Billie Eilish delivered a powerful set at Dublin’s 3Arena — the first of two sold-out shows in the Irish capital. A sea of jerseys, button-down shirts and a tight-knit fanbase set the tone for the penultimate show of the European leg of the Hit Me Hard and Soft tour.
Anticipation for the show had been mounting, with security at the 3Arena issuing warnings against overnight camping. A wristband system was introduced to manage early arrivals and ensure safe and fair access to the standing area.
Eilish ensured that fans left the venue not only satisfied by the musical experience, but contemplative of sustainability and the environment, as pre-show visuals featured her voice overlaying footage about sustainability. Her choice to highlight these issues proves her commitment to climate action which acts as an integral part of her artistic identity.
Eilish appeared silhouetted in a glowing cube at the centre of the stage, launching into the opener ‘Chihiro‘. The hit song succeeded in setting the emotional vibe of the show. With dim lighting and a pulsing beat, the audience was hooked from the first note — the show had officially taken off.
‘Lunch’, ‘NDA’ and ‘Therefore I Am’ followed, and was characterised by strobe lighting and a rush of adrenaline. Between songs, the pop icon also took time to engage with the crowd.
Perhaps the most exhilarating moment of the show was her performance of ‘The Greatest’. It starts out as a slow and mellow beat, building momentum before transforming into an explosive emotional release. This was a cathartic experience which saw Billie belting out her lyrics from the top of a dangling stage.
A stripped-back acoustic set followed, featuring ‘Your Power’ and ‘TV’, prefacing with a reflection on global hardship. Her message reminded the crowd that while music offers joy and escape, it exists in contrast to the suffering many face — a moment of collective introspection.
The audience’s attention never wavered — even during the slower, more reflective tracks like ‘Skinny’, ‘Lovely’ and ‘Ocean Eyes’. It’s a testament to Eilish’s lyrical intimacy and magnetic stage presence.
For the encore, Eilish performed ‘Happier Than Ever’ and ‘Birds of a Feather‘. The former offered a final vocal outburst, while the latter served as a playful yet heartfelt farewell. Confetti rained down as fans sang along to the closing chorus, the arena glowing with shared energy and satisfaction.
Billie Eilish’s Dublin show demonstrated her rare ability to blend raw emotion with high-energy performance. Soft moments and hard-hitting messages merged into a seamless production — solidifying her status as one of pop’s most captivating performers.
Words by Emma Mahon
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