It is the end of an era, but the start of an age. Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” ended on December 8, 2024. The Eras Tour made a lasting impact on “Swfities” over the course of nearly two years. The Eras Tour was designed to highlight all of Swift’s different “eras” in her career, for her albums “Taylor Swift,” “Fearless,” “Speak Now” and more.
“I went to her concert in May of 2023 in Philadelphia,” WCHS junior Leah Sonnabend said. “It was the most [energetic] concert I have been to. [Swift] jumped from one album to another. From country in Fearless to more adult contemporary music in Folklore. I would have gone to more shows because it was so fun.”
Spanning across several continents and featuring over 40 songs per show, the Eras Tour represents Swift’s hard work and passion for her career. She showed creativity with elaborate stage designs and eye-catching outfits. The shows were a place for fans from all over the world to connect.
“When I went to her show I was able to meet new people from all over,” WCHS junior Laila Foose said. “It was a trend to make friendship bracelets for the concert and trade with other fans. By the end of the concert, I had a ton of new bracelets and new connections.”
The tour had a global sensation and a financial triumph. The Eras tour reportedly grossed two billion dollars, double the amount compared to other high-earning tours. Swift earned approximately $13.6 million per concert; the cities she performed in experienced a boost in their local economies, including Los Angeles which generated 320 million dollars over Swift’s six shows.
“Philadelphia was very crowded when the tour came to town,” Sonnabend said. “The hotels were filled with Taylor Swift fans who traveled from all different places, just like how I traveled from Maryland just to see her. There is no doubt she helps local economies when she is in town.”
Throughout the tour, Swift made many announcements and performed shows that left a mark on her career. It is where she announced “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” and her newest album “The Tortured Poets Department.” It is also where she premiered new music videos and brought out celebrities including Gracie Abrams and Sabrina Carpenter.
“I saw great opening acts that added even more entertainment to the show,” Foose said. “Pheobe Bridgers performed with Matty Healy and Gracie Abrams performed as well. The tour gave so many opportunities to see a variety of artists that I would not likely see otherwise.”
What does the future hold for Taylor Swift? After the lengthy tour, she may settle down and take a well-deserved break. However, if history is any indication, she will keep busy.
“As a fan of Taylor Swift I am looking forward to what she has in store for after the tour,” Sonnabend said. “Although it is sad that it is over, she never disappoints with what she releases. I am anxiously awaiting for her to release the other ‘Taylor’s Versions.’”
Swift shows no signs of slowing down. Her career does not just include singing, but also acting, film creating and activism. She has also been seen with her current boyfriend, NFL player Travis Kelce recently. Fans believe she will venture more into different projects other than singing or. Or more personal ventures like taking serious steps in her relationship.
“While watching football this past year, it was always fun to look for Taylor Swift at the Chiefs football games,” Foose said. “It would be exciting to see Taylor and Travis get engaged in the future, just as much as it would be exciting to see new projects from her. She has made films before including the ‘All Too Well: Short Film,’ and if she shared anything new related to that it would be moving.”
Regardless of the future, Swift’s legacy as a cultural icon will always be there. The Eras tour not only showed her unmatched ability to tell stories through songs but also marked her status as a music and entertainment powerhouse. As fans hold their breath for the next chapter, it is certain Swift will continue to shape the music world in any way she chooses to.
“Taylor Swift did such a remarkable job with her tour, which hints at more remarkable ventures from her,” Sonnabend said. “I am lucky that I saw her perform at the Eras Tour before it closed.”
