by Anthony Polimeni and photos by @henryhwu
Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour landed in Seattle on December 5th, 2024, and delivered a powerful and intimate show. The Climate Pledge Arena throbbed with energy after The Marias finished on stage, and the audience awaited Eilish. Clad in her signature oversized style, Eilish commanded the stage from the first beat. When I asked how other fans were enjoying it, you saw the answers in their eyes, with the tears of emotion pooling on their lower lids.
The setlist was a dynamic mix of her biggest hits and newer tracks from her album “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, showcasing her growth as an artist. From the haunting vocals of “Bury a Friend” to the playful energy of “Bad Guy,” Eilish held the audience captive. Her raw emotion and vulnerability shone through in every song, creating a genuine connection with her fans. She even mentioned to those in the nosebleed section, “I see you; I see all of you.”
The stage production was impressive, with innovative lighting and visuals that enhanced the mood of each song. The stage was built in the center of the arena with almost a track design so that Eilish could sing directly to every section of the room. But it was Eilish’s stage presence that truly stole the show. Her voice was flawless, and her interactions with the crowd were warm and engaging.
Overall, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” was a captivating experience that left the audience wanting more. Eilish proved once again why she’s one of her generation’s most exciting and innovative artists.
