Billie Eilish kicks off UK tour with stunning and soulful show in Glasgow
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BILLIE EILISH proved why she remains one of the most captivating artists of her generation as she kicked off her UK tour in Scotland.
After nearly a decade of following Eilish's career, from discovering Ocean Eyes in my bedroom as a 13-year-old to watching her grow into a global superstar, seeing her live at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow was nothing short of extraordinary.
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Billie Eilish on stage at the OVO Hydro in front of 14,000 adoring fans
Credit: EILIDH ROWE
'It's a long time since I've been here. I love coming here so much,' she gestured to the Glasgow crowd. And the feeling was mutual – fans had camped out overnight, buzzing with excitement.
This was the first of two sold-out nights in Scotland, and the energy inside the Hydro was electric from the moment she stepped out on stage.
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Fans were so desperate for a good spot at the gig they camped out the night before
Credit: Steve Welsh
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The US singer's fans were in it for the long haul
Credit: Les Gallagher
Opening the show with Chihiro, Eilish emerged atop a massive video box at the centre of the stage – a stunning, 360-degree setup that allowed every fan to feel close to the singer.
Lasers and strobe lights bounced across the arena as the first beat dropped, and the arena roared in unison.
The stage design was not only immersive, but aligned with her sustainable mission, highlighted in a pre-show video that detailed her tour's eco-conscious efforts – including plant-based concessions and merchandise made from recycled materials, which was met with cheers.
The setlist was masterfully curated. Guess brought a euphoric crossover moment, with Charli XCX flashing across the screens as Eilish and the crowd danced to the hyperpop-inspired track. Some fans were even kitted out in Brat merch, blending the two fandoms together perfectly.
A standout moment came during 2018 hit when the party's over, when Eilish requested a minute of complete silence from the audience. The arena fell still as she looped her vocals live, layering harmonies that drew goosebumps.
Throughout the show, there were moments of catharsis that hit deep with the crowd.
Belting out the searing crescendo of Happier Than Ever with 14,000 voices felt like releasing years of emotion and while Your Power struck a quieter, more reflective chord, the entire room was still entranced.
But for me, nothing compared to hearing Ocean Eyes. I sang every word, flashlight held high, tears in my eyes. Nine years of memories flooded back as Eilish, seated at a piano, serenaded a room full of fans who had grown up with her.
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She closed her magnificent set with Birds of a Feather, confetti canons erupting and the crowd danced and screamed every lyric. Dressed in her signature baggy fit, she looked entirely in her element as she thanked the crowd.
'It's an honour to be back,' she said.
And for us? It was an honour to have her.
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Confetti filled the air just as Eilish's voice filled the room for Birds of a Feather
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