On Sunday, Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking Eras Tour—a five-continent, 152-concert phenomenon—reaches its final bow. While I’ve never attended one of her concerts, bought an album, or memorized her songs, I’ll miss the Eras Tour terribly.
For over a year, this glittery, sequined spectacle brought bursts of joy to my social media feed. From all corners of the globe, fans united in jubilant celebrations. Horses in New Orleans donned friendship bracelets, and the Eiffel Tower gleamed with Swift-inspired decorations. A small German town temporarily rebranded itself as "Swiftkirchen." Even those unable to snag tickets joined mirror audiences outside stadiums, bonding over lyrics, TikTok dances, and a shared sense of euphoria.
Moments That Stood Out
Certain highlights from the Eras Tour became staples of my social media scrolling. Backup dancer Kameron N. Saunders, for instance, charmed audiences with his humor and energy, particularly during “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” His clever use of local phrases for the iconic “like, ever” line added a layer of connection with each audience—be it “im leben nicht” in Hamburg or “póg mo thóin” in Dublin.
Daily clips offered a welcome distraction from life’s challenges. For me, those challenges included coping with an autoimmune disease that makes movement painful. There are days when I feel engulfed in a wave of fire-like pain, unable to do anything but endure. The happiness radiating from Swift’s concerts became a soothing balm during these times.
Healing Through Vicarious Joy
As someone who has loved dancing since childhood and even dabbled in boy band choreography classes in my 40s, losing the ability to stand for extended periods has been isolating. A severe tendon injury two years ago only compounded my mobility struggles. Yet somehow, the reels of dancing fans, glittering outfits, and glowing stadiums found their way into my doom-scrolling sessions.
There’s a unique joy—a kind of vicarious exhilaration—in seeing thousands wave their hands to “Shake It Off” or watching a security guard momentarily join in the fun during “I Knew You Were Trouble.” And then there were the nightly proposals during “Love Story.” Hearing the lyric, “I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress,” became an emotional trigger as fans knelt to propose amid cheering crowds. These moments, full of tears and smiles, felt universally uplifting.
Can someone compile all those proposals into a single video? I’ll need it on bad days.
A Love Story for the Ages
Parallel to the tour was another narrative captivating fans: Taylor Swift’s budding romance with football player Travis Kelce. As a Philadelphia native, I remain partial to his older brother, Jason Kelce, whose friendship bracelets and joyous support for his wife at a London concert warmed hearts.
Travis and Taylor’s relationship also broke stereotypes. Swift, an unapologetically feminist global icon, and Kelce, a supportive and unabashed fan of his partner’s work, embodied a refreshing partnership. Watching them cheer each other on—her at his games, him singing along at her concerts—was a delight.
The Shadow of Criticism
Of course, not everything was glitter and gold. The Vienna concerts were canceled due to security concerns, though fans sang in the streets anyway. And online comments often revealed a darker side. Critics labeled Swift “talentless” or dismissed her generosity, such as when she gave employees bonuses or supported food banks. The negativity was puzzling. If her music isn’t your taste, why not focus on the nine million other artists out there?
Trying to Join the Magic
At some point, I too tried to get a ticket, yearning to experience the joy and connection firsthand. But between physical limitations and financial constraints, it wasn’t feasible. So, I remained a distant observer, marveling at videos of the previous night’s “22” hat recipient, delighting in surprise song reveals, and reveling in fans’ uncontainable excitement.
Farewell to the Eras
On Sunday, the final performance of the Eras Tour in Vancouver will mark the end of an extraordinary chapter. For me, the daily dopamine hit of glittery joy will be replaced by dog and cat rescue videos and short walks around the block.
I’ll hold onto memories like my niece’s excitement at attending the Pittsburgh show early in the tour. Glittered and glowing, she sang every word of “You Belong With Me,” her smile stretching from ear to ear. Now nearly 16 and deep into her eye-rolling teenage years, that memory feels all the more precious.
The Eras Tour wasn’t just a concert series—it was a cultural phenomenon that brought joy to millions, even to those like me who experienced it from a distance. It will be missed.
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