May 13, 2023 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia PA
Review by Estelle Massry
As I sit here trying to write a review I realize I could write an entire novel to describe the show tonight in Taylor’s hometown. This is night 2 of 3 of the “Eras Tour” at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field and love was definitely in the air. It was an unbelievable production! From elaborate set designs to impeccable lighting, video boards, sound quality, costume changes, talented musicians/dancers and a massive catwalk. Each set has a completely different vibe as the show moves from album to album of throughout all 17 years of Taylor’s music, one era at a time. I was in awe how quickly the set changed and how frequently Taylor came out in a completely different outfit within minutes. Opening up were Gayle and Phoebe Bridges who put on a great performance and got the fans ready for what would be the best night of their lives!
The excitement of the countdown clock on the big screen really set the stage in anticipation of the arrival of the biggest musician in the world. The moment the clock reached 10 seconds you heard nothing but screams of joy accompanied by a lot of crying as emotions were running high. I’ve never heard this much intense excitement in all of the concerts I’ve attended, I was looking around in amazement and soaking it all in yet had a hard time controlling myself as well, as I got caught up with the sold out crowd.
As the countdown clock struck zero, the stage turned dark and dancers came out one at a time holding purple/pink/orange fabrics that majestically floated in the air until the stage was filled. They all came together in the middle of the stage in a beautiful dance and they lifted their fabric in the air as Taylor Swift was revealed wearing a stunning sequin, pastel leotard and boots that matched. I’ve never felt so much energy in my life, let the show begin!
“What a childhood dream it is to say these words to you…welcome to the Eras Tour”
The most moving moment for me was after the song “Marjorie”, which is dedicated to her grandmother whom she lost at age 13. Taylor sat at the piano listening to her fans scream and yell how much they loved her. This audience appreciation continues for what it seemed like 10 minutes as Taylor smiled and looked around as if she was acknowledging all of her 70,000 fans who were in attendance. The entire stadium not only lit up with phone flashlights but also lit up with provided wristbands that were handed out as you entered the stadium. It was quite moving and humbling, I couldn’t help but get emotional and as I looked around…and I wasn’t the only one.
I knew what a huge star Taylor Swift was but I didn’t know just how intense her fans are and the grasp she has on them. The effort put into all of their outfits, home made signs, getting to the venue from far distances, and to be honest the cost of the tickets, show just how dedicated they all are. From fringe dresses, cowboy boots, glitter dresses, sequins, rhinestones, leather skirts, fishnet stockings, heart glasses, pink/purple dresses…young girls to mom, even dads went out of their way to make homemade shirts to support their daughters.
This is a star at the top of her game and she is doing everything to perfection for herself and for her fans. The level of energy in which she performed, as well as her professionalism is quite impressive. Nonstop high energy performances of almost 3 1/2 hours with no intermission, performing 47 songs in total. A performance of a lifetime.
The tour kicked off on March 17th in Arizona and will encompass 52 shows across the United States, concluding in August in Los Angeles, CA. I stayed until the very end knowing that I would be stuck in the parking lot for 2 hours with my 14 year old daughter at midnight – but I can honestly stay it was worth it. Oh and I had to drive home 2 1/2 hours as well making it home at 3:00 am. Would I do it again? No doubt…sign me up!!!
THE TOUR OF THE YEAR
For more info please visit http://www.taylorswift.com
SETLIST
Lover
- Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince
- Cruel Summer
- The Man
- You Need to Calm Down
- Lover
- The Archer
Fearless
- Fearless
- You Belong With Me
- Love Story
evermore
- ’tis the damn season
- willow
- marjorie
- champagne problems
- tolerate it
reputation
- …Ready for it?
- Delicate
- Don’t Blame Me
- Look What You Made Me Do
Speak Now
- Enchanted
Red
- Red – Intro
- 22
- We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
- I knew You Were Trouble
- Nothing New (with Phoebe Bridgers)
- All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
folklore
- Seven
- the 1
- betty
- the last great American dynasty
- august
- illicit affairs
- my tears ricochet
- cardigan
1989
- Style
- Blank Space
- Shake It Off
- Wildest Dreams
- Bad Blood
Surprise Songs
- Forever & Always (tour debut/on guitar)
- This Love (tour debut/on piano)
Midnights
- Lavender Haze
- Anti-Hero
- Midnight Rain
- Vigilante Shit
- Bejeweled
- Mastermind
- Karma