Latest news with #BillieEilish
Irish Examiner
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Tom Dunne: Billie Eilish was fab in Dublin but the generation gap still exists
Billie Eilish has blown my 'Generation Gap no longer exists' theory out the window. I was at her gig in 3Arena, Dublin, last weekend. I loved it. But I didn't love it the way my daughter did. She, who is 17 this week, cried tears of joy. Christmas has competition for best day of the year. This theory has been a long time on the back burner. I think music streaming and how music has evolved have changed things. There was a time when new artists seemed like an affront to anyone over 30. But not any more. Causing offence was part of the job. They needed to cleanse the palate and move the previous generation aside by being louder, more brash and more dangerous. They needed to ignite the tabloids, make someone say, 'It's just bloody noise.' But if you were part of the generation that grew up on Ozzy eating bats you could be quite hard to offend. If you loved Nick Cave and Johnny Cash it would take a lot of darkness/insight/wisdom to impress you. You tended to hone in on the song. No one really gets past the shock troops stage if they don't also have a few tunes. These might appear very different to your day, each new generation faces new challenges, but the themes remain the same. Trying to find out who you are, where you fit and who with is as old as time. And people expressing that struggle in song to each new generation of teens is nothing new. Doing these using guitars, synths, beats, samples, raps and variations on these has become the norm. Hence someone like me can like The Cure, Nirvana, Blur, Radiohead and NWA, but also Wet Leg, Taylor, Phoebe Bridgers, SZA, Fontaines DC, CMAT and Kneecap. And my daughter can like the exact same bands but in reverse order. In the UK this has lent itself to the BBC 6Music Dad phenomenon. These are dads that you'll see at the back of concerts by the Last Dinner Party and Yard Act. They dress similarly – vintage T-shirt, jeans, Harrington jacket, man bag – and even have 6Music hats. But they know things. My 'Generation Gap is Over' theory was on the ropes within minutes of arriving. I found myself sharing a pre gig drink with PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey of the I'm Grand Mam podcast. It was an Old Media (print and radio) v New Media (podcast, socials, influencing) stand-off. It got off to a great start when PJ reassuringly put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Oh thank God, I thought I might be the oldest person here.' Oh, how we laughed. He and Kevin were fantastic fun but sadly the time to take our seats arrived before PJ could explain to me how I might inhabit the 'influencer' space. Now no one will ever know which stunning, radiant, light-filled cold beer I was lovingly nursing before I went in. The brewer's loss, not mine. Further indications of the generation gap were evident inside. Once you pass a certain age it is incumbent on you to mention how amazing everything is these days. The seats, the venue, the lights, the sound, the staff, the access, the beer. It wasn't like this… you know the drill. And then Billie hit the stage. It will be hard to write after this without using the word 'wow' a lot. The star quality, the voice, the songs, the connection with the audience, the excitement, the emotion, the energy and the use of mobile phones and fan groups to turn 3Arena into the Irish flag of green white and gold. Wow, and double wow. Billie's Birds of a Feather is one of those songs that I could listen to on an endless loop with Radiohead's No Surprises and Massive Attack's Teardrop. It, like them, mesmerises me, soothes me, carries me away. It is pure, unadulterated heaven. My daughter was back the next night with her mates. I knew I'd inhibited her enjoyment. 'How was it this time?' I asked, 'Better?' 'Yes,' she said 'I had a right old sob. It was magic.' And that is the Generation Gap right there. I love Billie's music, but for my daughter loves it differently. For her and her generation, Billie talks to their souls, inhabiting with them and lighting that private world in a way we can only guess at. You can't touch this, as the man said.
