Billie Eilish assures fans, ‘I will always fight for you’ at tour kickoff in the US
BALTIMORE – Billie Eilish demonstrated her pop star skills when a bra was tossed at her during the show: she playfully twirled it around on her finger.
While performing her second song, the sultry “Lunch,” several bras hit the stage, a loving gesture from her enthusiastic audience that reveled in every moment of the 90-minute performance, dancing and echoing Eilish’s movements.
The 22-year-old, who has won multiple Grammys and an Oscar, unveiled a stunning stage setup at Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena on Friday for the first U.S. leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour. She will perform across various arenas until December, followed by tours in Australia and Europe in 2025.
This expansive stage, comparable in size to a football field, serves as a high-tech playground, featuring a lighted cube, a floating platform for Eilish to sing from, and vibrant videos displayed throughout the venue.
Dressed in mismatched tube socks, a backward cap, and a dark jersey with the number 72, Eilish embodied the Sporty Spice vibe of her generation. Her casual ensemble was further enhanced by biker shorts and fishnet stockings, perfectly capturing her unique style.
Eilish highlights authenticity and draws from three albums
Eilish’s performance felt genuine. She captured the audience’s hearts by declaring at the end of the show, “I will always cherish you … I will always fight for you.” Her dedication resonated, especially evident during the song “The Greatest.” Her playful expression during the intense “NDA” with a wrinkled-nose grin spoke volumes of her enjoyment.
Eilish demonstrated her vulnerability, earning the trust of her fans. They eagerly complied when she paused for a serene moment before layering her vocals for the beautifully crafted “Wildflower,” followed by the lively beat of “Bad Guy.”
Throughout this tour, promoting her third album “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” Eilish expertly balances tracks from her three studio albums, despite her brother Finneas being absent due to solo album promotion. Fans were taken on a journey through her darker sounds with “Oxytocin” from “Happier Than Ever” to the confident “Therefore I Am.”
Her debut album from 2019, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,” was highlighted with vibrant laser effects and the moody “Bury a Friend” alongside a piano-driven rendition of “Everything I Wanted,” as Eilish engaged with the audience by wandering through the stage gates to touch fans’ hands.
The current album presents a mix of styles, showcasing energetic tracks like “L’Amour De Ma Vie” and the emotionally rich “Birds of a Feather,” which were significant moments in the show.
Eilish captivates with ‘What Was I Made For?’
Billie Eilish masterfully transitions between the tough Nine Inch Nails-inspired beats in “Chihiro” and the gentle melody of “Ocean Eyes,” showcasing her diverse vocal range amidst the energetic sounds of her club hits and the delicate qualities of her ballads.
As the concert neared its end, Eilish settled at one side of the stage, with the arena illuminated in soft pink lights, and began to softly sing “What Was I Made For?” This version stayed true to the song’s emotional depth, amplifying its impact with the addition of a steady drumbeat, transforming it into an uplifting arena ballad.
Throughout her performance, Eilish remained true to the theme of her latest album, effectively delivering a mix of powerful and tender moments that resonated deeply with fans.