How can an artist who has achieved superstar status maintain the intimacy that their career was built on? For Billie Eilish, it’s a delicate balance and a journey I have witnessed firsthand. In early 2016, I received an invitation to a performance by an artist that a publicist was very excited about. “Hi love,” the message said. “Just wondering, did you get a chance to check out 14-year-old Billie Eilish?” Intrigued, I made my way to a basement venue on New York City’s Lower East Side and witnessed one of her earliest sets. It was a remarkable display of performance and songwriting. How could this girl be 14 and this good?
In many ways, what Eilish has accomplished in the past eight years sets her apart in a competitive industry where success can be fleeting, all while inviting people into her mind and home. I don’t need to reiterate her chart-topping hits and numerous awards. You’ve likely heard the haunting opening lines of “When did it end…” from “What Was I Made For?” countless times. The talent is undeniable, and it’s consistently highlighted for all to see.
You’re probably also aware that she released an album earlier this year that showcased a shift from the emo sound she was known for to the more upbeat “Birds of a Feather.” Changing one’s musical style can be risky for any artist, but for Eilish, it only propelled her further into success. Her transition to a seemingly brighter persona won me over even more; “Birds of a Feather” is the perfect track for a pool party, a departure from her previous hits that delved into darker themes like depression. In many ways, her recent three-night performance at Madison Square Garden, followed by her fourth appearance on Saturday Night Live, feels like a well-deserved victory lap.
The lore surrounding Eilish is that she is the quintessential bedroom artist, crafting her sound like a mad scientist in the modest Highland Park home she shared with her parents when she first rose to fame. She managed to translate that intimacy to the grand arena stage, which was stripped down to two pits of musicians and some elaborate projections (including crashing waves during her rendition of “Ocean Eyes”). And if you were wondering if the arena was bathed in brat green light for her performance of the sultry and slightly cheeky “Guess,” you’d be correct.
As I reminisce about walking down a dimly lit staircase to join a small audience back in 2016, attending her show at the Garden required navigating through multiple escalators to enter. Along the way, I noticed that the audience was predominantly made up of devoted Eilish fans; mostly girls around her age who likely grew up listening to her music, many dressed in her signature baggy, retro style. (For these girls, Eilish is a fashion icon, for better or for worse.) Even the merchandise for the Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour reflected this nostalgic vibe: bright yellow T-shirts (priced at $50) and oversized hoodies ($125) with bold, exaggerated designs reminiscent of 90s hip-hop acts like the Beastie Boys and NWA.
Dressed in a beanie, oversized olive green jacket, baggy black shorts, and chunky black boots, she appeared ready for battle as she stood atop a massive digital rectangle. She kicked off the show with a string of hits, keeping the audience on their feet with rapid-fire performances, showcasing her command over the crowd as pyrotechnics lit up the stage. The fiery energy of songs like “Therefore I Am” was accentuated by bursts of fire exploding around her, while the crowd fervently sang along to every word. Eilish exudes playful confidence, a trait that shines throughout her performance.
“Hi guys…” she greeted the audience with the same enthusiasm as meeting up with friends, before launching into high-energy musical sequences, captivating the crowd with her stage presence. While I anticipated a brief show based on Eilish’s recent comments about lengthy performances, the concert was anything but short-lived. The setlist featured 26 songs, keeping the energy high and catering to the TikTok generation, making for a fast-paced and exhilarating experience.
At one point, she laid down on stage as if she were at home after a long day, instructing the audience to stay quiet as she recorded and layered looped vocals for a harmonious rendition of “When the Party’s Over.” It felt like I should be lounging on a nearby couch. The audience followed her lead, maintaining complete silence, save for an occasional cheer, creating another intimate moment that showcased her vocal prowess and undeniable talent.
In a gesture reminiscent of inviting friends over for a casual Friday night hangout, Eilish welcomed a duo named Ava and Jane to perform “Male Fantasy,” friends she brought along on tour. Another special guest appearance came from Finneas, her brother (who recently released his second solo album, “For Cryin’ Out Loud”), joining her for what felt like their millionth rendition of “What Was I Made For?” It was akin to hearing a classic holiday tune at a Christmas concert; while essential, the familiarity could border on overwhelming, a common pitfall of ubiquitous hits.
Eilish took the time to express her gratitude to her fans, acknowledging their role in her journey from her parents’ house and small clubs to a level of global fame few achieve, all while preserving the intimacy that sets her apart. She successfully maintained that intimacy in what is known as the World’s Most Famous Arena. While some may get lost in the grandeur, Eilish saw it as an extension of her living room. Needless to say, it was a delight to be invited over for a hangout.