Wet Leg performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Phantogram performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
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People pose for photos at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Feid performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Wet Leg performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Emma Johnson of Spring watches Passion Pit perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Hot fans are sprayed with water during the set by electronic music artist Disco Lines at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Haute & Freddy performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
The sun sets at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Feid performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Wild Rivers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
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Fans watch Rainbow Kitten Surprise perform on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans put their hands in the air while listening to T-Pain at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
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Passion Pit performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Deezie Brown, left, and Jake Lloyd of Geto Gala perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Phantogram performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Wet Leg performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Flowerovlove performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans watch as Gigi Perez performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Passion Pit performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Wet Leg performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
A large crowd listens to electronic music artist Disco Lines at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Phantogram performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Dare performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
The Austin skyline and the moon rise behind T-Pain performing at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Wild Rivers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Wet Leg performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Royal & The Serpent performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Flowerovlove performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Ali Parker is held by friends for a group photo at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Flowerovlove performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Feid performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
A large crowd listens to electronic music artist Disco Lines at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Julian Casablancas of The Strokes performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Flowerovlove performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans watch as T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
The Strokes perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans walk through Zilker Park at ACL Fest at sunset on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A fan holds up a sign during the show by The Strokes at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
RIIZE performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Wild Rivers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans cheer for Next of Kin as they perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
RIIZE performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
RIIZE performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
RIIZE performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Japanese Breakfast performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Phantogram performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
T-Pain performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Japanese Breakfast, left, performs with Louisianna Purchase at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Cage The Elephant performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
A fan cheer as Anderson East performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Kira Leander and Miguel Duarte dance as Gigi Perez performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Girls run through the crowd singing as The Backseat Lovers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The crowd reacts as Sabrina Carpenter announces Shania Twain as her special guest during her performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Djo performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Djo performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Djo performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs on the third day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Sunday October 5, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Empire of the Sun performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Yoke Lore performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Jensen McRae performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Olivia Dean performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Mallrat performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Yoke Lore performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Next of Kin performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Doechii performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Phantogram performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Doechii performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Chezile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Olivia Dean performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Next of Kin performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Heavy Heavy performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Fans watch Doechii perform on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Joey Valence and Brae perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu of Spacey Jane performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Ana Paula Ladaniuski, of Brazil, left, and Mckenna Sefcik, of Dallas, watch Spacey Jane at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Alemeda performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
The Heavy Heavy performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Kierra Wills, Emily Furrer and Emma Friedman run to secure their spots to see Sabrina Carpenter at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Hotline TNT performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A fan watches Hotline TNT perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Austin police officers, left to right, Rick Castillo, Det. Christopher Bell, Ashley Luedtke and Uri Tamez pose for a photo at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Willow Avalon performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Doechii performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans run to secure their spots to see Sabrina Carpenter at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Alameda performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Janet Planet and Sugar Bones of the Australian electro pop band Confidence Man perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Mallrat performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
San Antonio based band Inoha performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Luke Combs performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
