Taylor Swift traveled around the US beginning in March of 2023 making headlines. The pop star has been making dreams come true through her journey on The Eras Tour.
Starting at the young age of 12, Taylor has been writing her own songs and mastering guitar. This passion has skyrocketed her to icon status. Her self-titled debut album Taylor Swift was released in 2006 at only 16 years old. Her passion for creating music led to many more albums that each represent a different “era” of her life.
After Taylor Swift, many albums followed. Fearless (2008), Speak Now (2010), Red (2012), 1989 (2014), Reputation (2017), Lover (2019), Folklore (2020), Evermore (2020), and Midnights (2022) each were curated for the different chapters of her life.
In 2019 Taylor announced that she planned to re-record her first six albums. This was because her manager at the time Scooter Braun, manipulated and bullied her for years. Braun owned the rights to all of Taylor’s hard work and was stealing money that should have been Taylor’s.
Eras Tour Concert
Securing a ticket to any of the venues was like trying to catch a shooting star in a crowded city. Nearly impossible. On November 15, 2022, at exactly 10 AM, fans tested their fast reflexes, timing, and luck. The opportunity to lay hands on the coveted tickets was far from easy. Fans were filled with excitement and anticipation that if their tickets were secured they would be able to take part in the truly magical experience.
Avery Glessner who attended the concert stated, “I was sitting in English class, and in the midst of reading Fahrenheit 451, I went out in the hall and refreshed Ticketmaster. I was filled with adrenaline and was very anxious that I wasn’t going to be able to buy tickets. Taylor Swift has been my favorite artist for more than ten years, so getting tickets was a must. I was part of the lucky fans to secure my tickets to the show.” said Avery.
The tour was not just a concert, instead, it was a thoroughly crafted production that transported the audience to feel the music within her different eras. Four songs from each era were performed along with two surprise songs that changed every show.
At the end of each era, Taylor would quickly change her outfit to represent the next chapter. Her creative outfits for this tour were nothing short of extraordinary. Ranging from the early years of cowboy boots to the edgy looks complete with sequined jumpsuits with bold statement pieces, every ensemble was a piece of art.
The Eras Tour not only captured the creativity of Taylor herself, but it also inspired her fans to express themselves through their love by creating their own original outfits. The Taylor Nation showed up dressed in an array of eye-catching outfits representing personal favorite eras. From bejeweled dresses to outfits created from fans’ own interpretations of songs, part of the experience was seeing everyone’s outfit.
In addition to the themed outfits, the curation of the stage was a show in itself. Each era was brought to life through mesmerizing stage designs and visual effects. It truly felt like a fully immersive experience.
To add to the visuals, talented backup singers and dancers brought the show to life. The choreography of the dancers was astonishing with dance moves that flowed well with the songs. It was like watching the concert with a visual representation of the meanings Taylor associates with her music.
Something important to Taylor is the interactions with her fans. She goes above and beyond to make sure her fans feel seen, heard, and valued. At every concert, during the song “22” Taylor gives the hat that she is wearing to a lucky fan.
At the Pittsburgh show in Ascrisure Stadium, 10-year-old Katie Guarlotti was the lucky fan to receive the hat. Taylors team came up to her family, bringing them down to below the stage. What happened next was a moment she’ll never forget.
Katie said, “I didn’t know that I was going to get chosen for the hat; it all just happened so fast! It was an amazing experience for me that I will remember forever.”
Having a one-of-a-kind souvenir that only one person per show deserves to be displayed in a special way. Katie said, “I keep her hat in a very special place. It is kept in a glass case on my dresser with all of my Taylor Swift memories. I have all of my concert confetti, friendship bracelets, and newspaper articles surrounding my hat!”
The Taylor Swift Film
During various concerts, Taylor’s film team was busy getting clips to help in the creation of a live-action movie. The Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie was a three-hour long film with footage of each song. Clips of the songs were taken from each show and compiled into a master copy of the concert.
The opportunity to go see the movie created happiness among the Swifty community. Many fans who were unable to snag tickets to the tour still had the chance to be able to experience the excitement through watching the movie.
Movie theaters sold out, friendship bracelets were traded, dancing took place, and fans were singing their hearts out. The energy in AMC theater matched the enthusiasm of the shows. Many theaters included a commemorative poster and had special popcorn buckets/cups that matched the poster.
