Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating fans around the world. The tour has seen unprecedented demand, shattered world records, and an impressive 44-song setlist that covers Swift’s entire discography and showcases the various eras and albums of her career. As the first round of the Eras Tour approaches its final dates in Los Angeles, let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest highlights from the tour so far.
One of the most remarkable moments of the Eras Tour occurred even before it began. As fans eagerly tried to purchase tickets after waiting for over five years, the Ticketmaster website crashed under the immense demand. Many fans experienced hour-long waits and, unfortunately, the majority were unable to secure tickets. The demand was truly unprecedented, and it led to congressional hearings that playfully referenced Swift.
During each show of the Eras Tour, Swift has made it a nightly ritual to gift her black fedora hat to a lucky fan in the audience during her performance of the hit song “22.” At a show in Arlington, Texas, Swift had a heartwarming exchange with Selena Gomez’s 9-year-old sister, Gracie, who was in attendance. Swift gave her the hat in exchange for a friendship bracelet. Similarly, during her show at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, Swift shared a sweet moment with Kobe Bryant’s daughter, Bianka Bryant, hugging her and placing the hat on her head. This gesture holds significant meaning, as Kobe Bryant had joined Swift onstage during her 1989 tour, surprising her with a championship-style banner in honor of her record-breaking shows at the arena.
At her first Nashville stop, Swift made a highly anticipated announcement that her rerecorded album, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” would be released on July 7. She teased the announcement on social media with a purple heart emoji, and during the show, she revealed the album cover on the big screens of Nissan Stadium. Swift expressed her excitement and love for planning surprises for her fans, stating, “It’s my love language with you – I plot, I scheme, I plan, and I get to tell you about it.”
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One of Swift’s real-life best friends and collaborator, the sibling trio band Haim, joined her onstage in Seattle to perform their collaboration “No Body, No Crime” from Swift’s album “Evermore.” Fans had expected Haim to appear at least once during the tour since they were announced as one of the opening acts. This live performance of the song was a special treat for both Swift and Haim fans alike.
On the day she released the extended version of her album “Midnights,” Swift brought out one of her newest collaborators, Ice Spice, onto the stage in New Jersey. The rapper, who features on a remix of Swift’s hit song “Karma,” joined her for three consecutive nights to perform their collaboration and close out the show. This unexpected performance delighted fans and showcased Swift’s commitment to bringing fresh surprises to her tour.
Throughout the Nashville, Philadelphia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey legs of the tour, singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers joined Swift as both an opening act and a stage partner. The two talented musicians performed their fan-favorite vault track from “Red (Taylor’s Version),” titled “Nothing New,” with acoustic guitars in hand. On Bridgers’ final night on the tour at MetLife, the friends shared heartfelt goodbyes on stage, expressing admiration and gratitude for each other.
After the release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” the fan-favorite song “Long Live” from the album was added to the setlist. Previously, Swift had avoided performing too many songs from “Speak Now” to avoid promoting any tracks owned by Scooter Braun. The inclusion of “Long Live” delighted fans who had been waiting to hear it live.
To announce the music video for her new “From the Vault” track “I Can See You,” Swift brought out special guests Taylor Lautner, Presley Cash, and Joey King during her Kansas City show. Lautner’s appearance included him performing a backflip, reminiscent of his scene with Swift in the 2010 film “Valentine’s Day.” Swift affectionately remarked about Lautner and his wife, saying, “He and his wife have become some of my closest friends, and it’s very convenient because we all share the same first name.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the Eras Tour is the inclusion of two surprise songs at each show. These songs, unique to each tour stop, allow Swift to cater to her fans’ preferences and give them a special experience. Fans have eagerly tracked the songs online, hoping to hear their favorites during the show. Some notable surprise songs have included “Hits Different,” “Death by a Thousand Cuts,” “Our Song,” and “Tim McGraw.”
The energy and excitement of the Eras Tour reached new heights during the Seattle stop. Fans partied so hard that they caused a mini-earthquake, measuring similar to the seismic event known as Marshawn Lynch’s “Beast Quake” in 2011. This seismic event caused by Swift’s fans demonstrated the immense passion and dedication of her fanbase.
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is a cultural phenomenon that has captivated fans worldwide. From the historic crash of Ticketmaster’s website to the unforgettable guest appearances and surprise performances, the tour has been full of memorable moments. Swift’s commitment to bringing joy and surprises to her fans is evident throughout every stop of the tour. As the first round of the tour nears its end, it is clear that the Eras Tour will leave a lasting impact on Swift’s career and the music industry as a whole.
