Hozier announced 4 rehearsal shows as the warm-up for his North American tour and the first plays to live audiences of new music from his Nina Cried Power EP.

The proceeds of Hozier’s rehearsal shows went to charity. In Dublin, he selected Peter McVerry Trust (helping the homeless in Ireland), Safe Ireland (keeping women & children safe from abuse), and One in Four Ireland (advocacy for victims of childhood sexual abuse). In London, the proceeds went to War Child UK (helping children of war have safety, education, and skills for the future).

Night 1: Monday 3 September

The Academy, Dublin

Capacity: 550

Support: Eve Belle

It has been a very long time since we’ve seen the guitars ready to roll! With Suzanne Santo playing guitar as well, there are even more to love.

A Hozier Phone Request

With the EP yet to be released, Hozier addresses the audience and asks them to please not post clips of new music to the Internet. Wonderfully, they complied!

Hozier asks tonight's audience at @academydublin to restrain themselves from looking through the gig at a phone, both to avoid music leaks and for other people's enjoyment. Great applause. People put their phones away. — Darragh Doyle (@darraghdoyle) September 3, 2018

Some man for one man! Most of the gig has been phoneless. Yis are in for a treat this week #Hozier pic.twitter.com/dGVDyXCYHc — Sophie (@mezzosophano) September 3, 2018

Cherry Wine

Shaking off the live cobwebs turned up some surprises during this rehearsal, including some trouble with the words to Cherry Wine. It’s a good thing the audience was willing to help when Hozier stumbled (a few times). Everyone kept their sense of humour, including Hozier on spotting a phone out: “That’s fine. I’ve already released this song.”

Someone New

Hozier unveiled a new arrangement of Someone New and the audience sang along with every word.

Take Me To Church

Changing it up again, Hozier performs Take Me To Church without his guitar, leaving those duties to Suzanne Santo. This might take some getting used to! We remember his first time performing this song without a guitar was at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in December 2014.

well worth the 4 year wait to see hozier live! if you’re going to any of his academy shows this week you’ll have an amazing time his voice is just out of this world 😭 — mary (@5sos_twt) September 3, 2018

Spoiler free review of Hozier new EP: Fuckin Superb you funky little cryptid — Space Trans™ (@Itsbroop) September 3, 2018

Set list:

To Be Alone

Nina Cried Power

Jackie and Wilson

From Eden

NFWMB

Cherry Wine

Shrike

Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene

Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)

Arsonist’s Lullabye

Movement

Take Me To Church

ENCORE

Like Real People Do

Someone New

Work Song

Night 2: Wednesday 5 September

The Academy, Dublin

Capacity: 550

Support: Eve Belle

Nina Cried Power

The live video for Nina Cried Power was recorded at night 2 in the Academy.

Jackie and Wilson

Review of night 2 from the Irish Times.

With every opening intro of his well-known tracks, the room gasps. A single spotlight hits him as he readies himself to play Cherry Wine. Hozier, in his modest fashion, reassures us. “It’s okay”, he coos. “It’s good to know you’re here.”

Night 3: Friday 7 September

The Academy, Dublin

Capacity: 550

Support: Eve Belle

The Nina Cried Power EP was released on 6 September, so the ban on the audience posting live clips of the new music to the Internet is over! Here are his opening remarks to the crowd and To Be Alone.

Nina Cried Power

HO. LEE. SHEET. @Hozier performing #NinaCriedPower live last night in Dublin was a sight to behold. In fine voice. And the band equal to the task, plus interest. Phenomenal. Watch out world. pic.twitter.com/dD7adu3uOs — Eoghan McDermott (@eoghanmcdermo) September 8, 2018

Jackie and Wilson

From Eden

NFWMB

Shrike

Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)

Take Me To Church

If you haven't sought out the new @Hozier EP, you've been wasting your precious finite time. The brother killed it. pic.twitter.com/UD9IUeNikW — Jon Hozier-Byrne (@JonHozierByrne) September 7, 2018

Night 4: Monday 11 September

KOKO London

Capacity: 1410

Support: Saint Sister

@Saint_Sister_ oh god I’ve so many clips tonight of this gorgeous talented duo!! That blew me away. Well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/BIgZkMKOKL — mary dornan (@marytheplumber) September 12, 2018

Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene

NFWMB

Like Real People Do

Someone New

The full arrangement is here with the break into The Meters’ Cissy Strut, a favourite from soundchecks on the last tour.

Work Song

Fantastic pro photos from KOKO

what a voice, what a soul, what a talent – even more convinced that @Hozier is a wizard or some kind of god who has been wandering this earth for centuries observing us mere mortals 🧙🏻‍♂️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/r29IV4sqOe — rachel (@rachelmnly) September 11, 2018

Reviews

Evening Standard

Hozier review: Five star return of genuine talent a cause for celebration. It’s rare that a genuinely brilliant singer comes along — so the return of Andrew Hozier-Byrne is cause for celebration.

Hozier review – seductive fervour powers soul man's return https://t.co/3FbwOVeis1 — Guardian music (@guardianmusic) September 12, 2018

Review in Portuguese with great clips and a bow.

The List

Hozier wowed fans at his first London show in two years at London’s KOKO in Camden on Tuesday night.

Thanks to of all those who posted their photos and videos from Hozier shows.

Special thanks to Hozier’s Guitars contributors @Megn0481, @literarypengke, @AInabsentia, @aenroute, Biljana J, and more.

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Featured image: Graphic by Hozier’s Guitars.