Tag: concert

If you wonder what it’s like to go to a Taylor Swift concert, here’s my experience …

I was planning a trip to Europe the last week in May, so I checked to see what events were happening that we might enjoy. Voila! Taylor Swift was performing in Portugal at the Lisbon soccer stadium on Friday, May 24th, 2024. It sounded like a really fun show and one of those rare opportunities that you need to grab when you have the chance. Anyway, I’m a sucker for live music and they say no one does it like Taylor. Our seats were good but they were way high up at the far end of the stadium filled to capacity with 70,000 fans.

The show was expertly performed in all regards. The sound system was sharp and well-balanced so we could easily understand every word Taylor spoke or sang. Her super-sweet personality was up-close and personal. The costumes were adorable and numerous with each high-lighting the story of the song or the era.

The special effects were incredible. Some people were given wrist bands that lit up during songs but there were no bands when we entered. At times there were columns of smoke shooting up intensifying the the dramatic effect of the music and the mood. The picture below was taken during “Bad Blood.” I don’t know her love life or her songs well enough to know which break-up this was written about but maybe it was for John Mayer or Jake Gyllenhaal. Regardless, it’s super cool that her songs are so personal. Even though we all know she’s moved on with a new love, she performs each song with great passion like the emotions are still raw.

Elaborate sets and backup performers enhanced many of the songs like those from the folklore album she wrote during COVID quarantine. During one song she stepped to the end of the runway and put her hat on the head of a little girl standing by the stage. Anyone who didn’t already love Taylor Swift surely was converted during the show.

While I don’t know all of her music, I knew about 80 percent of the songs she played. Many of them, like “Shake It Off,” were a sing-along with the audience. She played 45 songs without a break which is both huge and admirable. This was not the type of show where a performer sits on a chair and plays acoustic guitar. Taylor danced, sang and played giving 100% for three and a half hours.

Now, I’ll share the backstory that might make you think twice. First, the cost — I learned a few years ago, it you have money, shows are never sold out. It seems most concerts sell all tickets the first day but re-sale tickets are always available, mostly from professional scalpers. Unlike the United States, I’m told that Europe has laws to limit the price of re-sale tickets. My son, Daniel, and I paid what I consider a huge amount of money for two tickets (800 Euros each plus fees). This is half or less than what a ticket to a show in the States would cost but definitely not cheap.

Next, the chaos of uncontrolled access — We arrived at 4:00 PM when doors were set to open with Paramore opening at 6:15 and Taylor at 7:15. Thousands of people including hundreds of young girls in sparkling, short skirts were ahead of us. We met quite a few from the States and many who have already seen the show once or plan to go again. We made our way to the designated entrance according to our ticket (Piso 3) but there was little-to-no organization. At first it seemed fun, if confusing. While we politely stood in what resembled a line for security check, we watched people continuously cut in line at the front. It moved so slowly that we had no idea when or if we’d ever make it inside. There were no security people or event organizers to be seen. After hours standing in the heat with no restrooms in sight, it went from crazy to dangerous.

At 6:40 PM the crowd roared, broke down the fences and rushed toward the stadium. I’m 5’3″ and couldn’t see where we were headed but it didn’t matter because the force of the crowd pushed me along. Children grabbing their parents hands must have been really scared. Forget the security station that was supposed to be checking bags. This was a mob of thousands that still had quite a ways to go before actually entering the stadium. We got inside at 8:00 PM so we missed all of Paramore but reached our seats right before Taylor started. She didn’t mention the problems with entrance but she must have known because the show started an hour later than scheduled.

I wasn’t a Swiftie before the concert and can’t say that I’m one now but I’m glad I had the experience; it was certainly a unique and grand experience unlike any other. In addition to putting on a great show, I admire Taylor Swift for both her talent and business acumen. Girl Power!

“‘Cause, darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream” Taylor Swift, Blank Space

“And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars and why I’ve spent my whole life trying to put it into words.” Taylor Swift, You Are In Love