WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE
3rd of July 2024 Lytham festival, Headlining Hozier, with support from Brittany Howard, Lord Huron and Ye Vagabonds.
Lytham Festival 2024 opened with a spectacular night headlined by the ever-enigmatic Hozier. The usually serene Lytham Green was transformed into a vibrant hub of musical celebration, drawing a diverse crowd of music lovers from all walks of life. The atmosphere was electric, with a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. Despite the strong winds, the festivalgoers were undeterred, creating a communal feeling of warmth and unity that only a live music event can foster.
The evening began with a captivating set by Ye Vagabonds, the Irish folk duo known for their harmonious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their performance set a serene yet engaging tone for the night, drawing the audience into their world of traditional and contemporary folk music. The arrangement of the traditional song, “Lowlands of Holland”, really brought me back to my roots, an easy opening for what promises to be a wonderful night.
Next up was Lord Huron, whose indie rock vibes added a dynamic shift to the evening. Their performance was a blend of haunting melodies and energetic rhythms, perfectly bridging the gap between the folk sounds of Ye Vagabonds and the soulful rock of the headliner. One track that stuck in my head was “Meet Me in the Woods”, all round excellent tune.
Brittany Howard, formerly of Alabama Shakes, took the stage before Hozier. Her powerful voice and commanding presence captivated the audience, delivering a set that ranged from mellow grooves to explosive crescendos. “Stay High”, and the wonderful, “Georgia”, stood out. Her performance was a testament to her versatility and talent, leaving the crowd in awe.
As the headliner, Hozier did not disappoint. Opening with the hauntingly beautiful “Eat Your Young,” he immediately had the audience swaying and singing along. His setlist was a journey through his discography, featuring notable tracks such as “Jackie and Wilson,” “From Eden,” and “Dinner & Diatribes”. Each song was delivered with the raw emotion and soulful intensity that Hozier is known for.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly his performance of “Take Me to Church.” The entire arena seemed to come alive, with every voice joining in unison. It was a moment of pure musical magic, where the connection between artist and audience was palpable.
Hozier’s headlining performance at Lytham Festival 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Supported by the talented Ye Vagabonds, Lord Huron, and Brittany Howard, the night was a testament to the power of live music to bring people together. The combination of a stellar lineup, an enthusiastic crowd, and the enchanting setting of Lytham Green made for an unforgettable evening. Whether you were a long-time fan or a newcomer to Hozier’s music, this concert was a reminder of why live music is such a cherished experience.
Set List
1/ Eat Your Young
2/ Jackie and Wilson
3/ From Eden
4/ To Be Alone
5/ Dinner & Diatribes
6/ Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene
7/ Francesca
8/ Like Real People Do
9/ I, Carrion (Icarian)
10/ De Selby (Part 2)
11/ Would That I
12/ Too Sweet
13/ Almost (Sweet Music)
14/ Movement
15/ Take Me to Church
Encore:
16/ Cherry Wine
17/ Unknown/Nth
18/ Nina Cried Power
19/ Work song
FOLLOW HOZIER
FOLLOW BRITTANY HOWARD
FOLLOW LORD HURON