Paris was ablaze with Taylor Swift-fever on Thursday as the highest-grossing tour in history finally graced Europe’s shores. Fans were treated to the inaugural live performance of tracks from Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” as the much-anticipated Eras Tour kicked off its European leg with four electrifying shows at the La Defense Arena.
Addressing the euphoric crowd, the 34-year-old megastar expressed her delight, remarking, “I wish I could have toured Europe more. This is a dream crowd.” The venue erupted with deafening cheers as typewriter sheet images signaled the commencement of songs from the new album.
Draped in a dress adorned with lyrics, Swift delved into the darker tones of her latest compositions, captivating the audience with poignant renditions of tracks like “But Daddy I Love Him,” “Fortnight,” and “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” Her performance culminated in a dazzling display of artistry with “I Can Do it with a Broken Heart,” featuring a golden-era Hollywood dance routine.
Acknowledging the significance of the moment, Swift declared, “You were the first crowd to see songs from ‘The Tortured Poets Department’… or, as I like to call it, ‘Female Rage: the Musical’,” much to the delight of her devoted fans.
For many attendees, like 11-year-old Emma, who traveled from New York with her mother, witnessing Swift’s European debut was a dream come true. The allure of Europe’s ticketing regulations, which prevent exorbitant mark-ups on resale tickets, drew a significant contingent of American fans, comprising a fifth of the Paris audience.
Georg’Ann Daly celebrated her 23rd birthday in style, embarking on a transatlantic journey from Nashville to Paris to revel in Swift’s performance. Meanwhile, superfans like Noah spared no effort, employing multiple email addresses to secure tickets for all four Paris concerts.
As the Eras Tour continues its journey across Europe, Swift’s unparalleled popularity remains undiminished. With stops in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, and beyond, the tour is poised to captivate audiences across the continent before concluding in Vancouver this December.
Swift’s latest album has already made waves, with 1.4 million copies sold on its first day and record-breaking streaming numbers. Delving into themes of love, politics, and mental health, Swift’s introspective lyricism continues to resonate deeply with fans, offering a poignant reflection of their own experiences and emotions.
