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Sam Smith brought the house down at the Castro Theatre with a shocking surprise guest. On February 18, Hozier walked out to duet on his 2013 hit “Take Me to Church,” marking the first ever live performance of the song together. The moment became the standout highlight of Smith’s electrifying 20-night San Francisco residency.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Residency Duration: 20 consecutive nights launching February 10, 2026
- Surprise Guest: Hozier joined the sixth show on February 19 for “Take Me to Church”
- Theater Status: Castro Theatre reopened after $41 million renovation
- First-Time Duet: Instagram confirmed this was the first person ever to sing the song with Hozier
Historic Venue, Historic Moment
The Castro Theatre reopened February 6 as San Francisco’s most anticipated cultural event in years. Sam Smith could not have chosen a more meaningful setting. The iconic venue is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro District, a historically queer neighborhood. Smith described the opening night as “by far the most special show” of their entire career. The platinum-selling artist wore a custom Vivienne Westwood design personally created by designer Andreas Kronthaler.
The $41 million restoration brought the 1922 landmark back to life with stunning results. The newly restored ceiling, Meyer Sound audio system, and retractable seating created the perfect backdrop for Smith’s intimate yet grandiose performance. Another Planet Entertainment, the venue’s managers, oversee concerts at top Bay Area venues.
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An Unforgettable Duet Performance
Sam Smith teased the crowd moments before Hozier appeared on stage. “I have a surprise for you,” Smith told fans during the sixth show. According to reports, Smith called Hozier “one of the greatest voices and songwriters that we have in the world right now.” Smith described their relationship, saying the Irish singer “made me feel so safe whenever I was around them since I was a child.”
The pair launched into “Take Me to Church,” with Smith’s ethereal tenor blending perfectly with Hozier’s brooding vocals. The two musicians harmonized together on the final chorus, an emotional moment captured by fans and shared across social media. In a joint Instagram post, the artists confirmed this was the first time anyone had ever sung the song with Hozier, making it an exclusive moment.
Beyond the Surprise: A Complete Night
| Performance Details | Information |
| Residency Name | To Be Free: San Francisco |
| Total Performances | 20 nights (Feb 10 to March 14, 2026) |
| Opening Night Date | February 10, 2026 |
| Status | Completely sold out |
Smith’s performance showcased their entire catalog. “Stay With Me” from 2014’s “In the Lonely Hour” brought fans to tears. “Dancing With a Stranger” from 2020’s “Love Goes” energized the crowd. The hit “Unholy” with trans singer Kim Petras featured the dramatic red stage lighting that defined the song. Smith also performed surprising covers, including Erasure’s “A Little Respect” and Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel from Montgomery.”
“This is by far the most special show. Leading up to this, the whole of our hearts have just been so filled with excitement and love and gratitude to be able to open this theater in this way.”
— Sam Smith, at opening night of “To Be Free: San Francisco”
New Music and Personal Joy
Smith shared an exciting announcement during the performance. The singer revealed they are currently writing new material about requited love, a shift from their historically melancholic catalog. “I think a lot of people know me for misery and sadness,” Smith said. “But recently, I have been in love. I’m feeling good, and for the first time, I’m writing songs about requited love and it’s an amazing feeling.” Smith performed a new original song called “My Guy” for the first time on this stage.
This positive energy marked a new chapter for the Grammy Award-winning artist. The intimate venue setting, combined with the emotional weight of opening the newly restored theater, created a perfect environment for Smith to share vulnerable, joyful moments with fans.
Will More Surprise Guests Appear on Remaining Nights?
With 14 more performances remaining through March 14, fans are already speculating about additional surprise appearances. Reports suggest Kim Petras is scheduled to perform at the Castro on March 15, just one day after Smith’s final residency show, sparking rumors about a potential “Unholy” duet encore. For the latest on who might join Sam Smith for future nights, keep checking the Castro Theatre’s official announcements and Smith’s social media throughout the residency.
Sources
- San Francisco Chronicle – Exclusive reporting on Hozier surprise guest performance by Zara Irshad, Staff Writer
- SFGATE – Opening night review with interview quotes from Tamara Palmer, Freelance Writer
- Castro Theatre Official Website – Residency dates and ticketing information
