Soul diva Mavis Staples was joined on stage at Electric Picnic on Saturday (1 st September 2018) by
Irish troubador Hozier. The unannounced appearance saw the Wicklow native casually striding on
stage midway through a stirring rendition of The Band’s ‘The Weight’.
Irish troubador Hozier. The unannounced appearance saw the Wicklow native casually striding on
stage midway through a stirring rendition of The Band’s ‘The Weight’.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
By Eamon O'Neill.
Soul diva Mavis Staples was joined on stage at Electric Picnic on Saturday (1 st September 2018) by
Irish troubador Hozier. The unannounced appearance saw the Wicklow native casually striding on
stage midway through a stirring rendition of The Band’s ‘The Weight’.
Taking place at Stradbally, Co.Laois from 31 st August – 2 nd September, Staples’ set came on the
second day of Ireland’s largest music and arts festival.
Arriving on stage to belt out a string of blues and soul staples, Chicago-born Staples whipped up the
crowd with her thunderous gospel voice. Tackling tracks from her time in family band The Staples
Singers – including a stirring ‘Freedom Highway’ - Mavis recalled America’s civil rights struggles,
relating personal tales of marching to Alabama during one of the South’s darkest days. “I won’t turn
around. I have come too far”, she said proudly, adding; “I am a living witness”.
It was towards the end of the sassy singer’s set that Mavis and band welcomed; “A king... your very
own”, Hozier. Strolling nonchalantly onto the stage without fanfare, the Irish singer lent his vocals to
‘The Weight’. Trading verses with Staples, the 2015 VH1 ‘Artist Of The Year’ unleashed his inner
fan-boy, declaring; "You are in the presence of royalty!”
Mavis too showed her love for the Irishman, saying: “What can I say? Oh my god, I have been
touched by an angel!”, before cheekily adding; “I’m going to take him away though”.
Mavis Staples' set came on a day that also saw hip-hop sensations N.E.R.D tear up the Stradbally
event, and Bristolian dance pioneers Massive Attack closing the evening with a magical ‘Unfinished
Sympathy’.
Electric Picnic 2018 continues on Sunday (2nd September 2018) with alt post-grungers Garbage and
firestarters The Prodigy due to appear on the festival’s closing day.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Soul diva Mavis Staples was joined on stage at Electric Picnic on Saturday (1 st September 2018) by
Irish troubador Hozier. The unannounced appearance saw the Wicklow native casually striding on
stage midway through a stirring rendition of The Band’s ‘The Weight’.
Taking place at Stradbally, Co.Laois from 31 st August – 2 nd September, Staples’ set came on the
second day of Ireland’s largest music and arts festival.
Arriving on stage to belt out a string of blues and soul staples, Chicago-born Staples whipped up the
crowd with her thunderous gospel voice. Tackling tracks from her time in family band The Staples
Singers – including a stirring ‘Freedom Highway’ - Mavis recalled America’s civil rights struggles,
relating personal tales of marching to Alabama during one of the South’s darkest days. “I won’t turn
around. I have come too far”, she said proudly, adding; “I am a living witness”.
It was towards the end of the sassy singer’s set that Mavis and band welcomed; “A king... your very
own”, Hozier. Strolling nonchalantly onto the stage without fanfare, the Irish singer lent his vocals to
‘The Weight’. Trading verses with Staples, the 2015 VH1 ‘Artist Of The Year’ unleashed his inner
fan-boy, declaring; "You are in the presence of royalty!”
Mavis too showed her love for the Irishman, saying: “What can I say? Oh my god, I have been
touched by an angel!”, before cheekily adding; “I’m going to take him away though”.
Mavis Staples' set came on a day that also saw hip-hop sensations N.E.R.D tear up the Stradbally
event, and Bristolian dance pioneers Massive Attack closing the evening with a magical ‘Unfinished
Sympathy’.
Electric Picnic 2018 continues on Sunday (2nd September 2018) with alt post-grungers Garbage and
firestarters The Prodigy due to appear on the festival’s closing day.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
