Captivating over 55,000 fans and making each feel unique is no small feat, but Taylor Swift achieved this effortlessly at Anfield on Thursday evening, the first of her three dates at Liverpool FC’s stadium.
Despite being the 100th show of her record-breaking Eras tour, the energy and excitement were palpable. Swift told her fans, many of whom waited for hours in the cold and rain to be close to the stage, “You’re giving us a gift!” Her global fanbase, with Swifties traveling from South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the U.S., was well represented.
Even the rainy weather didn’t dampen their spirits as they raised their friendship-bracelet clad arms to welcome Swift. The night started memorably with a countdown clock on stage, followed by a grand, smoky entrance for her Lover era, greeted by a deafening roar from the crowd.
For three and a half hours, Swift delivered hits from her 18-year career, including “Cruel Summer,” “Love Story,” “Bad Blood” with flame throwers, “Anti-Hero,” and a touch of “Enchanted.” She took the audience on a journey through genres like country, pop, folk, and poetry, evoking joy, sadness, celebration, realization, and reflection.
Swift acknowledged the uniqueness of each show. “This is my first time playing a show in Liverpool, and I’m so excited,” she said. She praised fans for braving the rain and traveling long distances, expressing her gratitude for their dedication.
The show featured various eras, including Lover with dancers and the upbeat “You Belong With Me” during Fearless. The Red era resonated deeply in Liverpool, starting with “22.” Swift gifted a fan her black hat from the music video, sparking cheers and emotional hugs as the fan gave her a friendship bracelet in return.
Swift performed a 10-minute version of “All Too Well” from her 2021 Red album, wearing a black and red glittered outfit. The song’s poignant lyrics, believed to be about her ex-boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal, struck a chord with fans. Concerns about minimal representation of her Speak Now era were dispelled when she returned in a lavender puff of smoke and a princess-like dress, all was forgiven.
The Reputation era brought wild cheers with Swift’s choreography and eye contact hinting at a future Taylor’s Version album. A moss-covered piano introduced the Folklore and Evermore eras, with “August’s” catchy bridge as a highlight.
From this year’s The Tortured Poets Department album, “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” reignited the crowd with feminine rage. The acoustic set of surprise songs included four tracks: a mash-up of “I Can See You” and “Mine,” and “Cornelia Street” and “Maroon,” thrilling fans, especially with the Liverpool-shot video for “I Can See You.”
The Midnights album treated fans to “Anti-Hero.” Swift acknowledged her dedicated fans with restricted views by waving as she sang, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me,” making them feel special.
Rumors of a special guest appearance by Sir Paul McCartney kept the crowd on edge, but despite no walk-ons, former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp was among the attendees. As the Midnight era ended with “Karma,” it proved that Swift doesn’t need special guests – she shines brilliantly on her own.
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