Performing at Madison Square Garden is every musician’s dream, but Billie Eilish’s October 18th concert was not her first appearance. Already a seasoned performer, she gave a stellar performance at this sold-out third and last night at MSG. I am so lucky that I was able to get tickets and go!
For context, Eilish has been in the spotlight since she found acclaim for her SoundCloud single, “Ocean Eyes,” in 2015, which her brother, Finneas, helped to write and produce. Signing with Interscope Records, she recorded, produced, and released her first EP, dont smile at me, in 2017. Working hard on various other singles and attending many public events, she solidified her signatures baggy, street style. Her first album, When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?, was released in early 2019. (I remember becoming a fan around this time!) After winning a billion (five) Grammys in 2020, Eilish soon released her sophomore album, Happier Than Ever. She didn’t stop there, as one of her most exciting projects was her song “What Was I Made For” for the 2023 film Barbie. Her latest album and corresponding tour, Hit Me Hard And Soft, launched earlier this year in May. She has taken much more of the lead on this most recent album, reflected in her tour: she is touring with her first band– instead of her brother Finneas, who is busy promoting his tour and recent album. With this information, let me tell you about one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended!
Billie Eilish encouraged people to “go green” and take public transport to the event, if possible. Luckily, I had already planned to take NJTransit, which was very convenient since Penn Station is right below the entrance to Madison Square Garden (31st and 34th St. on 7th and 8th Ave!). Doors opened at 6 pm; the show started at 7 pm. I was able to get a seat and merchandise with relative ease. Around 7:30 in the general admission area–below my seat in the nosebleeds–came an uproar of cheering. Somebody proposed! That was certainly an exciting start to the night.
Fashionably late was the name of the game since Billie didn’t come onstage until 8:30 pm. However, her close friends, Nat and Alex Wolff, were the openers, playing their set for about 45 minutes. They had great energy with a retro feel. I’d never heard of them or their music before this, but it sounded like Elton John with a lo-fi synth.
8:30 pm finally came, and Billie’s entrance was exhilarating. Performing “in the round,” the audience surrounded her on all sides, rather than three sides of a typical stage. A grinding synth sound began, and a large cube game down into the center of the stage. Out burst Billie with a flash of light, giving the audience a happy and confident smile. She looked poised as she began her first song of the night, “Chihiro.” The audio was superb, and the lighting rig was fascinating to watch. I was in the nosebleeds, but I still had a great time seeing her from the three large screens above the stage and watching the lighting from 4 rectangular light-up boxes.
Her songs blended seamlessly into one another, keeping the audience’s attention– but I’m sure the audience would have been rapt even if Billie had done math problems all night. About a quarter of the way through her performance, Billie brought out (drumroll!) her brother, Finneas. They are such great siblings and artistic collaborators, and they sang one of her most emotional songs, “i love you,” as a duet. Billie remarked that she had not sung this song live in years, and we all erupted in screams. Finneas returned to the audience after a few songs, and it was time for Billie to do her signature event of the tour. She requested complete silence from the audience, admitting she didn’t like silence and promising it would only last a few minutes. She sat cross-legged in the center of the stage and started to record her vocals, loop them, and layer them in real-time. It was amazing to hear her breathtaking vocals and get a glimpse into her method of recording.
After that session, the energy returned as she sang her upbeat songs, with strobes pulsing and fiery flames bursting from the stage. I felt the heat of the fire up in my nosebleed seat. About halfway through the show, Billie went to the general admission area to shake hands with fans. When she returned to the stage to play piano, she quipped that she’d lost her favorite ring while holding the fans’ hands. Within a minute, her ring was returned! Then came one of my favorite parts when she sat down to play the piano and sing the song that started it all, “Ocean Eyes.” Her vocals were astounding but most impressive was the hanging electronic cube that projected a realistic ocean wave that “spilled” onto the electronic screen on the stage floor. I’m sure artists of just ten years ago would not have envisioned such technology.
In my opinion, the show did not last long enough (time flies when you’re having fun), and soon enough, Billie wrapped up her performance with her newest album’s popular track, “Birds of a Feather.” Confetti exploded on and around the stage. Everyone who wasn’t already standing rose to applaud, hug, and share in the joy that live entertainment brings.
This was the first time I saw Billie Eilish in concert (and at all), and I hope it was not my last. She has a staying power, especially since she is young-– only 22 years old. She gave an incredible performance. Even to my untrained eye, I could tell the attention to detail in the setup, merchandise, and event planning. And, of course, the iconic MSG venue ensured the concert went smoothly. Thank you so much, Billie Eilish and Finneas, for giving me memories for a lifetime!
