There is no other music venue quite like Red Rocks. The amphitheater is magical. Upon entering you can feel the soul of a thousand years in the spiritual wonderland. It is as if nature created the perfect location to immerse in live music. We saw mule deer nibbling on grass and rabbits jumping between rocks on this October evening.
Opener Madison Cunningham, and headlining performer, Andrew Hozier-Byrne, or Hozier, mesmerized a sold-out crowd. The temperature hovered in the 60s with a waxing crescent moon and wispy angel clouds hanging over the rock formations setting the stage for an evening of chilling, haunting harmonies.
The crowd gathered outside the amphitheater, electing to wait in line or tailgate in the parking lot. The minute the blue gates opened, the young, enthusiastic fans ran the stairs to find the best possible seats in the General Admission section.
Moving throughout the venue, it’s clear the Hozier fans’ love is clear and deep. The merch line was immediately 200-people deep, and no one was leaving until they secured a poster or shirt. It’s unsurprising to see the fan base consisted of young men and women and couples in their 50s and beyond. His musical reach spans generations.
The stage and house lights went dark as Hozier took the stage. The sold-out, enthusiastic crowd got to their feet, roaring, and never sat again throughout the almost 2-hour performance.
The tall Irishman, stood center stage dressed handsomely in a three-piece suite, his eight-member band surrounding him. A light above and underneath him illuminated the musician as he strapped his acoustic guitar on. The Unreal Unearth Tour 2023 concert, presented by Live Nation, began with “De Selby” (parts 1 and 2).
With a smile on his face, he began crooning the haunting song that encourages listeners to embrace the unknown, reflect inward, and search within themselves. The Irish Gaelic verses filled the air, making the song flow with the lights circling around him. The palpable melody paired with his intense eyes, enchanted the audience sending the message that he was fully present in the moment.
The concert flowed between songs from this third album, his debut and second one, keeping new and old fans alike cheering, singing along, and on their feet dancing and swaying.
Highlights included the incredible light show and the three large projection screens allowing those at the top of the amphitheater the same intimate feeling of connection held by the lower reserved seats.
“There’s very few places like this. In fact, I think Red Rocks is unique. I don’t think you could stand in a more beautiful space… I don’t think you can stand in a more beautiful venue. I don’t. I’m just so grateful to be here today. So thank you so much,” Hozier shared.
The show continued as he swooned the crowd with his haunting voice for 14 more songs before saying goodnight and returning for a three-song encore. The audience was pulled into a beautiful sing-along of “Cherry Wine.” The amphitheater’s acoustics created the feeling of a world-class choir concert, with everyone swaying and singing in unison to every lyric.
Introducing “I Carrion” Hozier shared the story of Icarus and his fatal fall from the sky, where he fell to the sea and met his end. The ballad ignited silence throughout the crowd, and the background video of falling feathers was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Denver native, Kristen Rogers, received extra acknowledgment and cheers as she carried Brandi Carlile’s half of their duet, “Damage Gets Done.” The enthusiasm only ruptured louder as the first notes of “Take Me to Church” began to play. The light show and band exploded as multigenerational fans sang every word to the Grammy-nominated song.
The audience continued to go wild as the band left the stage. Cheers and cries brought the band back to “Nina Cried Power,” “Unknown/Nth” ending with Madison Cunningham joining Hozier on stage for “Work Song.” The harmonizing voices created a ripple effect of chills across the crowd.
Bowing to the applauding audience, Hozier, Cunningham and the entire band concluded the night. His captivating smile said it all as he walked off the stage. Following the two nights of performances at the iconic venue, Hozier posted the following on his Instagram account @Hozier
“Two beautiful nights at @redrocksco. Thank you to every single person that came to one of the last two shows. There are certain moments when I’m overwhelmingly confronted by how fortunate I am to do what I do and find myself where the music has taken me. Finding myself in that unique place with all of you was on such moment of sheer stunned gratitude. Thank you.”
Special Guest – Madison Cunningham
Madison Cunnigham took the stage as Hozier’s special guest at 7:45 PM. She was initially shy and appeared humbled to stand on this stage. Her voice was strong, sweet and as smooth as Kentucky whiskey. By the third song, she started to let loose reminding the crowd of a young Sheryl Crow, jamming on her guitar with lyrics that connected with the crowd. She moved between haunting ballads and upbeat riffs that had the audience rocking. Everyone listened intently as she shared the story of her grandmother Raechel and all she taught her about living and how short life is. A hush blanketed the crowd during “Life According to Raechel.”
“It’s not if, darling it’s when,There’s always something left unsaid”
In the spirit of collaboration like Hozier featuring Brandi Carlile on his track “Damage Gets Done” on the Unreal, Unearth album, I collaborated with a friend who attended the concert on 10.18.2023 in writing this review. Special credit to writing talent, Ann Harrington for helping illustrate the mystical magic of this performance in words to accompany my photos. Special thanks to Live Nation and the always kind staff at Red Rocks. There truly is no better place to see the stars.
For more information, check out Hozier’s tour schedule and website.
