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25th June 2024
05:37pm BST
You know when a lad goes to Thailand for a month and never shuts up about it? That's what I've been like since going to the Eras Tour. As a long-term Swiftie, I've been dreaming of seeing the All Too Well singer live since I was a teenager.
I spent a small fortune seeing the singer in both Edinburgh and Liverpool earlier this month, embarking on my very own version of the Eras Tour, and it was all my teenage self could've hoped for.
I've been a Taylor Swift fan since the Love Story days but I really fell head over heels in love with Miss Swift's music when she released Red in 2012. I still have my Red CD under my bed and never thought I'd be lucky enough to hear songs from the albums that shaped my teenage years and twenties live.
Going to the Eras Tour was a dream, one that felt out of reach when I missed out on getting a code for Dublin tickets, but thanks to some incredible kind Swifties and my savings account, I managed to make it to the tour that perfectly encapsulates girlhood for millions.
In the run-up to my Edinburgh show, I started to notice TikToks about what to bring to the show, tips for getting the best spot, and how to make the perfect outfit. It suddenly felt like I needed to spend hours making friendship bracelets, to splash out on a flawless outfit, and to bring marathon-like supplies to the show.
I couldn't help but wonder if these people had ever been to a concert before. People were purchasing things to protect their ears, gel for their muscles, and stuffing bags with protein bars. Was I running the London Marathon or going to bop around a stadium to You Belong With Me?
Then there was the panic about when to start queuing (avoid this at all costs), taking the coolest photos, and hoping Taylor would sing your dream surprise songs. People were slowly taking the fun out of it so I decided to abandon TikTok and focus on enjoying every moment of it because it all went by in the blink of an eye.
It felt like we were only standing on the pitch in Murrayfield for ten minutes when the fireworks went off, confetti fell to the floor and Taylor sang the final lyrics of Karma.
If you've been listening to Taylor since you were a teenager or just discovered her during the folklore era then you'll have the time of your life at the Eras Tour. Never have I been to a concert that is both a walk down memory lane, but also feels like you're living in a dream at the same time.
If you're heading to see Taylor Swift this weekend in Dublin then simply wear comfortable shoes, focus on having fun with whoever you're attending with, and pack the ugly raincoat from Penneys, even if it ruins your sequinned ensemble.
Give yourself plenty of time if you want to buy merch, buy an overpriced drink, or take photos in your Lover-inspired outfit. The atmosphere and community at these shows are indescribable so try to spend as much time as possible there.
And trust me, do not risk missing Paramore to buy a €50 t-shirt from the merch stands. They're one of the best bands you'll ever see live and their set was one of the best parts of the Eras Tour experience.
Don't be afraid to trade friendship bracelets with other fans because the moment one young fan asked me to at the Liverpool show made the experience even more special. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, dance and sing along as much as you want to, cry if you feel like it (I certainly did when she sang Fearless), and go to the loo if you need to. You will still hear her singing betty from the Aviva bathrooms and your bladder will thank you for it.
Here's hoping Travis Kelce packed his top hat and tails for the Dublin leg of the tour.
