By: Ingrid Friberg & Tegan Ross
Outside Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, hundreds are already in line for tonight’s Billie Eilish concert. Together they are part of one of today’s biggest fanbases, connecting all over the world.
Camping chairs and blankets cover the pavement outside the arena, with a sea of fans chatting, playing cards and napping in the morning sun. Some of the most dedicated ones have been waiting out all night. All with the same goal – to get the best spot for tonight’s Billie Eilish concert.
The three friends Naja, Esther and Mie arrived early this morning. Like many other Billie Eilish fans, this is not just about music for them.
“We weren’t friends until we found out we all like Billie” says Naja. “There is so much to talk about and you have an immediate connection when you find other fans.”
The three are seeing each other today for the first time in months. They describe the fan culture as sweet and a source of personal connections – both between the fans and to the artist herself.
Eilish has been touring the world since September, and at every concert venue the fan culture is alike. Last week in Stockholm fans were also seen camping overnight and dressing in homemade outfits.
In seven hours, the doors will open for tonight’s show. Until then, it’s about having fun and passing time.
“My mum is coming with uno and card games for us to play so we don’t get bored” says Mie.
Tonight is Eilish’s second of two Copenhagen concerts. On Friday, she is traveling on to Hanover, Germany.