Just when you think there’s no way she can top her long list of accomplishments, Taylor Swift reminds you why she’s “The Man”. 2023 saw Swift release her smash-hit record, Midnights, followed by two widely acclaimed re-recorded albums. The summer marked the beginning of Swift’s Eras Tour, which is projected to become the highest-grossing tour of all time. This October, she released The Eras Tour movie and has since been credited by the media for saving movie theatres! Swift’s ability to resurrect everything from her old albums to failing industries proves her endless powers.
Anyone following Swift’s recent trajectory sees that this moment she’s having before our eyes is undoubtedly a music industry and career-defining one. With so much substantial Swift lore having been developed not even halfway into the Eras Tour, a recap of all the events is in order.
The Hype
There is no music industry giant with a marketing scheme as effective as Taylor Swift’s. She benefits from an intensely passionate and tuned-in fanbase that grows exponentially as her career progresses. Over the last year, Swift has graced her fans with Instagram posts, outfits, and music videos filled with clues that pointed to music release dates, hidden song meanings, and potential tour dates.
So far, just about every celebrity you can think of has attended one of Swift’s recent shows, from Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds to Shania Twain and Diplo.
When Swift finally dropped tickets for the Canadian Eras shows, a staggering 31 million people attempted to sign up for presale tickets. For comparison, it’s worth noting that Canada’s population currently sits at about 40 million people!
As of 2023, the $780 million-grossing tour propelled Swift’s net worth to billionaire status.
The Side Quests
Despite being busy performing and working on her music, Swift found time to dance in the centre of many public storms. All the talk of whether she’s moving gracefully through them and if she orchestrates them herself remains a part of the never-ending discourse regarding Swift’s life and career. Some of her recently released music has touched on the blur between her personal life and the public’s frantic obsession with her.
She’s been rumoured to have entered and exited a few public relationships, was photographed alongside many high-profile friends, and got publicly called-out by one world leader for originally skipping out on performing in Canada.
Swift was widely rumoured to be dating the 1975 singer Matty Healy amid the summer leg of her tour. Healy’s controversial persona sparked public outrage. Swift’s fans questioned her choice to publicly link herself with someone who offended them.
Since her brief relationship with Healy, Swift has reportedly been getting to know Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. Unlike with her previous relationship, both Swifties and sports fans have just about unanimously given the couple their blessing. Heated online debates between Kelce and Swift fans over which half of the couple is more famous exemplify the public’s obsession with Swift and her dating life. Swift’s endless marketability extends to her current relationship. The couple has caused a surge in the growing economy surrounding all things Swift.
Swift’s Eras era is marked by a level of public exposure that she has not allowed since her 1989 album release.
The Performances
Everyone with a sliver of a chance to attend the Eras Tour has put their best efforts into securing tickets. And who can blame them? Swift concertgoers have reported that she’s reached new performance heights. The amount of stadium dates has increased since her last tour (Reputation). Her set lists are comprehensive of her discography, so the on-stage antics have naturally extended to represent Swift’s eras-spanning chart dominance and cultural relevance. Deep cuts from Swift’s earlier albums are played alongside vault tracks and hit singles. Fans from all of Swift’s eras can look forward to hearing some of their favourite songs.
You don’t have to be a diehard Swiftie to appreciate her meteoric rise that has defied genres, rules and confines of the music industry, criticisms, and perceptions of what is possible to achieve in the public eye. Nothing has better proved that Swift is a once-in-a-generation act than the success of the Eras Tour. It’s sure to be an incredible sight to witness as she continues her journey through the next few legs of the tour into the rest of her career.