Sam Smith welcomes Hozier as first surprise guest of Castro Theater residency

The two musicians dueted Hozier's 2013 hit 'Take Me to Church' during the Wednesday, Feb. 18 concert, part of Smith's 20-night residency.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Sam Smith surprised San Francisco fans at their Castro Theater residency with a performance by Irish folk singer Hozier on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Smith introduced Hozier as a longtime friend and mentor, and the two musicians sang Hozier's hit song 'Take Me to Church' together during the concert, which is part of Smith's 20-show residency at the historic venue.

Why it matters

Sam Smith's Castro Theater residency is one of the most anticipated events of the venue's grand reopening following a $41 million renovation, and Hozier's appearance as a surprise guest adds to the excitement and prestige of the event. The duet between the two acclaimed artists also highlights the close relationship and mutual admiration between them.

The details

During the Wednesday, Feb. 18 concert, Smith told the crowd they had a 'surprise' for them and then introduced Hozier, who they described as an 'incredible figure' in their life since they were 20 years old. Hozier then took the stage and the two performed his 2013 hit 'Take Me to Church,' with Smith jumping in to sing various lines throughout the song. The two artists harmonized on the final chorus before embracing at the end of the performance.

  • Sam Smith launched their 'To Be Free' residency at the Castro Theater on Feb. 10, 2026.
  • The Hozier duet performance took place on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, as part of Smith's 20-night residency.

The players

Sam Smith

A British singer-songwriter who is performing a 20-night residency at the Castro Theater in San Francisco as part of the venue's grand reopening.

Hozier

An Irish folk singer who joined Sam Smith on stage as a surprise guest during their Castro Theater residency, performing a duet of Hozier's 2013 hit 'Take Me to Church.'

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What they’re saying

“I have a surprise for you. I want to introduce someone to the stage who has been an incredible figure in my life.”

— Sam Smith

“When I first started out when I was 20 years old, I was very scared and very young, and I was always looking around for good people that made me feel safe and made me feel good. This person who's about to come out has made me feel so safe whenever I was around them since I was a child.”

— Sam Smith

“@Hozier that was incredible, your voice gives me CHILLS xxxx”

— Sam Smith (X)

What’s next

Hozier is set to perform at the Masonic in Nob Hill as part of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund's annual benefit concert on Saturday, February 21, 2026, honoring blues musician Taj Mahal.

The takeaway

Sam Smith's surprise duet with Hozier during their Castro Theater residency showcases the close relationship and mutual admiration between the two acclaimed artists, adding to the excitement and prestige of Smith's highly anticipated 20-night run at the historic San Francisco venue.