Many fans took to the streets to cheer for Taylor Swift, remaining optimistic after the news that “The Eras Tour” was canceled to avoid terrorist plots.
According to CNN on August 8, Taylor Swift’s fan community (abbreviated as Swifties) gathered near Ernst Happel Stadium – where the three-night The Eras Tours concert was scheduled to be held – despite the unstable security situation. They sang, danced to the singer’s hits, and exchanged friendship bracelets – a typical accessory of the Fortnight singer’s fans.
Fans show their love for Taylor Swift a day after receiving news of the concert cancellation. Photo: Reuters
At Stephansplatz, dozens of people sang Taylor Swift songs. Elie Fares, 34, told CNN : “I went straight there and immersed myself in the friendship of Swifties, enjoying the ‘joy of being alive’, criticizing those who want to extinguish happiness and spread fear in people. Swifties have proven time and time again that they are a formidable fan base in the music community.”
Fans exchange friendship bracelets. Photo: AP
On Instagram, German travel blogger Kimberly Kephart captured fans making heart emojis for Taylor Swift, posting messages of support for the “country princess.” Kephart’s hostel owner in Vienna gave her tickets to a Mozart concert at the local opera house to boost her spirits.
Fans also left messages for Taylor Swift across social media. An X account reposted the moment people sang All Too Well (10 minute version) on the street with the caption: “Taylor Swift’s shows in Vienna may be canceled but no one can break the spirit of Swifties.”
Fans sing “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” on the streets of Vienna. Video: X Giselle Gonzales
Many businesses are offering promotions to help lift fans’ spirits. Some hotels are screening the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film for free, while restaurants and bars are giving away food or offering steep discounts. One of Central Europe’s largest modern art museums, the Albertina, is offering free admission this weekend. The Vienna tourist portal’s Instagram account has temporarily changed its description to “Taylor’s Version,” suggesting a variety of activities for the Swifties there.
A church in the capital opened its doors to fans and played the playlist of The Eras Tour . “People were crying and holding hands and singing softly. It was a beautiful moment,” one attendee told the news agency.
Taylor Swift’s three shows in Vienna from August 8-10 were canceled after authorities discovered a terrorist plot targeting the concerts. According to Barracuda Music – the concert organizer, they had no choice but to cancel the concert for the safety of the audience. All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 days. About 65,000 fans are expected to watch the show inside the stadium, about 30,000 people outside, according to AP .
At a press conference on August 8, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner – head of the Austrian Security and Intelligence Service said that one of the two suspects currently arrested is a 19-year-old Austrian citizen who admitted to intending to “carry out an attack” at Taylor Swift’s event using explosives and a knife, according to NBC News . Previously, police discovered chemicals that could be used to make bombs at the suspect’s home.
Taylor Swift has not yet commented on the cancellation of her show in Austria. According to Page Six , her boyfriend, football player Travis Kelce , is very worried about the singer’s safety. He contacted his lover immediately after hearing the news. However, Kelce is said to not be able to travel to Europe with Taylor Swift at this time because he has a commitment with the NFL (National Football League) to practice for the new season.
Swift was scheduled to perform at Wembley Stadium in England from August 15-20. This is not the first time the Fortnight singer has had to cancel a show due to security concerns. She has had to cancel concerts due to illness, security riots and COVID-19. In 2014, the singer’s Red Tour concert in Thailand was canceled due to political turmoil.
