The Irish singer enchants Tulsa fans at the BOK Center with soulful sounds and stunning vocals.
The renowned “Too Sweet” and “Take Me to Church” hit artist Hozier brought his highly successful tour, the Unreal Unearth Tour to Tulsa Aug. 10. The BOK Center hosted Saturday’s event and was an ideal venue to mesh the Irish singer’s large fan base with the intimate sound of Hozier’s music. This was his second visit to Tulsa, the first at Tulsa Theater in April 2019 during the Wasteland, Baby! Tour. Known for his soulful sounds and dark, melancholic lyrics, Hozier led the crowd through an evening of swaying and singing along to their favorite songs.
Before the show, fans gathered dressed in dark earth tones or long white skirts, reflecting their personal styles as well as their liking for the artist. The sold-out arena whispered patiently before the opener Joy Oladokun began performing. The artist spoke about her experiences as a queer Black woman that inspired her music and connected with the audience in anticipation for Hozier’s set. They listened respectfully and swayed along to her soft and melodic but powerful music. She played songs that the crowd knew such as, “We’re All Gonna Die” and “look up” and introduced her other songs like “sunday” and “changes” to the crowd as well.
Hozier performs part of his opening song “De Selby (Part 2).” Peyton Matteson | Collegian
When it was time for Hozier’s set, shadows painted the faces of fans across the arena and a blue spotlight appeared at the center of the stage. A figure stepped into the light and began the calm quiet opening chords of “De Selby (Part 1).” Then, Hozier transitioned to “De Selby (Part 2)” a more upbeat continuation of the song followed by “Jackie and Wilson,” a fan favorite from his self-titled debut album. After this, he played an unreleased song, “Nobody’s Soldier,” that is set to be released Aug. 16, less than a week after the Tulsa concert.
Hozier looks into the crowd during the song “Jackie and Wilson.” Peyton Matteson | Collegian
The remaining setlist mixed fan favorites and hit songs such as, “Like Real People Do,” “Almost (Sweet Music)” and “From Eden.” Looking around at those crowded around the venue, you might see fans clapping along to “Dinner and Diatribes,” waltzing at the back of the floor section during “Cherry Wine,” or shedding a tear or two during “I, Carrion.” Lights flashed as the band gave an energetic performance of “Francesca.” At the beginning of “Would That I,” the lights faded to blue, and the band members clapped on beat with the audience following. At this point, the singer called the audience to participate by saying, “let me hear you Tulsa” and allowing the crowd to finish the chorus. Next, he played “Too Sweet,” his first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and shared his pride for its recent success with the crowd. In 2013, “Take Me to Church” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, another hit that Tulsa was excited to hear during the show. Before “Take Me to Church,” he played “Cherry Wine” surrounded by a ring of red lights with a glowing red moon in the background.
After performing “Cherry Wine,” the artist confessed that he had been battling a cold and did not feel up to playing a few more vocally challenging songs that would normally make the setlist such as “Nina Cried Power,” “Unknown / Nth”and “Movement.” During this time, Hozier took the time to thank the audience, introduce his band members, and called all audience members to reach out to their representatives for cease fire in the Middle East and freedom from occupation. For the encore and final song, Hozier brought Oladokun back onstage for a performance of “Work Song.” They took turns singing and matched each other’s vocals, combining their talents. Despite Hozier’s cold, he gave a performance to be remembered by all in attendence. If you missed his Tulsa show, tickets are available to see Hozier in Oklahoma City at the Paycom Center Sept. 26.
