Taylor Swift is forever and Soldier Field’s “Eras” Tour ticket-buying frenzy was worth every penny
At any point of her unparalleled and consistently innovative career, it’s been impossible to get tickets to see Taylor Swift, but after a global pandemic shut down the chance to hear the effervescent “Lover” live, demand shot exponentially through the roof.
But rather than merely put that album on ice, the preeminent singer/songwriter of her generation and beyond went back to the studio for not only the earthy “Folklore,” followed by its equally understated companion “Evermore,” but came out swinging yet again with the bedroom/electropop masterpiece “Midnights” (and that’s not even counting “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings of country and pop-flavored classics “Fearless” or “Red”).
So needless to say, when “The Eras” Tour was finally announced following mounds of never performed material from possibly the most prolific streak ever, plus a past that’s at least statistically bigger than The Beatles, the exponential interest literally broke the internet.
In fact, secondary market prices were still hovering around a thousand dollars apiece leading up to her Solider Field return, but after more than three hours spanning all of the above, alongside the equally enormous hip-hop flirtation “Reputation,” the sparkler “Speak Now,” the banger-based “1989” and a few surprises, it was easily worth every penny.
That’s because Swift is just as spectacular of a performer as she is an artist of boundless versatility, bringing stadium-sized production marvels and a larger than life personality to a Windy City so enamored with the entertainer, the lines for merchandise were never-ending, while even those who couldn’t make it inside flooded the neighboring streets, sidewalks and rooftops.
With exactly 44 tracks on the playlist, it would be impossible to address them all in the context of a single article, but the endless crests kicked off with “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” as the audience of varying ages lost their minds.
When Taylor teased a bit “You Need To Calm Down,” the reaction only intensified and kept right on rolling through “Love Story” as screams multiplied, practically every phone filmed and flashing lights shot into the sky.
Attention turned towards her troubadour side by “Willow,” “Champagne Problems” and other organic gems, but soon built towards the thumping pulsations of “…Ready for It?” and “Look What You Made Me Do.”
Fans continued to trace Swift’s coming of age development throughout “Enchanted,” “We Are Never Getting Back Together” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” which were paired with acoustic anthems of arrival, such as “The Last Great American Dynasty” and “Cardigan” under the cozy backdrop of a fully scaled and constructed cabin.
There was arguably nothing more infectious or addictive than the anthems “Blank Space,” “Shake It Off” and “Bad Blood,” all featuring dazzling dance formations, though exclusive editions of an unplugged “I Wish You Would” and the piano-plated debut of “The Lakes” were met with mirrored enthusiasm.
As if all that wasn’t all generous enough, Taylor tore into the latest yet already beloved likes of “Lavender Haze,” “Anti-Hero” and “Karma” as the clock crept towards midnight, making this the must-see show of the century from a modern icon who will surely last forever.
Kathryn Randall contributed to this review.
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For additional information on Taylor Swift, visit TaylorSwift.com.
Upcoming concert highlights at the Soldier Field include Taylor Swift (Jun. 3-4); Beyoncé (Jul. 22-23); Ed Sheeran (Jul. 29) and Karol G (Sept. 15). For additional details, visit SoldierField.com.