Parco Musica Milano has assembled one of the most impressive summer concert line-ups in Italy this year, transforming Parco Lanini into a destination for music fans across the country. Tonight marks one of its most anticipated events: Halsey’s long-awaited return to Italy. Seven years have passed since the singer last performed a headline show here and fans could not be more eager. A sense of anticipation hangs over the park as thousands gather to finally experience songs from across her catalogue live once again.
The stage is decorated with medieval-inspired set pieces and the screens announce the start of the show The Girl in the Tower: A Ceremony by Halsey. As soon as the band begins playing, it becomes clear that we are in for an energetic rock show. Halsey enters the stage with ‘I am not a woman, I’m a god’, immediately setting the tone for the evening. We remain in the If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power era as she moves into ‘Nightmare’. Anyone expecting the sweet pop star who once scored major hits alongside The Chainsmokers and Marshmello is in for a surprise. There is no easing into the rockstar Halsey has become. Together with her band, she injects an unmatched intensity into the live version of the song. Hearing the crowd sing along to every word is a reminder of just how much she has been missed in Italy.
It is easy to forget that Halsey once dominated charts around the world as a mainstream pop star. Those unfamiliar with her catalogue might think she made a sudden turn towards rock music, but tonight she reminds everyone that she has always had a rockstar spirit, even before her glossiest pop hits took over the world. Hearing ‘Castle’ from her debut album BADLANDS proves exactly that as she scream-sings her way through the track.
The lights dim and Halsey reappears on stage wearing a leash. Real fans instantly know what time it is. She seductively performs one of her newer songs, ‘Dog Years’, climbing the towering staircase that dominates the stage design. Locked into the performance, she stares deep into the crowd while singing: “I’ve been such a good girl, can we go for a ride? I’m on a real short leash, but I like it tight. You know, I’m such a sweet girl, but I can really bite.”
It would not be a rock show without a circle pit. During ‘Experiment On Me’, the crowd is tasked with creating a massive circle in the middle of the park. It appears to be a first for many attendees, as the attempt quickly turns into chaos. Several circles open simultaneously and people begin running before Halsey has even given the signal. Laughing, she remarks that there is a first time for everything and appreciates the effort despite the intense summer heat.
Touring during Pride Month is exactly why Halsey enjoys festival-style shows so much, and tonight is no exception. Just before performing ‘honey’, a fan throws a lesbian flag onto the stage. It is carefully taped onto the staircase that has served as the centerpiece of the set throughout the evening. Whoever tossed it on stage is going home happy. Moments later, after performing what many consider an unofficial lesbian anthem, Halsey signs the flag and returns it to the crowd.
Eventually, it is time to give the audience a breather from the relentless rock and almost nu-metal energy. Halsey picks up an acoustic guitar and slows things down, reminding everyone why her voice works just as well in polished pop music. Performances of ‘3am’, ‘You should be sad’ and ‘Colors’ showcase a softer side of the singer while turning the park into one giant sing-along.
Throughout the evening, it becomes increasingly clear just how extensive Halsey’s catalogue has become. Having a full headline show rather than a shortened festival set gives her the freedom to showcase her artistry exactly how she wants. Surprisingly, major hits such as ‘Closer’, ‘Bad At Love’ and ‘Now Or Never’ are absent from the setlist. Her biggest hit, however, is impossible to ignore. ‘Without Me’ receives one of the loudest reactions of the night as not only the dedicated fans but also the more casual attendees sing every word back to her.
During the encore, Halsey revisits three different eras of her career. It begins with a stunning vocal performance of ‘Lie’. Hearing the hopeless fountain kingdom track soaring through Parco Lanini at 23:45 feels like one of those moments that could wake up all of Milan. It is one of the evening’s strongest vocal showcases and a reminder of just how versatile she is as a performer. The energy quickly rises again with BADLANDS favourite ‘Gasoline’ before the show closes with ‘Lonely is the Muse’ from her latest album, The Great Impersonator. Once again, Halsey has something to prove, this time that her most recent album deserved far more recognition than it received.
Halsey’s long-awaited return to Italy proves well worth the seven-year wait. Over the course of two hours, she delivers a show packed with explosive energy, memorable visual moments and impressive vocals. By welcoming Halsey to its summer concert series, Parco Musica Milano once again demonstrates its ability to bring world-class live music experiences to Italian audiences.