Hozier lit up Stifel Theatre on Thursday night as he brought his Wasteland, Baby! Tour to St. Louis with the help of special guest, Bailen. The night was a perfect combination of indie, rock, and blues… and in true St. Louis fashion, included a “let’s go Blues” chant after our game five win.
Bailen started the night off. The trio of siblings from NYC brought a set full of bold harmonies and had the crowd settling into a groove from the moment they started playing. With witty commentary and songs like “I Was Wrong” and “Not Gonna Take Me” it’s clear that this band is one to watch out for.
Lights and smoke filled the stage and Hozier sauntered out, immediately causing the crowd to erupt in cheers. Immediately the stage turned into a dark blue and green haze and Hozier’s vocals created a witchy vibe that would make Stevie Nicks proud. The show started off with hits from Wasteland Baby! including “Dinner and Diatribes” and hit single “Nina Cried Power.”
Hozier effortlessly grooved through hit after hit, playing with timing and lyrics as he created something special with each live version. “Someone New” and “From Eden” thrilled the crowd within the first few notes that fans have taken comfort in for years, but also built upon the live experience and left the audience with a new comfort and meaning from each lyric and note.
Later, Hozier took a moment to talk to the crowd about the creation of Wasteland, Baby! explaining that he wrote many songs off of this album as “love songs for the end of the world.”
He then continued his set with “Wasteland, Baby!” “Shrike” and “No Plan” which he said is meant to remind people that we shouldn’t sweat the little things “because there are far worse things to look forward to.” Each song built upon each other in a perfectly eerie dynamic between dreamy and chilling, and the audience continued to build with each note.
The night began to come to a close with clappy anthem, “Almost (Sweet Music)” and familiar songs like “Jackie and Wilson.” The crowd sang along lovingly, smiling and dancing in the aisles to truly, sweet music. Finally, Hozier and his band began “Take Me To Church” and the crowd inside the Stifel Theatre became his choir. The set ended with raw emotion, and the audience bellowed for an encore.
Hozier took the stage for his encore wearing a Blues jersey, complete with his name on the back. He shared a celebratory moment with his St. Louis crowd, congratulating the city on our game five win, and laughing along as chants of “let’s go Blues” rang out across the theatre.
The energy was high and only elevated as Hozier belted out “Cherry Wine” and “Work Song.”
After experiencing Hozier’s incredible vocal ability, lyrical genius, and overall Irish charisma, it was impossible not to leave the theatre with a smile on your face and artistry engulfed in your soul. This will be a show that audience members will hold closely; listening to Hozier’s music will lead them back to the memory of this night, comforting them in the best way music can.
