Back in the country for the first time since releasing her third album, Billie Eilish returned to Sydney for night one of a four-night run and delivered a killer 100 minute set that left the capacity crowd begging for more (literally).
Opening up the night was fellow American artist and the only support for the tour Ashnikko. Playing a short and quick-fire 30 minute set, the young crowd seemed pretty receptive to Ashnikko’s brand of rap-sing. While I wasn’t overly familiar with their sound prior to the night, I saw enough to realise there’s something pretty unique, fun and exciting going on with Ashnikko and their stage presence to think there’s probably even bigger stages headed their way soon enough.
After waiting for what felt like forever between the completion of Ashnikko’s set and the commencement of the headline show, Billie entered the stage just prior to 8:20pm. An early headline set start time is an absolute godsend and masterstroke, with such a young crowd in attendance, matched by plenty of other punters who also have work the next day. From song one, “CHIHIRO”, Billie, her band and light show turned it up to 11, as the crowd outdid themselves by surely setting a record for the highest decibels recorded at any venue. Seriously, I had earplugs in and it was ridiculous how loud it was even then.
In town supporting her most recent album, 2024’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, Billie has come a long from the last time I saw her live. Playing an early afternoon set in the blazing sun of Laneway Festival 2018, despite her undoubtable talent, I wouldn’t have ever guessed she’d be back seven years later, with multiple Grammys, number 1 albums, a Bond song and a completely sold out tour of Australian arenas all in her back pocket. Naturally the set was heavily weighted towards Hit Me Hard and Soft’s material, with most of the album getting a run, including the fun “LUNCH”, the devastatingly sad “WILDFLOWER”, the slow building greatness of “THE GREATEST”, while the fantastic “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” rounded the night out as set closer.
One of the most endearing parts of the night was Billie’s love for her fans and the reciprocal love they have for her. For many in attendance, it very well could have been their first live show. And honestly, as someone who’s been going to shows for the better part of two decades now, I’m glad Billie Eilish was the first show for so many young girls and boys in attendance. The room felt like a safe space, one that was fostering a love for music, and above all else, one’s self. Matched with Billie’s willingness to get her daily step count up by running for the majority of the night, there was nothing but bloody wholesome vibes all round.
Outside of Hit Me Hard and Soft’s highlights, the peak of the night came mostly in the form of “Bad Guy”, the looped “When the Party’s Over”, “Bury a Friend”, “What Was I Made For?”, as well as the welcomed and brilliant “Guess”, a short three-minutes that kept Brat Summer alive for just that little bit longer.
Without giving away too much for the remainder of the tour, the light show and stage rigging throughout the entirety of the night is one of the better setups you’ll likely see. The indoors nature of the set added weight to the whole experience, while the intermittent pyrotechnics made sure the night didn’t end in incendiary disaster.
A masterclass from its opening notes, Billie Eilish’s set was one for aerobic fitness, open hearts full of dreams, good natured vibes and a plethora of some of the best pop songs likely to ever exist.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended the Sydney show on Monday 24 February 2025.
Images: Henry Whu
