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‘We’ve had the most fun … you’ve been so generous to us’
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Published Nov 24, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 5 minute read
Taylor Swift captivated fans during her final performance of the Eras Tour at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on November 23, 2024.
Photo by TAS Rights Management
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While Taylor Swift’s concluding concert in Toronto didn’t showcase any unexpected turns, it was overflowing with heartfelt moments.
Swift, 34, marked a significant milestone by becoming the first artist ever to sell out Toronto’s Rogers Centre six times on the same tour. After delivering an emotionally charged rendition of Champagne Problems, she was visibly moved and shed tears. This poignant song hails from her 2020 album, evermore, which, along with folklore, was birthed during the trying times of lockdown.
As she has consistently done throughout the Eras Tour, Taylor reflected on her process for crafting those particular albums, a creative escape from the pandemic’s grip, when she was uncertain if she would ever perform them live in front of fans.
“Folklore was an album that I started writing about two days into the pandemic,” she shared with emotion. “It became this imaginary refuge I would visit in my mind as I penned stories.”
In a reflective moment, she discussed her career evolution, stating that this was the first album where she didn’t position herself as the main character. Instead, she adopted a narrative role, crafting characters that could experience love, betrayal, and drama in a world of her own making.
Clad in an eye-catching cranberry gown, Swift expressed to the vast crowd of 49,000 fans that this creative shift provided a deep sense of fulfillment, serving as a wellspring for her subsequent releases, including Midnights (2022) and the critically acclaimed The Tortured Poets Department, which earned her six Grammy nominations this year.
As she soaked in the thunderous applause, Swift, who affectionately referred to her dual albums as the most “Canadian” in her catalog, bravely fought back tears. “We are at the end of this tour – we’ve invested so much of our lives into this,” she expressed, her voice thick with emotion.
Repeating a sentiment she vocalized throughout her Toronto performances, Swift expressed that this leg of the Eras Tour has brought her unparalleled joy. As she prepared for the final moments of the night, tears filled her eyes as she lavished gratitude upon her dedicated team that had joined her since the tour’s launch in March 2023, in Arizona.
“To my band, my crew, and everyone who labored tirelessly on this tour… I’m just having a bit of a moment, sorry,” she said, addressing the packed baseball stadium. “It’s not even the last show!” Swift exclaimed, her eyes glistening with tears as she continued, “All of us have put our hearts and souls into this, and you’ve sacrificed so much to be part of tonight’s extraordinary experience. We’ve genuinely cherished our time in Toronto. It’s been absolutely amazing. I love you guys. Thank you endlessly for that.”
Amid an atmosphere infused with connection, laughter erupted as fans of the beloved series Schitt’s Creek reveled in a playful exchange between Swift and her backup dancer, Kam Saunders, who humorously quoted the show during the performance of We Are Never Getting Back Together.
As the monumental Eras Tour nears its final chapter — with just three upcoming shows in Vancouver next month — Swift concluded her visit to Canada by expressing her deep appreciation for her fans, characterizing them as the most “loyal, passionate, kind, and thoughtful” supporters she could ask for.
The profound economic impact of her concerts on Toronto is staggering, with estimates suggesting a remarkable $282 million boost to the city’s economy. Swift’s global success throughout the tour has shattered records, including becoming the first tour to exceed $1 billion in gross income.
Her merchandise sales have soared past $200 million, and the self-produced concert film has garnered over $250 million in ticket sales, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing concert movie of all time. Given her additional tour dates this year, she stands on the brink of potentially bringing in an unprecedented $1 billion once again.
As Taylor Swift continues to write her unparalleled story in the music industry, her ability to ignite enthusiasm and community among her fans remains the hallmark of her career. “Toronto, we’ve had the most wonderful time with you. If you came to any previous shows, made a journey just to see this one, or even live nearby, your generosity has been overwhelming,” she concluded.
Next stop for Swift: Vancouver, where she will celebrate the outstanding legacy of the Eras Tour on December 6, 7, and 8.
What emotions did you experience during your final performance of the Eras Tour in Toronto?
**Interview with Taylor Swift After Her Final Eras Tour Performance in Toronto**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Taylor! What an incredible night it was for your final concert of the Eras Tour at the Rogers Centre. How were you feeling as you took the stage?
**Taylor Swift:** Thank you for having me! It was such a bittersweet experience. Walking out in front of 49,000 fans, knowing this was the last show in Toronto, was overwhelming in the best way. The energy in the stadium was electric, and it felt like a beautiful celebration of everything we’ve shared over the past few years.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned earlier that this was a significant milestone for you, being the first artist to sell out the Rogers Centre six times on the same tour. What does this achievement mean to you?
**Taylor Swift:** It’s honestly incredible. I’m filled with gratitude for my fans. Each performance has been so special, especially considering how the past few years have been. To have such support here in Toronto, my hometown, makes it even more meaningful. It’s a reminder of how we can connect through music, even in difficult times.
**Interviewer:** During your performance of “Champagne Problems,” you were visibly emotional. Can you share what was going through your mind in that moment?
**Taylor Swift:** “Champagne Problems” is such a personal song for me. It was born out of some of the most reflective times during the pandemic. Singing it tonight, I was reminded of the journey we’ve all been on together. The tears just came—I think it’s a mix of nostalgia, joy, and appreciation for the people I’ve shared this experience with.
**Interviewer:** You spoke about your creative process during the pandemic while working on *folklore* and *evermore*. How has that influenced your music and your performances now?
**Taylor Swift:** Those albums were such a creative escape for me during lockdown. I started writing at a time when everything felt uncertain, and creating stories helped me cope. Performing those songs live now, it feels like I’m reliving that journey, and it’s incredibly fulfilling. I love being able to share the characters and narratives that emerged during that time with my audience.
**Interviewer:** You wore a stunning cranberry gown tonight. What inspired your choice of outfit for this special performance?
**Taylor Swift:** Thank you! I wanted something that felt both festive and personal. The color felt vibrant and celebratory, reflecting how I feel about this tour and closing it out in my hometown. It was important to me that it conveyed the love I feel for my audience and the joy we’ve all experienced together.
**Interviewer:** Before you left the stage, you expressed deep gratitude to your crew and band. What role do they play in your overall experience on tour?
**Taylor Swift:** They are everything! The tour wouldn’t be what it is without their hard work and dedication. They’re my family on the road. In moments like tonight, I realize just how much heart everyone has poured into this. It’s a collective effort, and I’m so thankful for each and every person involved.
**Interviewer:** Any plans for what comes next after this extensive tour?
**Taylor Swift:** I’m just taking a moment to reflect on everything and soak in the last few shows. I have some ideas brewing for new music and projects, but for now, I want to cherish this experience and the memories from the Eras Tour. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m excited about what the future holds.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Taylor. We look forward to seeing what comes next and hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest after the tour!
**Taylor Swift:** Thank you so much! I appreciate your support and can’t wait to be back.