Experience Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A Passionate Fan's Story And Tips
Discover the unforgettable experience of a fan at Taylor Swift's concert in Paris. From purchasing tickets to the electric atmosphere on the big day, relive each magical moment. Follow her tips to make the most of the star's next show.
Introduction to Taylor Swift: A Music Icon
Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989, a year that would later become the title of one of her upcoming albums, which would go on to win several awards, including Album of the Year at the Grammys. Taylor has had a passion for music from a very young age; she writes and produces her songs, releasing her very first album at 16, which was already a huge success at the time. Today, Taylor has a total of 11 albums, with her latest one recently released, titled *The Tortured Poets Department*, which has also broken numerous records. As of March 2023, Taylor is currently on tour, undoubtedly the most profitable tour in history. A 3-hour and 15-minute show, exploring her entire discography, she has a fanbase called the Swifties.
The Eras Tour Internationally: A Challenge to Get Tickets
In June 2023, Taylor announced the dates of her international tour, including France. She will perform four consecutive nights at Paris La Défense Arena and two nights at Groupama Stadium in Lyon. Here, I begin sharing my experience of attending Taylor Swift's concert.
In July 2023, the official sale took place under a code system, with Ticketmaster hosting millions of users, which caused the sale to crash. Unfortunately, the tickets sold out very quickly; I did not get a ticket at that time, which greatly diminished my hopes.
Since I didn't have a ticket, I went to see the Eras Tour movie released in October 2023, where I met some Swifties.
The official resale arrived at the end of April 2024, with a first phase where tickets were put back on sale on April 26. At that moment, I got my tickets for May 10, 2024, the second night Taylor performs in Paris.
Always believe in yourself.
Preparations, Transport and Accommodation: The Keys to a Successful Experience
The preparation for me had to be done quite quickly since I got my ticket two weeks before my concert date. The budget for tickets for the Eras Tour is quite expensive.
To prepare for it, I started babysitting to earn around 10 € per hour. Thanks to that, I was able to buy a ticket for the concert. Regarding transportation, most flights and train journeys are fully booked already a few weeks in advance.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead for such an event. Travel prices are also high, showing the economic impact of the star Taylor Swift in France.
Accommodations are also super important, whether in Lyon or Paris; hotel managers raise the prices, and the rooms are very quickly fully booked. Taylor's concerts around the world generate significant economic impacts in the cities and countries where she performs.
Concert Day Tips: Hydration, Safety, and Souvenirs
On the day of the concert, it is important and recommended to bring a bottle of water and stay hydrated throughout, from the beginning of the queue to the end of the concert. To avoid damage to your hearing, I also advise bringing noise-reducing earplugs to lessen the screams and muffled sounds around you while still hearing the artist's voice better. Finally, I suggest bringing a standard-sized external battery if you plan to film for memories.
Make sure to enjoy it, but believe me, after 3 hours and 15 minutes of concert, your phone quickly runs out of battery.
Swifties' Traditions: Bracelets, Outfits, and Community Enthusiasm
Within the Swifties community, many "traditions" are well known.
First, as Taylor says in her song *You’re on Your Own Kid* from her album *Midnights*, "Make the friendship bracelets." This first tradition involves making friendship bracelets so that they can be exchanged between fans on the day of the concert, potentially leading to the creation of friendships.
When attending a Taylor concert, the outfit you choose is important. It can range from outfits referencing the various albums and songs she has written, to more specific references such as outfits she might have worn at an event.
Personally, I opted for the color code of her latest album *TTPD*.
I had the chance to see some very beautiful outfits, glittery ones, costumes, etc.
Finally, Taylor's lucky number has long been the number 13; thus, Swifties decide to write the number 13 on the top of their hand on the day of the concert.
My D-Day Experience: Emotions and Unforgettable Moments
On D-Day, once I arrived on site, I was blown away by the number of people present: 45,000, for four consecutive nights, all gathered for the same thing, to see Taylor Swift.
The queue starts early in the morning on average, not counting those who camp out.
I had the opportunity to exchange bracelets, take photos with other fans, see the famous band Paramore who opened the show, and witness a sea of lights thanks to the glowing bracelets, making the atmosphere magical.
I went through several phases during this concert, which was my most anticipated event of 2024. I went from singing to crying, to dancing, to screaming.
I was so proud of myself for having accomplished a dream that many might think is unattainable. The time came to go home after nearly 3 hours and 15 minutes of phenomenal show; traffic jams formed, and it took me about an hour to get back to the center of Paris.
After the concert, I experienced what is known as post-concert depression, a feeling of emptiness as the emotions settled, but I feel better now, happy to have lived such a magical moment.
Taylor Swift's Performance: A Phenomenal and Unmatched Show
Taylor sings a total of 46 songs from 10 different albums, going through numerous outfits, multiple for each album. She performs one act after another, never stopping dancing and singing; she also plays the guitar and piano on some songs.
She is accompanied by a band, women doing backup vocals, and dancers who make the show even more incredible. Visual stage effects are also implemented. They are visible to people high up in the stands, but there are also effects that everyone can see, such as flames, confetti, lighting, and fireworks. Taylor Swift's talent is remarkable, and I am sure I am not alone in thinking that she has done an outstanding job.
Conclusion: Believe in Your Dreams and Enjoy Every Moment
It is important to always believe in yourself and your dreams, even when you are the only one who believes in them.
Taylor's concert represents a place where I felt so comfortable and well-surrounded that I wouldn't refuse to go back a second time.
My biggest advice is to enjoy it to the fullest and buy those tickets, because it's a once-in-a-lifetime event; money comes back, the Eras Tour does not.