Singer Lily Allen performed the latest leg of her "West End Girl" tour in Spain on Saturday, drawing attention for both her stage attire and the ongoing debate surrounding her show's pricing and format. Allen, 41, appeared on stage at the Bilbao BBK Festival in a baby pink corset, sheer tights, and platform heels, later changing into a strapless gold mini dress.
The "West End Girl" tour is described as a theatrical concert experience where Allen performs her album's setlist in full. The show, which explores the emotional fallout from her split with actor David Harbour, features 14 songs and has a reported runtime of 44 minutes. This tour marks Allen's first time on the road since her 2018 "No Shame Tour."
However, the show has faced criticism from some fans who have complained about ticket prices, which ranged from £38 to £86, for what they perceive as a short performance with no supporting act. Some audience members have expressed frustration over the show's brevity and lack of interaction, with one concertgoer on X noting that the performance started late and concluded within an hour, with no direct address to the audience.
Allen responded to these criticisms on social media, stating that the show is advertised as "Lily Allen performs West End Girl," indicating a support act is not part of the advertised format. She explained that a slight delay in her appearance was due to a wardrobe issue and that the show's length is dictated by performing the album in its entirety. Allen also defended her artistic choice not to speak to the audience during the performance, explaining that maintaining the "fourth wall" enhances the storytelling and is intended to be effective.
She emphasized that the touring team is working hard to deliver the best possible show and expressed pride in the production. Allen told Vogue that the "West End Girl" show is different from her previous tours, which focused more on her personality and audience interaction. She described this new show as more akin to theater, with significant attention paid to detail, storytelling through props, costume, and lighting, creating an intensity she is proud of.
