It’s safe to say that almost everyone knows who Taylor Swift is. While she has dabbled in acting and appeared in blockbuster films, her primary identity is that of a singer-songwriter. Media coverage of Swift has long surpassed the need to introduce her; now, it often revolves around her endless milestones, record-breaking achievements, and cultural influence.
XS Noize had the opportunity to catch up with Swift during the first show of the final leg of her Eras Tour following her sold-out performances at Wembley Stadium earlier this June. The doors opened early at 4 pm, and strong support acts, including Sofia Isella and Paramore, kept the crowd’s excitement alive.
At exactly 6:42 pm, a simple digital clock appeared on the screens, ticking down the final two-and-a-half minutes until showtime. As the countdown hit zero, six performers with shell-backed props took the stage, forming a circle. Then, in a dazzling reveal, the shells flipped to showcase the star of the night: Taylor Swift.
Swift immediately commanded the stage with an effortless grace. Her choreography was flawless, perfectly in sync with her dancers and live band, who provided subtle yet essential accompaniment from opposite corners of the massive stadium. Swift’s attention to detail extended beyond just the choreography; she skillfully rotated in precise 90-degree turns throughout the performance, ensuring that each corner of Wembley Stadium’s 92,000-strong crowd received equal attention.
True to the name of her tour, Swift structured her three-hour, twenty-minute set into distinct segments, each paying homage to one of her many albums. Rather than overload the show with material from her latest release, The Tortured Poets Department, Swift offered a balanced retrospective of her career, with each album getting its due share of the spotlight.
The setlist was packed with crowd-pleasers, including massive hits like “Shake It Off” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” alongside deeper cuts cherished by her most devoted fans. Remarkably, Swift kept the energy in Wembley Stadium electric throughout all 45 songs, with the audience showing unwavering enthusiasm and joy. In an age where attention spans are said to be dwindling, Swift held 92,000 people spellbound for over three hours—a testament to her unparalleled ability to connect with her fans.
Swift also showcased her musicianship, switching between four distinct acoustic guitars, a moss-covered piano, and a variety of visually stunning props, from retro typewriters to a quaint porter cabin. None of these elements felt excessive or gimmicky. For instance, during the performance of “Bad Blood,” Swift subverted expectations by avoiding an overt display of red—despite Red being one of her iconic albums—instead opting for a striking display of flames that further elevated the performance.
One poignant moment came when Swift reflected on the pandemic. Without disrupting the euphoric atmosphere, she acknowledged the significance of that time, referring to the songs she had written for Folklore and Evermore, albums she couldn’t tour when they were released due to “other more important things” happening in the world. Later, she was joined onstage by Ed Sheeran for an acoustic set, where they performed hits like “Thinking Out Loud,” adding yet another layer of excitement to the evening.
The show fittingly concluded with a dazzling display of fireworks and confetti, leaving the 92,000 attendees—many of whom were seasoned fans, while others were experiencing Swift live for the first time—in a state of euphoric joy. Fans departed Wembley in Taylor Swift-themed outfits, clutching newly purchased merchandise, and even sporting Travis Kelce NFL jerseys (a playful nod to her current relationship with the football star). The final leg of Swift’s Eras Tour began on an extraordinary high, and it’s clear that this pop icon’s reign is far from over.
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