June 8th 2024.
My excitement was at an all-time high as I eagerly awaited the start of Taylor Swift's highly anticipated Eras Tour. Despite watching every snippet that popped up on my social media, nothing could have prepared me for the real deal. As a lifelong Swiftie, I had only seen my idol once before when she made a special appearance with Haim at the O2. But this time, it was going to be different - I was about to witness Taylor's magic on her own stage, on night one of the Edinburgh leg of her tour.
The fandom that follows Taylor has often been referred to as a cult or a religion, and let me tell you, I fully understood why as soon as I stepped foot into the stadium. It felt like a religious experience. Taylor's music has always had a way of articulating my emotions, and now, hearing it live was overwhelming. I couldn't hold back my tears as she sang her heart out on stage.
The entire city of Edinburgh was buzzing with Swiftiemania. Everywhere you looked, fans proudly sported their Taylor merchandise. And before the show even started, Swifties were already exchanging friendship bracelets, a common activity among us die-hard fans. It was clear that this was not just a concert for casual fans, but a gathering of devoted followers who were about to experience something truly special.
As the clock struck 7:15 pm, the music stopped and the countdown reached zero. The stadium erupted with deafening cheers - earplugs were definitely a must for this gig. Even Taylor herself couldn't contain her excitement as she took the stage and introduced the tour, starting off with her hit album Lover.
The setlist, which had been eagerly anticipated and well-documented, only added to the excitement as fans sang along to every single lyric, getting louder and louder with each song. The energy was infectious and I couldn't help but join in, feeling like I was part of something truly special.
Hits like Cruel Summer and The Man served as a warm-up for what was to come, but it was Fearless that really stole the show. The nostalgia of this era radiated throughout the stadium as we sang along to Love Story and You Belong with Me. And when the Red era began, it was like a blast from the past, with fan favorites like the 22 hat and All Too Well making an appearance.
But if I had to pick a highlight of the night, it would have to be when Taylor sang a 10-minute version of her iconic song, All Too Well. I was afraid I would get bored halfway through, but I was captivated the entire time. This was just one of the many moments where Taylor showed her incredible talent and ability to connect with her audience.
The show continued with a mix of dance tracks and ballads, but my one gripe was the lack of songs from the Speak Now era. With only one song, Enchanted, on the setlist, it felt like the era was rushed. However, the performance of Enchanted was stunning, with Taylor surrounded by dancers in lilac as she sang in her beautiful ballgown. I couldn't help but wish for more songs from this underrated album.
Throughout the show, it was clear how much this all meant to Taylor. She repeatedly thanked the audience and was genuinely touched by the thunderous applause after performing Champagne Problems. It was heartwarming to see how much she adores her fans, and how she still manages to make each and every person in the stadium feel seen and appreciated.
As the show went on for three and a half hours, with each era getting its moment to shine, it was clear that the Eras Tour was an epic production. Taylor let loose during her Reputation era, belting out powerful notes and taking on a playful tone with her scathing lyrics. And when she performed songs from her newest album, Tortured Poets Department, it was a visual and vocal masterpiece. The alien abductions, gliding staging, and flawless vocals left the entire stadium in awe.
The concert came to a climactic end, and I was left feeling like I had just experienced something complex, delicate, and truly epic. This was not a show for those who are not fans of Taylor Swift, and that's perfectly fine. The Eras Tour was a celebration of Taylor's music and her fans, and it was an unforgettable experience. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
And for those wondering, the surprise mash-up of Would've Could've Should've and I Know Places was just as unbelievable as you would expect. I'm still processing it all, and I probably will be for the next few weeks. But one thing's for sure, Taylor Swift knows how to put on a show that will leave you feeling like you've been to church.
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