River Gibson of LVVRS performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Max Brooks cools off in front of a fan at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Olivia Dean performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Cage The Elephant performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Alameda performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans watch Role Model perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Alemeda performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Melissa Richards, 17, of Brenham, and her mother Jessie Baldwin take a selfie at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Mallrat performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Vincent Lima performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Cage The Elephant performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Finneas and Ashe of The Favors perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Alameda performs on the second day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 4, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Mai Ghalke, center, runs through the iconic flags with friends Mollie Glassman, right, and Emily Chamer while taking photos on the first day of Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Hozier performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Empire of the Sun performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Spill Tab performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans cheer as King Princess performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Honestav performs at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
King Princess performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fans watch Role Model perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Joey Mildenberger, of Bandon, Oregon, cools off with a mister at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Janet Planet and Sugar Bones of the Australian electro pop band Confidence Man perform at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A worker sprays down hot fans at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Ryan Hernandez of Austin watches Asleep at the Wheel at ACL Fest in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Jensen McRae performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
A fan in a cowboy hat walks by the flags at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Vincent Lima performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Festival attendees gather in the shade at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Panda Bear performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Mariya Kalashnikova, Naomi Shannon, Camille Shannon, Tracey Jones and Quinn Jones relax in Zilker Park during the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Anna Smith stands alongside her llama totem pole, named Charlene, at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Role Model performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
MJ Lenderman performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
MJ Lenderman performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Lauren Carter and Matt Pasquini do a yoga pose as twins Abel and Ada Black, 10, cheer them on at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
MJ Lenderman performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Cage The Elephant performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans cheer as Chezile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Cage The Elephant performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Cage The Elephant performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Modest Mouse performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Modest Mouse performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Modest Mouse performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Modest Mouse performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Modest Mouse performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Young fans scream as Modest Mouse performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans cheer as The Backseat Lovers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans cheer as The Backseat Lovers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Backseat Lovers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Backseat Lovers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Backseat Lovers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Hozier calmly strolled onto the T-Mobile Stage around 8:15 p.m. on Friday night. Hands in pockets and looking relaxed as ever to be back at Austin City Limits Music Festival, he opened his set with “Nobody’s Soldier.” As he sang, miniature old-school TVs in the background displayed images of bullets, greedy smiles, dollar signs, mannequin arms and legs, gold bars and the word “liquidity.”
“Choose between being a pauper or a butcher,” Hozier sang. “Honey, I’m taking no orders. I’m gonna be nobody’s soldier.”
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From that moment, it was clear the Irishman had something to say. As he approached his final two songs, the band began a drum break.
MORE: Finneas and Ashe’s new band, the Favors, make emotional ACL Fest debut
But instead of jumping into his next hit, Hozier began to speak. The Irishman mentioned the impact of artists such as Pete Seeger, Nina Simone and Mavis Staples, who played large roles in the 1960s civil rights movement, which directly inspired the Northern Irish civil rights movement in 1967. He spoke about supporting the rights of workers, migrants, women, transgender and gay people. The crowd responded with cheers of affirmation each time he took a breath.
But at the heart of his impassioned speech was a simple message.
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“At the core of it, I believe it’s so (expletive) simple,” Hozier said. “I believe that people are good.”
Hozier performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Peel back the folk and soul in Hozier’s songs and his beliefs stand starkly in the lyrics. When he sang “Eat Your Young,” the screen flashed numerous statistics: the number of children displaced during conflict, the increase in global military spending since 2000, the total homeless population in the United States and more.
In an interview with Genius on YouTube, Hozier said the song is about how children are used as pawns in culture wars among the powerful.
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“Adults and people who are not long for this world are playing with the lives of children and the future of children for their own political ends,” he said.
Empathy bled through Hozier’s words and into the Austin crowd. He spoke out against anti-Semitism and made clear his support for ending violence in the Middle East, hoping for peace and security for all. He believes in Palestine’s right to exist as a free state, he said, tracing the sentiment to his Irish roots. In 1980, Ireland became the first United Nations member to call for Palestinian statehood.
Hozier urged his audience to use their rights to free speech and freedom of association and their democratic voices. He reminded them of the work that went into the movements that earned them those privileges.
Hozier performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, Saturday October 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
To be clear, Hozier put on a sublime performance at ACL. Songs such as “Francesca,” “Take Me to Church” and “De Selby (Part 2)” reverberated with irresistible rhythm. The raucous crowd fell silent as he sang “Cherry Wine,” his guitar and husky voice echoing through the grounds.
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But on Saturday, empathy was at the front of Hozier’s mind. And despite his strong words, he did not insult or belittle a single person or group. Instead, he chose to trust that inside every human lies goodness that cannot be killed.
“They have generous hearts. They want to see human beings live in peace, safety and security,” Hozier said. “I believe they want that for their neighbors … I believe that people want that for people they don’t know, people they may disagree with, whose experience doesn’t resonate with them.”
“That everyday empathy is so powerful. Thank you so, so much for letting me witness that.”
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