Billie Eilish at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul MN (2024-11-11)

(Reporting and photos from fan-in-the-stands John “PBS” Rafalski)

Following the success of her third studio album “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, which was released in May 17, singer-songwriter and two-time Oscar winner Billie Eilish is out on a completely sold-out arena tour, produced by Live Nation, that moves to Australia and Europe and the UK following the current US run. (FYI, Eilish played the 250-capacity 7^th St. Entry in Minneapolis just six years ago).

In keeping with her sustainability beliefs, Eilish has partnered with Reverb for the tour to commit to such actions as reducing greenhouse gas pollution, decreasing single-use plastic waste, supporting climate action, and updating concession offerings to promote and encourage plant-based food options with Support+Feed, with a portion of ticket sales going to Reverb for their continued efforts.

There was an eco-village set up in the main concourse to bring attention to causes, public transportation was encouraged for travel, there was a reusable water bottle program, and tickets were further controlled in an effort to make sure actual fans had the opportunity for tickets to this sold-out tour.

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The evening began with a short set from Hong Kong-born rising singer-songwriter Towa Bird and band, in support of the debut full-length, “American Hero” released in June (via Interscope Records). Previous to this slot and a club tour run, Bird opened last year for singer/actor Reneé Rapp‘s Snow Hard Feelings Tour (who Bird happens to also be dating).

The indie-pop artist is another TikTok sensation, having played unique guitar riffs over other artists’ songs, eventually getting signed and then working with Olivia Rodrigo in 2022. Bird and band kept energy high, working in a shortened but energetic Gwen Stefani cover, soon followed by Bird’s debut single, “Wild Heart”, out just over a year ago.

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Ahead of her two-night Twin Cities stand, Billie Eilish could even be found thrift-shopping at a South Minneapolis vintage store, happily taking pictures with anyone that noticed her shopping right before the store’s closing time.

For this tour, almost every seat had a good view, as a large and mostly bare rectangular stage on one end gave a clear view from every corner of the arena. The visuals and lightning color choices seemed very deliberate to match to the songs, as did the moving cube hanging above, small bursts of pyro and even down to the oversized blue and white striped shirt that drew attention to her. Even brother Finneas’ absence didn’t seem to be too consequential.

The crowd screams finally died down during “when the party’s over” when Eilish looped her own vocals over each other to replicate the harmonies of the song, and there was a starkness to her sitting cross-legged on such a massive stage as 18,000+ people followed her every word and move.

The other part of the arena got a better look mid-set as Eilish made her way to a smaller B-stage for her collaboration with Charli XCX and a heartfelt “everything I wanted”. Early hit, “ocean eyes” was played as part of a medley and Eilish showed on an emotional “What Was I Made For?” why that song won the Academy Award.

The title track of her second album, “Happier than Ever” led into the soothing rhythmic beats of “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” and confetti shower for all, to end the night with a subtle exclamation. Billie Eilish continues her sold-out tour into 2025