Billie Eilish is back on the road with her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” Tour, and as expected, it’s shaking up the concert scene with its intense emotional highs and unexpected tender moments. Launched in September 2024 in Quebec City, the tour has become an instant hit. Blending alternative pop, avant-garde soundscapes, and hauntingly beautiful ballads, Billie effortlessly takes her fans on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving them breathless.
But, hold on tight—this tour isn’t just about the music. It’s a sensory overload. If you’re a seasoned concert-goer or a casual Billie fan, here’s why this show will hit you hard and soft in all the right places.
Billie’s Commanding Stage Presence: Owning the Arena
It’s impossible to review any Billie Eilish tour without addressing her magnetic stage presence, and the “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour takes it to new heights—literally. With a rectangular stage set in the center of arenas, it isn’t a classic rock setup. Instead, it’s immersive. Eilish uses platforms that raise her high above the crowd, making sure no matter where you sit, you can see her intimately performing—head and leg dangling dramatically off a suspended platform while belting out “The Greatest.” It’s a moment that cements her as a master of stagecraft, proving yet again why she’s a performer for the ages.
As the stage transforms into different shapes with each song, floating video screens and projected visuals provide a surreal atmosphere. The mix of dazzling, fiery red colors during tracks like “Lunch” and the more somber, shadowy hues during quieter moments creates a dynamic visual feast. It’s clear that Billie isn’t just singing—she’s crafting a complete theatrical experience.
A Tour Without Finneas (Almost)
In a first for Billie, her long-time collaborator and brother Finneas O’Connell is notably absent from the majority of the tour. Historically, Finneas has been a pillar in her live performances. However, for this tour, she’s embraced a full band, trading in her usual intimate, minimalist setup for a broader instrumental arrangement. The new setup doesn’t just work—it soars. The added layers of sound have given her more upbeat tracks like “Therefore I Am” and “Bad Guy” an extra punch, making the live experience much richer than before.
That said, the absence of Finneas wasn’t entirely felt throughout the show, as the big brother made a special appearance at the Newark show on October 9th, playing two closing tracks, including “Happier Than Ever.” For those lucky enough to catch it, the surprise guitar duel between the two during the crescendo of “Happier Than Ever” was nothing short of electric. The chemistry between the siblings was undeniable, and it was one of the tour’s many highlights.
An Emotional Setlist Packed with Fan Favorites
Billie knows how to curate a setlist that tugs at the heartstrings, and the “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour delivers in spades. With over 25 songs on the setlist, including massive hits like “Ocean Eyes,” “Bad Guy,” and “What Was I Made For?,” fans are treated to a night that spans her entire discography. The performance of her emotional ballad “TV” had the entire audience on the verge of tears, while the heart-pounding energy of “Oxytocin” left everyone dancing in the aisles.
Yet, one of the most striking features of the show is the emotional weight carried by the new songs from her latest album Hit Me Hard and Soft. Tracks like “Chihiro” and “Skinny” feel even more intimate when performed live. Billie’s breathy, haunting delivery of these songs, paired with the minimalistic instrumentation, creates a raw vulnerability that is palpable in the arena.
Visual Spectacle and Themed Production
If the sonic experience of the “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour wasn’t enough, Billie delivers on the visuals in a big way. Known for her bold, genre-defying aesthetics, she pushes the boundaries of pop concerts with a show that feels like a carefully choreographed dream. Each song is its own world, with colors, costumes, and effects tailored to fit the mood.
For example, during the performance of “Ilomilo,” Eilish was seemingly floating through a sea of deep blues, her voice hauntingly echoing throughout the venue. And then there’s “Bury a Friend,” where the visuals took a terrifying turn with creepy, flashing images that made it feel like something out of a psychological horror film.
Her attention to detail is what makes this concert visually unforgettable. She goes from soft, pastel scenes during her ballads to intense, fast cuts and strobe lights when things get intense—reflecting the tour’s very title, as it quite literally hits you hard and soft.
The Fan Experience: Connection and Interaction
Billie Eilish is one of those artists who makes every fan feel like they’re the only one in the room. Whether she’s whispering into the mic in between songs or speaking to the crowd as though she’s in her living room, Billie has an unparalleled connection with her audience.
A standout moment from her Newark show was her performance of “What Was I Made For?”—a song that became a sensation thanks to the Barbie movie. Billie sat on the edge of the stage, quietly inviting the entire arena to sing along with her. And sing they did. It’s one of those rare concert moments where the line between performer and audience blurs. Everyone, including Billie, was part of something bigger.
The dedication of her fans, who sang every lyric, every note, back to her, speaks volumes about the deep connection she has fostered over the years. And Billie, in turn, gave back, repeatedly thanking the crowd and promising she’d “always be there” for them.
Conclusion
The “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour is more than just another arena spectacle; it’s an experience. From heart-wrenching ballads to high-energy pop bangers, Billie Eilish keeps her audience on the edge of their seats (and sometimes out of them). If this tour proves anything, it’s that Billie has transcended the usual trappings of pop stardom. She’s an artist through and through, with a deep understanding of how to not only create music but to elevate it through performance.
And while the absence of Finneas for much of the show might have been a big change, Billie’s full band setup has added a new layer of richness to her sound. As she continues to push the boundaries of pop and performance art, one thing is certain—this tour will stay with fans long after the last note is played.
FAQs
What is the highlight of Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour?
The showstopper moment comes during “Happier Than Ever,” where Billie and Finneas perform together, guitars raised, with pyrotechnics lighting up the stage. It’s the perfect blend of rock and emotional release.
How long is Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” concert?
Billie’s concert lasts approximately one hour and forty minutes, featuring a setlist of 25 to 26 songs spanning her entire discography.
What are the standout songs from the setlist?
Fan-favorites include “Bad Guy,” “When the Party’s Over,” “Everything I Wanted,” and new hits like “Chihiro” and “Skinny.”
How has Billie Eilish’s tour evolved without Finneas?
Billie has incorporated a full band for this tour, giving a richer, more layered sound to her live performances. Finneas does make guest appearances at some shows, creating special moments for fans.
What are the visuals like during Billie Eilish’s tour?
The visuals are dynamic, with colors and effects tailored to each song. Expect everything from dark, haunting visuals to vibrant, fiery displays.
Is Billie Eilish performing songs from the Barbie soundtrack on this tour?
Yes, Billie performs “What Was I Made For?,” and it has become a staple, emotionally charged moment during the concert.
