By Lillian Basso ‘29
On October 5th, 2024, my friends Adrianna Lopez (9) and Manny Aviles (9) and I attended the “Hit Me Hard and Soft” concert tour in Philadelphia.
Waking up on that day was full of adrenaline and excitement. I remember being so happy and immediately texting the groupchat, “Billie day!” I had started getting ready around 10 o’clock that morning. I had nothing special planned with my hair or makeup; my outfit was my only concern. Before Adrianna’s mom came to pick me up, I counted my money. I had $135 dollars in cash for merch.
The car ride there was so much fun; we practically had our own concert in the car! We listened to Billie Eilish songs on randomize, as well as stopped by McDonalds and ate some food so we wouldn’t have all that anticipation on an empty stomach. It was kind of late when we got there, maybe five o’clock I’d say– but the long ride was worth it.
We got out of the car, reassured ourselves that this wasn’t a dream, and that we were really going to see Billie Eilish in concert for the first time. The line was long, filled with numerous people in amazing outfits that represented their love for Billie Eilish.
Once we started moving up in the line near the entrance, the merchandise stand stood right in front of us. We knew the trouble our wallets would be in, but it didn’t matter because this was a memorable moment. We headed over to the stand and started shopping away! I bought two shirts, one $50 and the other $35. I spent a good chunk of money but to this day I still wear those shirts like they’re my most prized possession.
Then the moment came. We were finally walking inside the Xfinity Mobile Arena (Wells Fargo Center). We were ready to find our seats and watch the opener perform! The opener was Nat and Alex Wolff, a pop duo who sang various songs of theirs, including a song that hadn’t been released yet featuring Billie Eilish! Here she came – Billie Eilish herself! That box turned white and “The Intro” by Billie Eilish started playing and playful light lasers flashed on all areas of the audience. It was awesome! She got right into the music and sang her heart out. Manny, Adrianna, and I were totally starstruck.
Once the concert was over, we were breathless and voiceless. It was awesome. All we could do was talk about how great she performed and sang. By the time the concert ended, it was about ten at night. It was good that it was a Saturday night, because we didn’t end up getting home till one in the morning. To summarize that night, it was one of the best nights I’ve ever had.
When the summer of 2025 hit, it was a shock to us that Billie Eilish was extending the “Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour,” and coming to perform near us again! A month later, freshmen Adrianna Lopez, Madyn High, Leila Young, and I were attending the extended tour in Philadelphia on October 23rd! I remember being so hyped and ready, thinking “I adored the last concert– I’ll adore this one.”
My birthday month is October, so I wanted to really use that to my advantage and dress up for the concert. I ended up getting my nails done inspired by her song “IloMilo,” and they came out adorable! I also ended up putting red streaks in my hair to fit the vibe!
When the day hit, I was so happy. The drive was like another concert, except fewer Billie Eilish songs and more of a randomized RnB playlist. We sang our hearts out to whatever was playing, and Madyn fell asleep during the car ride, which was hilarious. We stopped by Chick-Fil-A on the way there and talked the whole time.
Once we got there, it was much later than the last concert’s arrival time. We were inside in no time! Our opener was Young Miko, and even though I can’t identify the songs she sang, I know that she was amazing regardless.
The seats were located in the nosebleeds of this concert which was unlike the last concert, but still treasurable. When Billie Eilish came back out, it was so euphoric. That same feeling that I had in this same stadium on October 5th, 2024 was back. Billie Eilish sang her heart out like she does at every other concert and sang us a cover of the song, “I’m In The Mood For Love,” originally by Julie London.
The concerts were amazing to me each time. I am hopeful to attend her next tour when her newest album is released.