Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour Hits All the Right Notes in Vancouver

I snagged my ticket for Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour the moment they went on sale, knowing they’d sell out in no time. As an older millennial, I hadn’t fully connected with Billie’s earlier albums, but I decided to take the leap and get tickets before hearing her new record—and spoiler alert—it was worth every penny! I also appreciated how the ticketing process was handled by her and her team, limiting resale to Ticketmaster’s Face Value Ticket Exchange. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it kept prices somewhat grounded, which is rare these days.

Walking into Rogers Arena, I felt the buzz of anticipation. Fans, many in Billie’s signature oversized looks or jerseys and adorning the colour blue (Vancouver’s dress code for the night), filled the space, creating a sea of individuality that felt very on-brand for her. The stage setup was striking: a rectangular stage in the middle of the arena, complete with orchestra-like pits and space for general admission fans to crowd around. This setup gave the performance an intimate yet grand feeling.

The setlist was very much on point. Of course, Billie played the heavy-hitters like “bad guy,” “Happier Than Ever,” and “Birds of a Feather,” but what thrilled me most were the deep cuts. I was delighted when she sang “Skinny.” Billie also divided the show into distinct “sets” that shifted moods beautifully. From bass-thumping anthems that had everyone jumping to haunting piano ballads that left us in awe, the transitions were seamless.

The visuals were nothing short of mind-blowing. Lasers pierced through the fog, their neon green and fiery red beams creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Between the pulsating bass and the flashing lights, it felt like a full-body experience. Pyrotechnics added even more drama, especially during songs like “bury a friend.” And let’s not forget the massive LED cage that descended at key moments, transforming the stage into a visual playground.

One of the most powerful moments of the night was Billie’s spin on the “mute challenge,” popularized by Beyoncé. During “when the party’s over,” she asked for absolute silence to layer her live vocals. Incredibly, the crowd complied, with only a few whispers of love breaking the quiet. You could even hear the hum of the arena’s air system. It was an eerie yet beautiful moment that showcased the respect Billie commands from her fans.

During her set, she shared something that made her performance even more impressive: she had battled laryngitis in the weeks leading up to the show and could barely talk. You wouldn’t have guessed it, though—her voice was flawless, and her signature breath control left the crowd in awe. She also took a moment to share how happy she was to be back in Vancouver, marveling at the city’s beauty and reminiscing about visiting with her choir group when she was younger.

Throughout the night, Billie proved her versatility. She bounded across the stage like a force of nature, hyping up the crowd during “Therefore I Am” and “Guess,” then brought us to tears with her soul-baring performance of “What Was I Made For?” Her ability to go from soft vulnerability to hard-hitting power was nothing short of mesmerizing.

It’s hard to sum up an evening like this. Billie Eilish isn’t just a performer—she’s a creator of experiences. The Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour lived up to its name, delivering moments that were both tender and electrifying. As the final notes of “Birds of a Feather/BLUE” echoed through the arena, I knew Billie had made me a believer.