Hozier gets standing ovation in Liverpool after powerful message to city

It’s two weeks before Christmas and the M&S Bank Arena is packed out with thousands of fans who have arrived to watch Hozier.

The Irish singer-song writer says he’s aware it’s a Sunday, but he wants to check the crowd has the “collective ability to make noise”. This is met by screams and cheers as one fan behind me shouts “I think I’m going to pass out” with the excitement of it all.

The first and last time I saw Hozier was in a pre-pandemic world at Glastonbury. A lot has changed since then, including for the singer, who released his latest album 'Unreal Unearth' this summer inspired by Dante’s 'Inferno'.

Hozier was joined by eight band members as he took to the stage at the M&S Bank Arena on Sunday, December 10, in front of what was the largest crowd he'd ever played to in the city. Hozier couldn't hide his love of Liverpool throughout the set as he told the crowd: "Liverpool is a f****** amazing city. The people are amazing.

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"You'll probably notice Irish people feel very at home here." For around two hours fans were taken on a journey of the singer’s music career as he showcased his powerful vocals and ability to switch seamlessly between genres.

Hozier opened with the poetic and dark “De Selby” from his latest album, followed by fan favourites: Jackie and Wilson and the breath taking 'From Eden'. The set was like watching a theatre show, with each song having a different backdrop of lights and excerpts from music videos.

Hozier's vocals kept the crowd captivated throughout, as did the range of instruments played by his band, from the cello to the drums, the piano and the violin. As incredible as the