Relationship Influences
Over Taylor’s songwriting career, many of her songs are inspired by her personal relationships. Here is a list of some of her boyfriends that have connections to her songs:
Joe Jonas (2008) – Taylor dated Joe Jonas from the Jonas Brothers. This led to the breakup songs “Forever & Always,” “Last Kiss,” “Better Than Revenge,” and “Mr. Perfectly Fine.”
Taylor Lautner (2009) – Taylor and Taylor Lautner were both in the movie “Valentine’s Day.” Their relationship inspired her songs “Back to December” and “Speak Now.”
John Mayer (2009) – Her relationship with John Mayer led to the songs “Dear John,” “Ours,” “Superman,” “The Story of Us,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve.” These songs address the ups and downs of their relationship. Together Taylor collaborated with him on a song, “Half of My Heart.”
Jake Gyllenhaal (2010) – Jake Gyllenhaal was her inspiration behind “All Too Well,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “I Almost Do,” “State of Grace,” “Red,” and “The Moment I Knew.”
Harry Styles (2012-2013) – Her relationship with Harry Styles inspired several songs including “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “Style,” “Out of the Woods,” “I Know Places,” “Clean,” and “Question…?” In reference to the songs she wrote about Harry, it is rumored that the One Direction song “Perfect” is about their relationship.
Calvin Harris (2015-2016) – Taylor dated music producer Calvin Harris and their relationship inspired her songs, including “I Did Something Bad,” ”I Forgot That You Existed,” “Bejeweled,” and “High Infidelity.”
Tom Hiddleston (2016) – After her breakup with Calvin Harris, Taylor dated actor Tom Hiddleston. “Getaway Car” and “Midnight Rain” are written about him.
Joe Alwyn (2017) – Taylor’s most recent music was inspired by her break-up with Joe Alwyn. Songs include “…Ready For It?,” “End Game,” “Delicate,” “King of My Heart,” “Dress,” “Call It What You Want,” “New Year’s Day,” “Lover,” “Cruel Summer,” “I Think He Knows,” “Paper Rings,” “London Boy,” and “Cornelia Street.”
Taylor’s relationships shaped her songs making them relatable to her fans. This allowed her fans to connect their own experiences with her music.
The Kelce Era
Earlier in the year at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, football star Travis Kelce was in attendance to The Eras Tour on July 8. At the concert, Travis’s goal was to give her a friendship bracelet with his number. Although his mission was unsuccessful, Taylor made an appearance a few months later at the same stadium.
Lately, in the football world, the NFL has gained many new watchers the last couple weeks. Taylor Swift first appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game on Sept. 24. There she sat in a suite where she watched the game.
It is now confirmed the player she was there to see was Travis Kelce. More recently, she has been to four of the past home games, all of which resulted in Kansas City wins. [btw at the away game against the Broncos, the Chiefs unfortunately lost. Many fans think it was because Taylor was not in attendance.]
Taylor and Travis have been spotted in
multiple places walking together and holding hands. It is now confirmed that the two are in a relationship.
Favorite Eras
Greater Latrobe students were asked about their favorite Taylor Swift era. Here are some of their responses:
My favorite era is Folklore because I can relate to almost all of the songs on the album. My favorite song from the album is “My Tears Ricochet.” ~Cali Dyche, Junior
My favorite era is the Red era because that was when her songwriting developed. My favorite song is “All too Well.’” ~Julia Fetter, Sophmore
Lover, since I really like the bright, colorful, and happy energy. I like a lot of the songs like “Cornelia Street” and “Paper Rings.” ~Sarah LeVan, Sophomore
My favorite song is “Exile” from Folklore with Bon Iver because I really like their voices together. ~Olivia Carlquist, Junior
1989, The songs are happy, fun, and upbeat. My favorite song on the album is “This Love.” ~Erin Ulewicz, Sophomore
Reputation. My favorite song is “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.” Reputation was the album that came out after she was gone for a whole year. The way she released it will always be iconic. ~Julia Macey, Sophomore
Lover! “You Need To Calm Down” and “The Man” are two songs that got me hooked on Taylor Swift because the lyrics are fun, in a let’s not take ourselves too seriously way while addressing serious topics. ~Mrs. LeVan, Teacher
My favorite era is Reputation. I like it because I went to the concert in 5th grade and it was amazing. It has my favorite song “Don’t Blame Me” on it. ~Corey McHenry, Junior