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Billie Eilish's Earliest Release Is Back
Billie Eilish's Don't Smile at Me reenters several U.K. charts amid her sold-out Hit Me Hard and ... More Soft: The Tour, alongside gains for all three of her full-length albums. LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Billie Eilish performs on stage at The O2 Arena on July 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo byfor Live Nation) Billie Eilish has spent much of July in the United Kingdom, traveling from city to city as part of her massively successful Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour. Her run in the country began in Scotland, and she then headed down to London for half a dozen dates at The O2 Arena, and most recently, she performed in Manchester. All the excitement surrounding her tour has helped Eilish's music climb the charts in the U.K. Eilish first made a name for herself nearly a decade ago with her EP Don't Smile at Me, which dropped when she was just a teenager. The project included her breakout hit "Ocean Eyes," which went viral and turned her into a hot commodity in the music industry. That set reappears on a number of rankings this frame, as everything connected to the singer-songwriter grows in popularity this week. Don't Smile at Me Returns to Several Charts Don't Smile at Me returns to both the Official Albums Streaming and Official Albums charts this time around in the U.K. The short project lands at No. 91 on the former and No. 92 on the all-encompassing list of the most-consumed albums and EPs in the nation. Billie Eilish's Only Album to Miss the Top 10 Don't Smile at Me remains Eilish's only major release to miss the top 10 on the Official Albums chart. Despite the fact that it has now spent almost 250 weeks somewhere on that competitive tally, the set only peaked at No. 12. It did climb all the way to No. 4 on the list of the most-streamed collections in the U.K. Billie Eilish's Albums All Soar In addition to Don't Smile at Me's success, all three of Eilish's full-lengths are also gaining ground. Hit Me Hard and Soft, which is being promoted by the tour, returns to the top 10 on the Official Albums chart, pushing from No. 12 to No. 10. That set remains a top 40 success on every ranking on which it appears. Happier Than Ever and When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, her earlier two studio efforts, also push north, jumping to Nos. 35 and 54, respectively.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Billie Eilish faces backlash for telling audience 'everybody looks like me'
Billie Eilish comments to the crowd at her concert in Ireland on July 26 have sparked controversy. The popstar recently wrapped up the UK and European leg of her giant Hit Me Hard And Soft Tour, where she played at Dublin's 3Arena for the final two shows. Between songs, the Happier Than Ever singer said to the crowd: 'Obviously, I am not from here, but it's really cool to come somewhere and everybody looks exactly like you, and you're all just as pasty as me.' She continued: 'I love it. It just makes me feel so seen. Also, a thousand of my relatives are in the crowd right now, I'm pretty sure.' The crowd roared their approval, and Eilish ended the sentiment by saying, 'I love it here – it's so beautiful and you are all so beautiful and I see so many familiar faces out there.' For many Irish fans, the moment felt like a tender nod to shared roots as Eilish has previously spoken about her Irish and Scottish ancestry. But online, her words sparked a flurry of criticism, with some social media users accusing her of insensitivity or 'casual racism,' arguing that 'everybody looks like me' is a dangerous generalization, even if said with affection. Supporters quickly defended her, with one X user, @sabwarrioranu, writing: 'She's made jokes about being pale before btw. She was just trying to express how nice it feels to be around where your family comes from that's all so give her a break. I swear Billie gets dragged for the dumbest stuff.' @bittersuite agreed: 'Spinning this into anything other than someone openly of irish descent complimenting & connecting with the fans of the same descent is strange for you to do. i can never count on men for critical thinking though i guess.' Billie Eilish celebrates return to Irish homeland. "It's really cool to come somewhere and everyone looks exactly like you". — Gearóid Murphy (@gearoidmurphy_) July 28, 2025 While the Dublin shows marked the end of her European dates, earlier performances in Manchester had fans buzzing for a different reason. On July 19, during one of four nights at Co-op Live Arena, Eilish revealed she was working on a secretive project with none other than Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron. Noting the unusual number of cameras positioned around the arena, she teased the crowd, saying, 'You may have noticed there's more cameras than usual up here. I can't say much, but I am working on something really, really special with James Cameron. And it's going to be in 3D.' Cameron, famous for revolutionizing film with technological innovation, was reportedly seen at one of the Manchester shows, adding fuel to the speculation. Eilish hinted she had worn the same outfit for all four nights to maintain continuity for the camera crew – a sign that the footage is being compiled into a larger narrative project. More Trending All this comes on the back of Hit Me Hard and Soft, released in May 2025 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, with over 339,000 units in its first week, and songs like Lunch, Chihiro, and Birds of a Feather have already become iconic. The Dublin shows were the final stop in Europe; she heads to Japan in August, then North America in the fall, with the tour wrapping up in November. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jamie Lee Curtis reveals she's already started 'retiring' from Hollywood MORE: 'Brutal' film based on harrowing true story finally comes to Netflix MORE: Myleene Klass caught ex-husband cheating on her with celebrity known for 'family values'
