Everyone’s favourite Tumblr-esque superstar, Halsey is currently embarking on a nostalgic dream sequence of shows with her, ‘Back To Badlands’ tour. The tour is the sixth headlining concert streak by the American singer songwriter, jam-packed with nods to the past and tidbits regarding her debut studio album, ‘Badlands.’
Halsey, full name Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, released ‘Badlands’ at just 20 years old and to put it lightly, it took the world by storm. Halsey immediately cultivated a dedicated, cult following online, falling headfirst alongside her into the dry, eroded terrain of the ‘Badlands.’
The record has remained a staple in individuals’ playlists for a decade and is, without a doubt, one of the most impactful releases from 2015. As of 2025, Halsey dropped a fresh anniversary edition of the record, resulting in a mammoth spike in sales, further proving that fans still adore this nostalgic whirlwind.
If you were an avid Tumblr and/or Instagram user in the year 2015, you were bound to have witnessed the success of this debut record in the flesh. ‘Badlands’ tracks were everywhere, Instagram edits, playing in Urban Outfitters and encouraging young women globally to invest in a pink fluffy jacket. Halsey raised a generation of rebellious, alternative teenagers and here she is to commemorate that on the ‘Back To Badlands’ tour.
The shows themselves are a heartfelt homage to her first-born release. Halsey cycles through the entirety of the ‘Badlands’ record, whilst simultaneously sprinkling in some newer tracks. The two-and-a-half-hour set is a harsh reminder of how hard she worked to get to where she is today. American artists fight tooth and nail to solidify themselves in the UK music scene, and Halsey’s impact is here to stay.
In terms of UK shows, Halsey attended Manchester on Jan 29 before completing a momentous 3-night streak at the O2 Academy Brixton, London, dating from Feb 1 to Feb 4. Each night, fans had the ability to vote for their preferred tracks on the encore, deep cuts, never-before-played tracks and fan favourites are often fought over. Little did the crowd know that on the third and final night, Halsey had an additional opportunity in store.
Commencing a speech regarding her idols and musical partners, Halsey announced she was bringing someone on stage who greatly inspired her in the early days. Lo and behold, Ellie Goulding waltzed on stage to perform her track, ‘Starry Eyed.’ An eye-watering moment for everyone in attendance.
Not only did she surprise the crowd with one friendly face, but two. Halsey blessed the audience with a surprise performance from Julia Wolf. The New York-based singer made an impromptu visit to London to accompany Halsey on stage, playing her notorious track, ‘In My Room.’
It is absolutely no doubt that Halsey will continue to put on incredible live shows globally. We can only hope and pray that there are more UK performances in the near future.
