Irish singer-songwriter Hozier gave Outside Lands 2025 the send-off it deserved, delivering a moving, musically rich finale that paid tribute to the festival’s rock heritage — even as some festivalgoers began heading out before the last note.
Dressed in a brown suede jacket, loose slacks, and with his long hair tied back, Hozier took the stage on Sunday, August 10, with quiet intensity and gratitude. “It’s such a gift to be back doing Outside Lands,” he told the crowd. “I was here a few years back now, down the other side of the hill, and I was taken by the fog rolling in. It’s such a beautiful site. It’s a beautiful city you have here.”
A Setlist Spanning His Career
Opening with the haunting two-part De Selby, Hozier moved seamlessly into fan favorites like Jackie and Wilson and Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene. Newer tracks, including his chart-topping hit Too Sweet, had the crowd singing along, while songs like I, Carrion (Icarian) and Would That I showcased his ability to shift from bluesy grit to gospel-tinged grace.
In a weekend filled with rising rap, pop, and EDM stars, Hozier’s performance brought the festival back to its roots, echoing earlier years when guitar-driven acts like Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and Neil Young headlined.
“You still with us?” he asked midway through, earning loud cheers before playing the tender Like Real People Do. He followed with From Eden, prompting swaying and sing-alongs from fans.
A Poignant Finale
The set built to a powerful rendition of Take Me to Church, after which Hozier surprised the audience with an intimate B-stage encore of Cherry Wine and Unknown/Nth. He then returned to the main stage for a stirring Nina Cried Power and closed with a collaborative, high-energy performance of Work Song.
Even as the crowd thinned, Hozier’s sincerity, warmth, and commanding stage presence turned the festival’s closing moments into something special — a celebration of live music filled with melody, meaning, and heart.
