and raw, emotive lyrics. Her vocals seemed to wrap around each spectator, making the expansive Rogers Arena feel as intimate as a candle-lit room. She bid her adieu with a powerful solo, leaving behind a buzz of anticipation that served as the ideal precursor to what lay ahead.
The air became electrified the moment Hozier stepped onto the stage. As the opening chords of "De Selby (Part 1)" cascaded through the crowd, a collective exhale seemed to reverberate, as if everyone had been holding their breath in anticipation. The segue into "De Selby (Part 2)" felt like a smooth descent into an alternate realm.
The real artistry shone through when he offered new renditions of cherished hits. "Jackie and Wilson" was rendered afresh, tinged with a subtle, bluesy essence that made the familiar tune feel like a discovery. The marriage of voice and instrument during "From Eden" embodied the potency of a first love’s kiss.
Hozier is not just a performer but a historian who layers each show with the texture of epochs and legends. His recent single "Francesca" was wrapped in the complexity of literary lore, pulling threads from Dante’s "Divine Comedy."
One of the most poignant moments was the stripped-down "Cherry Wine." The song was like an exposed nerve, raw and real, as the vulnerability in Hozier’s eyes communicated what words could not.
The evening reached its zenith when Madison Cunningham returned for the final song, "Work Song." Their voices harmonized into a singular spiritual reverberation, evoking the timeless essence of soul music.
In previous shows, from Dublin to Berlin, Hozier has consistently built on his artistry. The Vancouver leg seems to be a pinnacle, yet knowing Hozier, another summit is likely just beyond the horizon.
Hozier’s "Unreal Unearth" tour is a winding road that guides you through vast emotional landscapes, each filled with an array of colors, sounds, and sensations. The concert did more than entertain; it invited us to delve into the multi-dimensional layers of human experience, the intricate weave of our dreams and memories, and the ever-evolving vistas of our collective soul.
The next morning, you might find yourself humming the chorus of "Take Me to Church," or maybe "Nina Cried Power," but the underlying message stays with you far longer, goading you to question, to feel, and to marvel at the human tapestry that is eternally work-in-progress.
So, as you await his next stop in Seattle, or perhaps plan to catch him on the remaining dates, take a moment. Reflect on what you heard, what you saw, and what you felt. Trust us, you won't be alone in your introspection.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Oct 24 - Seattle, WA
Oct 25 - Portland, OR
Oct 28 - Santa Barbara, CA
Oct 29 - San Diego, CA
Nov 01 - Phoenix, AZ
Nov 03 - Las Vegas, NV
Nov 04 - Los Angeles, CA
Setlist of the night:
1. De Selby (Part 1), 2. De Selby (Part 2), 3. Jackie and Wilson, 4. From Eden, 5. Francesca, 6. To Be Alone, 7. Dinner & Diatribes, 8. Movement, 9. Cherry Wine, 10. To Someone From A Warm Climate, 11. Like Real People Do, 12. Abstract (Psychopomp), 13. Would That I, 14. Damage Gets Done, 15. Almost (Sweet Music), 16. Eat Your Young, 17. First Light, 18. Take Me to Church, 19. Nina Cried Power (Encore), 20. Unknown/Nth, 21. Work Song (with Madison Cunningham).
More photos from the night below:
