Hozier, the Irish musician known for hits like “Take Me To Church” and “Someone New”, has developed a devoted fanbase that is eager to see him perform live. After rising to fame in 2013, Hozier toured heavily behind his debut album. However, he has not done a proper concert tour since 2018, leaving many fans wondering if he will ever hit the road again.
Hozier’s Past Touring History
Hozier first gained notoriety in 2013 with the release of his hit single “Take Me To Church”. The dark, bluesy track became a global smash and earned Hozier a Grammy nomination. To capitalize on the success, Hozier embarked on his first major headlining tour in 2014.
The nearly yearlong trek saw him play venues across Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. He continued touring behind his debut album into 2015. By the end of the album cycle, Hozier had played over 200 shows globally.
When he returned with new music in 2018, including the popular single “Nina Cried Power”, Hozier launched another worldwide tour. The 2018-2019 run included stops at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
However, since completing that tour, Hozier has not announced plans for another proper headlining trek. He played a handful of shows in 2021, but nothing as extensive as his past outings.
Reasons Why Hozier May Tour Again
Though he has been off the road for a few years now, there are several reasons to believe Hozier will mount another global tour someday:
He Has a Loyal Fanbase
Despite his reclusive nature, Hozier has cultivated an extremely devoted fanbase over the past decade. His melancholy songs and powerful vocals have resonated with listeners.
Many fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see him live. There is certainly demand for Hozier to tour again and he is likely aware of that.
He Has New Music
In September 2022, Hozier returned with his first new song in three years titled “Jackie and Wilson.” It is expected to be the lead single from his long-awaited third studio album.
Historically, Hozier has toured behind new music releases. So it is very possible he would hit the road again to support this upcoming album. Fans are hoping the new songs indicate a full album and tour are on the way.
He Enjoys Performing Live
Though he has toured less in recent years, Hozier seems to thrive when playing live. His powerful stage presence and vocals have made him a favorite on the festival circuit.
In past interviews, he has spoken about how much he enjoys the live concert experience and connecting with fans. This enthusiasm for performing could motivate him to tour again.
Potential Obstacles to Hozier Touring Again
However, there are also a few factors that may prevent Hozier from touring extensively for the foreseeable future:
He Prefers a Private Life
Despite having lots of famous fans like Taylor Swift, Hozier keeps a very low-profile. Outside of music releases, he rarely makes public appearances or does interviews.
Given how he values his privacy, embarking on a long international tour may not appeal to Hozier currently. Touring requires lots of travel, promotion and public visibility.
He Is Picky About Scheduling
Part of the reason Hozier has toured sparingly since 2018 is because he is very selective about his schedule. He does not like to be rushed when it comes to writing and recording music.
In past interviews, Hozier has mentioned wanting to tour “the right way” which suggests he will only hit the road again when the timing and circumstances suit him.
He Wants to Spend Time at Home in Ireland
Hozier was born and raised in Ireland, and he still resides there when he is not on the road. With extensive touring comes long bouts away from home.
After completing months of touring in 2019, Hozier expressed wanting to spend more time at home with family and friends in Ireland. His desire for more home time could delay his return to the tour circuit.
What Are the Chances Hozier Tours in 2023 or 2024?
Based on all these factors, what are the odds Hozier mounts a proper tour in 2023 or 2024? Let’s break down the likelihood:
2023 Tour
Chance of major tour: Low
It seems unlikely Hozier will hit the road extensively next year. While he released a new single in 2022, there are no signs yet that a full album is coming soon. Hozier is also someone who tends to take his time between releases. Unless new music suddenly appears in early 2023, a tour seems improbable.
2024 Tour
Chance of major tour: Moderate
2024 seems a more realistic target for Hozier to potentially launch a worldwide tour. By then, he will likely have released the full album that “Jackie and Wilson” is leading. With 2-3 years having passed since his last small run of shows, 2024 lines up reasonably well for Hozier to consider touring again.
How Quickly Could Hozier Organize a Tour?
If Hozier does decide he is ready to hit the road again, how quickly could he get a full-scale tour up and running?
Realistically, it would take a minimum of 3-4 months to plan and coordinate a substantial international tour. That timeline includes:
- Booking venues in cities across the globe
- Hiring crew (security, roadies, etc)
- Rehearsing the new set and staging
- Scheduling transportation and lodging
- Marketing and promotion
For a major artist like Hozier who would play large, premium venues, the logistical hurdles are even greater.
However, with his experienced team and tour management, Hozier could likely expedite the process to around 3 months if necessary. But for the sake of quality control, giving themselves 4-6 months lead time would be more prudent.
What Would a Hozier Tour Look Like?
If Hozier maps out a 60 date world tour, what might that look like in terms of routing and production? Based on his past headlining tours and typical industry norms, we could expect:
Routing
Given Hozier’s popularity across regions, he would likely plan a tour hitting the following major markets:
- At least 10 dates in North America, focused on the Northeast, West Coast and Midwest
- 10 dates in continental Europe – Germany, France, Netherlands, etc
- 5 dates in the UK and Ireland
- 5 dates in Australia
- A handful of shows in other international markets like South America, Eastern Europe, Asia
This routing strategy lets him play to established fanbases while also growing audiences in new regions. Short 1-2 week legs with travel days between allows him to cover substantial ground.
Production
For venues, Hozier would likely aim for mid-size theaters ranging from 3,000-6,000 capacity. This allows for good production value and an intimate experience.
In terms of crew, he would travel with sound, lighting and video teams totaling 15-20 people. Costumes and set design would be crafted to match his earthy, haunting vibe.
Having an opening act like a respected indie performer would provide strong entertainment value for fans. Premium tickets and VIP packages would offer front row access and exclusive merchandise.
Altogether, his tour would be an immersive experience representative of his artistry.
Conclusion
Hozier possesses one of the most stunning and recognizable voices in modern music. His fans around the world are undoubtedly hoping he will take to the road again soon to showcase his talent live.
While another tour may not happen in 2023, the odds look stronger for 2024 as long as Hozier releases the new full length album that is expected. When he does decide the time is right, his team can get a tour up and running within 3-6 months.
Once announced, the tour would see him play theaters across North America, Europe and beyond. Openers, production values and VIP experiences would provide attendees with a magical concert journey.
Of course, given Hozier’s cautious nature, nothing is guaranteed. But there remain compelling reasons to believe one of the world’s most captivating live performers will eventually return to stages worldwide for the joy of fans everywhere.