A Religious Experience With Hozier: Concert Review
Hozier performing at the Frost Bank Center Sept. 24, 2024. Hozier is touring for his Unreal Unearth tour.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by friends, secured at the barricade, and watching Hozier deliver an unforgettable performance. The energy of the crowd and the magic of his music made the experience truly unforgettable.
On September 24, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to see Hozier perform at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas for his Unreal Unearth Tour. As soon as I found out he was performing in my hometown, I knew I couldn’t miss the chance to see him live. Thankfully, my friends were just as excited, and we quickly planned a trip to experience Hozier’s performance together. After buying general admission for a great price, our trip to see Hozier was set in stone.
While waiting for the general admission gates to open, my friends and I decided to check out the merch stand to grab some souvenirs and commemorate the night ahead. We were excited to pick out something that would remind us of the unforgettable experience we were about to have.
I couldn’t resist buying a Hozier tour date shirt, with all the tour stops listed on the back, along with a special pin made exclusively for the San Antonio show. It felt like the perfect way to mark the night and carry a piece of the concert with me.
As we waited in the general admission section, we were greeted by a sea of people, everyone dressed in Renaissance-inspired outfits that perfectly matched Hozier’s vibe. The atmosphere was electric, and it felt like everyone had embraced the aesthetic of his music, adding to the anticipation of the night.
Performer Allison Russell sings her song "The Returner" at the Frost Bank Center Sept. 24, 2024. Russell opens for Hozier on the Unreal Unearth tour.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
At 6:30 p.m., the Frost Bank staff guided us inside, and we quickly made our way to the pit. Determined to secure the best spot, we hurried ahead of the crowd. To our delight, we managed to snag a spot right at the barricade, giving us an unbeatable view of the stage for the night ahead. We were ecstatic, knowing the full view of the stage was ours for the rest of the night. It felt like we had the best seats in the house, ready to take in every moment of the performance.
As we waited for the opener, Allison Russell, to take the stage, the guards at the barricade handed out water, ensuring the crowd stayed hydrated in the intense Texas heat. Their attention made a difference, especially as the anticipation for the show continued to build. Soon, the lights dimmed, and the excitement surged as Allison Russell appeared on stage. I immediately recalled her incredible performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival just last year. Now, here she was again, gracing the stage, this time as the opener for Hozier on his Unreal Unearth Tour. It was surreal to witness her talent once more in such an intimate setting.
As Allison Russell opened the concert with her song “The Returner,” it set a soothing tone, gently easing us into what promised to be an unforgettable night. The soulful melody felt like the perfect start to the evening, preparing us for the incredible performances to come. Soon, she delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with the crowd, acknowledging the execution of Marcellus Williams just an hour before the concert began. Her words brought a sense of solidarity and reflection to the moment, reminding us of the power of music to heal and unite, even in the face of tragedy.
Mikayla Hynes records Hozier as she's barricaded at the Frost Bank Center Sept. 24, 2024. Hozier is touring for the Unreal Unearth tour.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
After a few more songs, including empowering tracks like “Demons” and “Eve Was Black,” Allison delivered an emotional performance that left us in tears and filled with pure joy. Her ability to convey such raw emotion through her music created a profound connection with the audience, making it a truly memorable experience.
As the lights dimmed once more, we knew Hozier would be next. It was the moment we had been eagerly anticipating all night, and the excitement in the air was palpable. The energy surged through the crowd as we prepared for his arrival on stage. Soon, as the spotlight landed on the man of the hour, the crowd erupted into cheers and screams for his arrival. The excitement reached a fever pitch, and we could feel the collective energy as Hozier stepped onto the stage, ready to deliver.
Soon, the guitar strums echoed through the stadium as he opened with “De Selby.” The melodic chords intertwined with his soulful voice, instantly drawing us into the music and setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The night was filled with memorable and catchy moments as he performed his latest songs like “Nobody Soldier” alongside beloved classics like “Francesca.” Each track resonated with the crowd, sparking joyous sing-alongs and creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and nostalgia.
Hozier's music was a captivating blend of folk-rock and blues, characterized by intricate tunings that showcased his incredible vocal range and lyrical genius. Each song was a testament to his artistry, weaving together emotive storytelling with rich melodies that captivated the audience from start to finish. He even brought Allison Russell back on stage to perform “Wildflower and Barley”, a song they created together in the studio. Their harmonies blended beautifully, creating a magical moment that highlighted the chemistry between the two artists and further enchanted the audience. Throughout the concert, you could truly feel his stage presence, leaving a lasting impression. He made a point to address important social issues, such as voting rights, women's autonomy, and the need for a ceasefire in Palestine. His commitment to using his platform for advocacy added depth to the experience, reminding us of the power of music to inspire change and provoke thought.
Hozier hoists the pride flag over the crowd at the Frost Bank Center Sept. 20, 2024. Hozier is addressing social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, women's autonomy, and a ceasefire in Palestine.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
As the night went on, he performed more of his famous tunes, including “Would That I,” which prompted the crowd to chant in unison. It felt like a collective wave of energy, perfectly capturing the mystical vibe of the concert and uniting us all in a shared moment of musical bliss. The concert went on as he performed one of his popular songs “Too Sweet”. The crowd was dancing and vibing along with his music, completely immersed in the rhythm and energy of the performance. It was a collective celebration, with everyone lost in the moment, swaying and singing together as Hozier’s melodies filled the air.
While the night was still young, we could sense it was drawing to a close as Hozier took the stage for his final song, “Take Me to Church.” The anticipation in the crowd surged, and as the familiar chords began to play, we all sang along passionately, cherishing every moment of this iconic performance.
However, he returned for an encore, bringing Allison Russell back on stage with him to perform another cherished song, “Work Song.” The duet was a beautiful surprise that left the audience in awe, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere as their voices intertwined, making it a fitting end to an unforgettable night.
My friends and I could hardly believe it: we had just witnessed Hozier live and in person. The experience felt surreal, and the energy of the night lingered in our minds as we shared our excitement, knowing we had just experienced something truly special together.
Hozier and Allison Russell duet in "Work Song" at the Frost Bank Center Sept. 20, 2024. Hozier is touring for the Unreal Unearth tour.
Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine
As we were heading out, I realized Hozier possesses that incredible ability that every true artist should have: the power to connect with his audience. His genuine presence and heartfelt performances create a deep bond with listeners, making each song feel personal and resonant. This connection transforms the concert experience into something truly special and memorable as it was a night filled with goodwill and love that sent a clear message: love is powerful. The connections we made through music and shared experiences reminded us all of the strength and impact that love can have in our lives, creating a sense of unity that extended far beyond the concert itself.