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
In demand Kneecap to play two sold-out rooftop shows in New York following Hungary ban
The controversial Belfast-based rap trio will join the list of major stars who have appeared at the city's prestigious The Rooftop at Pier 17 venue in October Kneecap are set to play two sold-out rooftop shows in New York later this year in the wake of their ban on performing in Hungary. The controversial Belfast-based rap trio will join the list of major stars who have appeared at the city's prestigious The Rooftop at Pier 17 venue on October 1 and 10. Described as New York City's most scenic concert venue, with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State Building, The Rooftop has played host to Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Tate McRae, and the Fugees, whose first reunited performance in over 15 years took place there in 2021. They have also announced another European show in September at the Gasometer in Vienna. The group, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget Festival on August 11. . News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, July 29 Kneecap said 'there is no legal basis' for Hungary banning the act from entering the country ahead of their scheduled appearance at the music festival. However, Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on social media platform X that the decision to ban Kneecap was because the group's 'members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. In a statement posted on Instagram, Kneecap described the decision to bar them from entry as 'political distraction' and pointed out that none of the group has any criminal convictions. A spokeswoman for Sziget Festival also described the move as 'unnecessary and regrettable'. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution,' she added. The statement from Kneecap said: 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'. 'Which is f****** outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices whenever we see it. 'It's clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.' Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. They claim this is part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide. The statement posted earlier on Thursday by Mr Kovacs said: 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. 'If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' The spokeswoman for Sziget Festival said: 'Following concerns raised by government and pressure groups across Hungary over the past weeks at the prospect of Kneecap performing, we have liaised closely with the band and they reassured us that their performance would not contravene either Sziget's values or Hungarian law. 'Over the past 30 years, Sziget has served as a free and safe place for different cultures, hosting artists and visitors from around the world, earning significant recognition in the international community and enhancing Hungary's reputation. 'We fear that the government's decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide.' Kneecap – comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. They hit the headlines recently after O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but last week Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they would be taking no further action.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billie Eilish Says Irish Fans Make Her Feel ‘So Seen' in Dublin
Billie Eilish closed out the U.K. and European leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour with two sold-out shows at Dublin's 3Arena, where she took a moment to reflect on her heritage and express heartfelt gratitude to her Irish fans. Performing in Dublin on July 26, the 22-year-old pop star told the crowd that being in Ireland — a country tied to her family roots — made her feel an unexpected connection with the audience. 'Obviously, I am not from here, but it's really cool to come somewhere and everybody looks exactly like you,' Eilish told the crowd. 'You're all just as pasty as me. I love it.' More from Billboard Jonas Brothers Address Whether They Still Feel 'Guilt' Over 2013 Breakup: 'It Needed to Happen' Everclear Celebrate 'Sparkle and Fade' With Full Album Tour Down Under My Chemical Romance Debut Unreleased Song, 'War Beneath the Rain,' at L.A. Show She continued, 'It just makes me feel so seen. Also, a thousand of my relatives are in the crowd right now, I'm pretty sure.' Eilish concluded her heartfelt message by calling the crowd 'so beautiful' and thanking them for the warm reception: 'I love it here – it's so beautiful and you are all so beautiful and I see so many familiar faces out there.' The moment capped off a massive run of European shows for Eilish, who performed at several major arenas, including five nights at London's O2 Arena earlier in July. At her July 17 O2 show. During her recent U.K. shows, Eilish also teased a new creative venture with Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron. At her July 12 concert in Manchester, the singer acknowledged an increased number of cameras in the venue and hinted at a 3D project with Cameron, saying, 'I can't say much about it, but it's something really special.' Eilish released Hit Me Hard and Soft in May 2025 via Darkroom/Interscope Records. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 339,000 equivalent album units in its first week, and featured the singles 'Lunch,' 'Birds of a Feather,' and 'Chihiro.' It follows her 2021 sophomore album Happier Than Ever, which topped the Billboard 200 and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Eilish will kick off the North American leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour in September, with dates scheduled through December. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
