But Would She Even See Billie Eilish?

So okay, my daughter has loved Billie Eilish since she was 10. The story goes that she discovered her music on Roblox. Then she was like, who is THIS? She figured out it was someone named Billie Eilish. She went over to Musically (that later turned into TikTok) and discovered even MORE songs and she learned more about Billie's personality and well, she became a fan. 

I've lost count of how much Billie merch we have. There's clothes, perfumes, keychains, posters, SHOES...the list goes on and on. 

Billie has gone on several concert tours, but Natalie was never able to make it. Her dream has always been to see her in the flesh. 

Then Billie announced her Hit Me Hard And Soft tour and Austin was on the list. Billie hasn't been in Texas since 2021 because she's not a fan of our laws. I do not blame her. They suck. Trust me, Billie, we want to roll Abbott right on off. We're trying. 

Natalie freaked out. Austin is about 2 hours from us. Longer with traffic. She struggled with Ticketmaster when tickets were announced and the cheapest one she could find was $300. Out of her budget. Of of MY budget. So she wasn't able to secure tickets. 

Fast forward to Friday. 

It was Billie's final date in Austin.

Natalie was determined. She had seen stories on TikTok where people waited at the Box Office line and secured cheap tickets. 

So she was like, "I'm going!" She found her original Blosh necklace that is missing two stones because it has been well loved, put that on for luck, and was on her way.

It was kind of like the end of Sleepless in Seattle when Meg Ryan was with that other guy and she saw a sign and was like, I gotta go and then she runs to Tom Hanks.

In this case, Natalie was running (well, driving) to Billie Eilish. 

She got ready quickly and headed to Austin, because on a Friday, traffic would be horrendous. Texas folks know.

It took her three hours to get there. 

Oh, and tip, if you're ever seeing a concert at the Moody Center in Austin, park at the Bullock Museum. It's only $15 and about a 10 minute walk. 

Natalie called as soon as she got there, because by then it was dark, and I have seen too many episodes of 20/20 where college students wind up deceased. The walk to the Moody Center was easy, and the line to the Box Office was long. 

And not moving.

Natalie waited for TWO HOURS. The concert started. She could hear the cheers. She was like, ack, BILLIE! I'm trying to get to you!

The line still did not move.

Still, she waited. Several people gave up and got out of line.

Natalie did not.

She pictured her younger self, clad in her Billie gear, and remained. 

But. But. At 845, the announcement was made.

Tickets were Sold Out. 

Natalie checked StubHub and found a cheap ticket available wayyyy in the back. Like back back, as far as one could possibly go in the stadium.

But she'd be inside. She'd see Billie in the flesh. Yes, she'd be a speck to the naked eye, but it was something.

So she purchased the ticket, it was thankfully NOT A SCAM, she scanned in, and I was on the phone with her when she first opened the doors. I could hear Billie singing.

"I HEAR HER!" Natalie screeched, and I could hear the tears in her voice. After all these years of being a fan, she had made it. 

"Go enjoy," I said, and we hung up. 

And enjoy she did. She was at the spot called Sky Deck. Standing room only, way in the back, already super crowded, but she squeezed in and immediately became friends with two other college girls, who were against the railing and kindly switched off with Natalie so she could have a better view. I think they could hear the passion in her voice as she sang along to all the songs. 

Here was her view. Not the best, but again, she was just happy to be in Billie's presence:

Natalie did miss 4 songs waiting in the Box Office line. But she didn't care. She made it. She was there!

She called when it was over and her face was lit up with joy.

"Oh my God," she breathed. "That was the best!" 

She told me all about the songs she heard, the friends she made, the confetti she was able to get off the floor....

She stayed on the line as she walked back to her car. 

Luckily traffic wasn't as bad coming home so she returned in a little under 2 hours. 

"I am still in disbelief that it even happened!" she screeched walking through the door. "I saw BILLIE with my OWN EYES!"

Maybe one day she'll be able to see the entire concert. This tour is nearly over. Billie will be in Phoenix and San Francisco and then will be on a well deserved break. 

I am proud of Natalie for making the drive and figuring it all out on her own. Driving to Austin scares even the most experienced drivers and she did it, IN THE DARK. She had only been there once before with friends, and she hadn't been the one driving. So the fact that she made the trip is pretty impressive.

I know she'll be thinking about the concert for years to come:

Natalie says if you can make it to Phoenix or San Francisco to go see Billie. It's worth it.