Published Oct. 2, 2023
BY AVERY PALSHAW
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour,” which began March 17 and will continue until Nov. 23, 2024, is arguably the greatest, most successful concert tour of all time.
Statistically speaking, “The Eras Tour” has surpassed several records of other tours just within the six months since it commenced. The tour is estimated to generate more than $2.2 billion in gross revenue, trumping Elton John’s $939 million record for the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour by a whopping $1.2 billion. Swift’s concerts also dominate in attendance, averaging 72,000 attendees per show. The lyrical genius’ shows typically exceed a remarkable three hours, performing 44 songs total, more than average artists’ concerts.
The Eras Tour (photo by PAOLO V)
Though these numbers may come as a shock, it’s no surprise that “The Eras Tour” has been so well-received by the public. The show must have been carefully curated by a mastermind, with impressive choreography, over 40 timeless costumes and vocals that could make one question whether they’ve just encountered a false god.
Taylor Swift also has a stage presence that feels like an old friend’s, as she has the ability to connect with her audience on an emotional level through relatable lyrics and conversing with the crowd. It’s safe to say that there’s a reason why tens of thousands of fans bawl their eyes out during each of these concerts.
Along with there being an emotional connection between Swift and her attendees, “The Eras Tour” is the greatest of all time because of how connected the fans have become to each other. Unlike the typical concert where one shows up with their own group and remains attached to them the entire time, there’s a sense of community at Swift’s shows, and thousands of fans interact with each other.
In Swift’s song, “You’re on Your Own, Kid” from her album “Midnights,” she writes, “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.” “Swifties” took this lyric quite literally, creating a tradition of making Taylor Swift-related friendship bracelets and trading them with other fans at every concert. Fans also paint Swift’s lucky number 13 on their hands and chant several inside jokes such as “One, two, three, let’s go, bitch!” during certain songs. Not many other tours have had such a distinct and inclusive culture as “The Eras Tour,” exceeding any Swifty’s wildest dreams.
Call it what you want, but Swift’s legendary tour hits different and leaves spectators enchanted because it has the ability to bring together people of all ages, races, genders, sexualities and backgrounds who all have in common one thing: a love for Taylor Swift.
