Written by: Sara
Edited by: Ines
Visual by: Kahyun
Last August 13, hundreds of fans packed the SM Mall of Asia Arena to witness Billie Eilish, the 20 year-old multi Grammy award winner, make her debut Asia performance for her “Happier Than Ever” world tour. After the postponement, then cancellation of her “Where Do We Go?” tour due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the excitement and expectations were exceptionally high, and, ever the performer, Eilish did not disappoint.
The concert opened with Billie being captured on stage to her hit song “bury a friend”. She was accompanied by drummer Andrew Marshall and her brother, FINNEAS, on the guitar. In her signature oversized t-shirt, bike shorts and running shoes, she told her audience, “It’s crazy to be on the other side of the world, and you’re here!” The crowd, equally thrilled to be watching her, welcomed Eilish to Manila with roaring cheers and bright red lights.
In addition to her music, she also used her concert as an opportunity to highlight pertinent global issues, including climate change. She told her fans, “We really need to do a better job of protecting our planet and protecting our people – all of us!” Although Billie is only 20 years old, she already has a keen sense of showmanship and performs on stage spontaneously. She thrives off her own energy and that of the crowd, instinctively moving to the music, evidently enjoying her concerts as much as her fans do. Billie’s songs are mostly known for their dark mood, yet, she did not fail to lighten the audience’s hearts with love and her talent.
Despite the pouring rain that evening in Manila, the crowd was full of energy, singing along to all twenty of Billie’s songs. Harry, a freshman, said, “It was really epic and he liked the mood of the audience and how they all united during the entire concert.” It was his first time going to a live performance, and was an unforgettable experience. Similarly, Carel, a sophomore, said “I lost my voice for like a week, and got teary eyed multiple times!” After completing all the songs, Billie gave credit to the crew, thanked her fans, whilst flashbacks of young Billie were projected on the LED screens.
“Happier Than Ever” is an ongoing tour which will continue at other locations such as Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo. The live show certainly made many Bearcats ‘happier than ever,’ and ISM students also hope that this school year, starting face-to-face for the first time in 3 years, will also make them happier than ever!