What seems like a meteoric rise to stardom for Billie Eilish in the last year has actually been many years in the making. The track “Ocean Eyes” was released online in 2014 and became a viral hit, leading to a record deal with Interscope and a handful of EPs that were strategically released to build up her audience. Not only did the singles from the EPs resonate, they received massive attention that led up to an instant chart-topping debut album, When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? that was released in March. Eilish performed a noteworthy set at Coachella last month before embarking on a string of international dates. Her North American headlining tour is completely sold out and the first show kicked off in San Francisco at the Bill Graham Civic Center, where fans were lined up for hours.
With a completely packed house right from the start, opener Denzel Curry came out with a bang. Curry’s set was filled with familiar songs as well as some from his upcoming album, Zuu, which comes out May 31, 2019. The title track started off the set and immediately had the crowd engaged, jumping and dancing to his music. Including his cover of “Bulls on Parade” (Rage Against The Machine), Curry reveled in performing in front of over 9000 people and proved to be more than a capable opener that would get the crowd energized for the main act.
Starting off her set with the current radio single and top 10 hit, “Bad Guy,” Billie Eilish emerged onto the stage, accompanied by her brother Finneas and drummer Andrew Marshall. Eilish proceeded to jump around the stage, fist-pumping and singing as the crowd was lit up with cell phones recording every moment. Followed up by “My Strange Addiction” and “You Should See Me In A Crown,” Eilish had full control and attention of the crowd that was filled by not only her peers in other teenagers, but their parents, many of whom were head-nodding and dancing as well. As much as she brought the energy, Eilish displayed strong vocals during her quieter songs in “&burn”, “wish you were gay,” and “i love you,” the latter of which she performed on an elevated bed with Finneas with a stunning visual backdrop of stars.
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With local resident, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day in attendance, Eilish ended the show with “Ocean Eyes,” “when the party’s over” and the huge radio hit, “bury a friend.” By the time the night was over, it was clear that Billie Eilish is a live act that cannot be missed. Her stage presence, ability to connect with the crowd and musical talent is a combination that shows why her fanbase keeps growing and make us high on her future as an artist.
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