BY EVIE MASON

It’s been a long time coming but… 

I finally went to the Eras Tour! 

After a friend and I bagged a Midnights presale code two years ago and booked tickets last year, it truly felt like ‘so long’ between me and Taylor Swift’s first London show in August. All this waiting and the devastating cancellation of the Vienna tour dates created a lot of nerves and anticipation for the evening. However, as soon as I stepped onto Wembley Way, I was immediately immersed into the Eras Tour experience. Taylor was playing on the speakers, people were dressed in glittery Taylor-inspired outfits, and everyone was trading friendship bracelets left right and centre – even staff! I have never known a fanbase with such dedication, and all of this excitement and obvious preparation created a brilliant atmosphere that told me I was going to have an amazing night. 

Getting into the stadium was easy and well organised, it was clear that security was on their a-game. Upon entering, everyone was given a white wristband that lights up, which not only looks incredible during the show, but is a little souvenir that added to the experience. I have always liked the support act, Paramore, on a low level, but after their set, I am fully converted to loving them! Lead singer, Hayley Williams is a powerhouse with an incredible voice and fun dance moves, and Taylor York and Zac Farro are just as talented and tight as a band. I don’t think I’ll ever truly get over Hayley’s and Taylor’s adorable performance of ‘The Only Exception’. They really set the tone and got the crowd very excited for Taylor! 

Taylor Swift’s opening era, ‘Lover’, is an absolute spectacle. Her dancers enter the stage with giant pink clams (you must have seen them before!) which Taylor pops out from under. You’d think that this would be a highlight of the show aesthetically, but you’d be wrong. The entire concert is an absolute spectacle of lights, confetti, dancers, fire, fireworks, even glowing bicycles around the stage in the 1989 era, as well as glowing orbs and capes during the Evermore era! 

I won’t talk deeply about every era, because Taylor is on the stage for over three hours and we’d be here for days. But, here are some of my highlights.  

The Fearless era is an era of nostalgia for me, and seeing Taylor perform ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong With Me’ live was a bucket list, dream come true sort of moment. My inner 10-year-old self had the time of her life. Taylor still, after all these years, sounds amazing in country music, and she still sings with a little country twang despite being from Pennsylvania. The whole crowd making love hearts with their hands in the air was a beautiful moment and felt like a moment of happiness and girlhood for me. 

The Red era never, ever fails to bring tears to my eyes when Taylor gives her hat to someone from the crowd. On my night she gave it to a very little girl and gave her a long hug which the whole crowd absolutely loved. Taylor’s ability to resonate with and give fans a personal, intimate experience at every concert despite being so famous is absolutely unmatched. What is also unmatched is her ability to sing for ten whole minutes straight and keep fans engaged! Her performance of ‘All Too Well’ (Ten Minute Version) was moving and I personally loved the ‘snow’ confetti that fell into the crowd during the last chorus. Admittedly, I don’t know if I would have enjoyed this so much if I didn’t know the lyrics, but ten minutes felt like three to me.  

My one complaint is that I believe that the Speak Now set is too short. It is an amazing album and for it to be reduced to one song is disappointing for me. But, the Reputation and 1989 eras were so much fun that I didn’t really mind. 

The Folklore and Evermore ‘sister album’ era was certainly a highlight for me, especially considering that ‘August’ is my favourite Taylor song. It feels almost life changing to hear your absolute favourite song live and Swift did not disappoint. This era also features the folklore cabin which she very elegantly lays on top of, giving her feet a well deserved rest, and here she also sings ‘Betty’ acoustically in the cabin – I do not know how her voice holds out so perfectly every night! 

The Tourtured Poets Department and Midnights era were also incredible, as was every era, but what was especially unique for the Wembley show was Taylor’s surprise songs which she varies for every night. As soon as she started playing ‘Everything Has Changed’, I hoped that she may bring out Ed Sheeran, and I was over the moon when she actually did! They even sung ‘End Game’ and Ed’s song ‘Perfect’ which I felt so lucky to hear live. This just emphasises to me her undeniable commitment to giving fans a unique experience, rather than just performing the exact same thing every night. There really is no other concert like the Eras Tour. After this, her mashup of ‘King of My Heart’ and ‘The Alchemy’ felt like the cherry on top, and possibly even like a loving ode to Travis Kelce.  

The night ended with Taylor singing ‘Karma’, and when the fireworks went off, confetti fell and her backing singers sung the iconic vocal riff to end the show, I have to admit that I stood there just absolutely in awe. I knew that I would never see a concert so vibrant ever again, and I felt like I was a part of history watching it. Taylor’s versatility to jump from her teenage country superstar self, to the whimsical Folklore era, to the badass Reputation version of herself is just astounding. She puts one hundred percent commitment into every single song, every era, and does this for three and a half hours straight. As do her dancers (many of which have gained some fame themselves), her band, her backing singers and her fans. No matter how you feel about Taylor Swift, even if you deeply hate her as some people do, watching the Eras Tour forces you to respect her as an incredibly versatile, dedicated and talented musician. It really is a once in a lifetime experience and I felt ‘Enchanted’ to be there.