Following our Editor-in-Chief’s review of one of Ms Swift’s shows at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool in June, which you can read here I hope readers can cope with just one more… [Editor’s note: please be assured we are not going to bombard you with Taylor Swift reviews going forward as we realise of all the artists in the world who might benefit from any additional exposure, Swift is not one of them!]
For me, having secured tickets over a year ago, it had been a long time coming, but boy, was it worth the wait. Hailed the highest-grossing tour in history, with its impact ricocheting across five continents, it was all there for the taking. The phenomenon that is Taylor Swift entertained her fifth (and counting) ecstatic, ninety-two thousand Wembley crowd in epic style, performing for well over three hours with her faithful band and dancers showcasing songs from across all her eras to date. The whole production: the sets, costumes, lights, routines, and transitions between eras were spellbinding. The sound was impeccable, Swift’s vocal faultless and the impact of everyone wearing a light bracelet issued on entry to the stadium added to an immensely captivating atmosphere. Controlled by the powers that be, the bracelet lights varied throughout the show, and as darkness fell, supercharged the already awesome ambience. The fact that Swift does this night after night, city after city, country after country, spreading her magic as she goes, is utterly admirable.
With such relatable and in-touch-with-reality lyrics, Swift’s songs have the power to stir up a massive release of emotion. They get to the essence of relationships and often their reasons for failing in a down-to-earth, straightforward manner, and, despite usually being very wordy as they leave out little personal detail, the songs are known by heart and performed by the crowd in unison with Swift. It is an immense force that brings together families, friends, the young, the not-so-young, and people of all genders, religions, races, and beliefs. Friendship and familiarity were apparent across London, with Swifties everywhere you turned. Even on the crowded tube en route to the stadium, friendship bracelets, sporting song titles, lyrics, and other Swift-related quotes were exchanged between Swifties—any previous barrier to interaction or integration between people temporarily removed by the whole phenomenon. The friendship bracelet trend is happening across the tour and stems from the lyrics “Make the friendship bracelets, take a moment and taste it” from the song ‘You’re on Your Own, Kid‘ from Swift’s tenth studio album “Midnights” (2022). If only she could foresee the unifying craze that would ensue, or perhaps she did…
However, friendship bracelets weren’t the only items in abundance. The variety of cowboy hats and outfits was quite astonishing. Whether borrowed, bought, or handmade by adoring fans, copying, complimenting, or reflecting Swift’s chosen outfits depicting her eras. The effort put in and the fun the crowd had, all dressed up with a great place to go, were palpable and thrilling to witness.
The Eras Tour is rumoured to be the first to surpass $1 billion in revenue – which may seem obscene to many – but the cultural and economic benefits wherever Swift goes are nothing short of remarkable. Her large donations to foodbanks at every port of call (as reported by the organisations themselves), her hugely generous rewards to her touring crew and her offsetting of her travel emissions by purchasing more than double the required carbon credits are just some of the disclosed beneficial returns. Not to mention the boost to local economies and the peaceful coming together of thousands of people on the same mission – to thoroughly let go and enjoy themselves. What a difference we could make if we were all as philanthropic and donated 5-10% of our income to charitable causes.
It was a joy and privilege to be one of the millions who have congregated like this over the last eighteen months to enjoy Taylor Swift’s undisputed magic. Although the European leg of the tour has now ended, with another record broken – Swift being the first solo artist to play Wembley eight times on a single tour – Taylor-fever will peak again in the USA and Canada before the end of the year.
I can’t think of anything or anyone else who can repeatedly achieve this with such grace and harmony. Taylor Swift for President!
