The story of Holy Holy will come full circle with their upcoming ‘A Grand Hiatus Tour’, marking the end of over a decade of musical collaboration between Oscar Dawson and Timothy Carroll.
As they prepare to pause and explore new horizons – Dawson in London and Carroll about to settle in Sweden – it’s a bittersweet farewell to a band that built its legacy with five albums, Platinum and Gold-selling singles, and a relentless tour schedule.
Carroll reflects on the wild ride that’s led them here. “We’ve always been at full speed – EPs, five albums, constant touring,” he says. “Now it feels right to take a break and just live life, both as artists and people.” The duo’s decision to step away stems from their need to step back and recharge – something that’s become increasingly hard to do after years of major releases and packed tours.
But before their hiatus, Holy Holy are determined to go out with a bang.
The ‘A Grand Hiatus Tour’ promises to deliver everything fans have loved over the years – an expansive setlist pulled from their rich catalogue, which Carroll keeps organised on a colour-coded spreadsheet. “There are songs we have to play, but we’re also bringing in early tracks, the more guitar-driven stuff. Over time, we leaned more into produced, electronic sounds. It’s been amazing smashing the two eras together live.”
It’s not just about revisiting the past – Holy Holy are making sure the tour feels fresh with special guests. Over the years, they’ve shared the stage with acts like Sumner, Queen P, Kwame, and Clews – and they’re keen to bring as many friends as they can for these final shows.
“Performing with guests has been a real highlight for us,” Carroll says. “The camaraderie you build on the road – early mornings, late-night buses, green rooms – it’s unlike anything else. We’re hoping to have a bunch of those friends join us on stage to make these shows special.”
At the heart of it all is the unique collaboration between Dawson and Carroll. “Oscar’s a ridiculous musician,” says Carroll. “He’s the composer, and I’m the raw, untrained guy. Together, we created something magical, and I’ve always loved singing over his incredible soundscapes.”
Holy Holy’s early days were built on the road – touring with the likes of Ball Park Music and Boy & Bear, establishing a loyal fanbase the old-school way. “I didn’t think I was cut out for a big career in music,” admits Carroll, looking back on their start. “My only goal was to recoup the money from the first album. Everything after that has been a dream.”
Playing iconic venues like The Forum, Enmore Theatre, and The Zoo remains a highlight for Carroll. “That’s such a surreal experience. The crowd singing along, you can see it in their faces. And the physical experience of making music on stage, collaborating with the band—there’s nothing quite like it. It’s addictive.”
As they prepare to say goodbye – for now – Carroll admits the end is bittersweet. “It’s hard to imagine never playing these songs again. But stepping away feels right. It’s time to breathe and see what’s next.”
And what about their fans? Carroll gets emotional. “Oh my god, I might cry. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to perform in this band. It’s given so much to all of us. For anyone who streamed a song, came to a concert, or a festival – I just want everyone to know how much it meant to us.”
Holy Holy’s ‘A Grand Hiatus Tour’ runs May 9th to June 7th. Pre-sale tickets are out January 30th, with general sales from January 31st at 10 am. Grab February warm-up show tickets now at holyholymusic.com.
