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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 the massive crowd during her concluding performance at the Rogers Centre as part of her spectacular Eras Tour on Nov. 23, 2024. Photo by TAS Rights Management
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During Taylor Swift’s poignant farewell concert in Toronto, there was a heartfelt outpouring of emotion, even without any unexpected surprises.
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The 34-year-old superstar became the first musical artist to achieve an astounding sellout of the Rogers Centre six times throughout the same tour, and she couldn’t hold back tears following her deeply moving performance of Champagne Problems.
The emotion-filled ballad is featured on her acclaimed 2020 album, evermore, one of the two intimate albums Swift crafted while in lockdown. As part of her narrative throughout the Eras Tour, she reflected on the creative sanctuary that music provided during uncertain times, particularly during the pandemic when performing in front of live audiences seemed like an elusive dream.
Swift elaborated, sharing that “Folklore was an album that I started writing about two days into the pandemic,” emphasizing how it became her escape during such a difficult period. “Folklore was this imaginary place I would escape to in my head every day when I was writing stories.”
She expressed her unique approach to storytelling in Folklore, explaining how she chose not to position herself as the protagonist this time. “What if I tried out being more of a narrator and kind of created characters? These characters could fall in love, have their hearts ripped out, and experience lots of drama,” she continued, showcasing her artistic evolution.
Swift, adorned in a stunning cranberry-hued gown, addressed the sea of 49,000 devoted fans, expressing the profound satisfaction she derived from this process, which catalyzed a prolific outpouring of music, leading to her subsequent albums Midnights (2022) and the critically lauded The Tortured Poets Department, which has received six Grammy nominations.
As the crowd erupted in applause, Swift, who identified the two pandemic albums as her “most Canadian,” fought back tears of sheer joy and gratitude.
🚨| Taylor Swift cries while thanking the crowd after the “champagne problems” cheer at today’s show
“We are the end of this tour- we’ve put so much of our lives into this”
— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) November 24, 2024
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Repeating a familiar sentiment from her Toronto shows, Swift shared that this Eras Tour has been the most enjoyable experience of her career, despite it nearing its conclusion with just three further performances lined up in Vancouver next month.
In an emotional moment on stage, her eyes glistened with tears as she expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her dedicated team, who have been instrumental since the tour kicked off in March 2023 in Arizona.
“And to my band and to my crew and everybody who has put so much into this tour … and I don’t even know what I’m saying, I’m just having a bit of a moment, sorry,” she confessed, overwhelmed by emotion in front of the packed baseball stadium.
Swift humorously noted, “It’s not even the last show!” while drying her tears, before emphasizing the incredible effort that her band, crew, and fellow performers have contributed: “We have put so much of our lives into this. And you’ve put so much of your lives into being with us tonight, giving us that moment that we will never forget. We’ve loved our time in Toronto. It’s been so amazing … I love you guys. Thanks so much for that.”
In a delightful interlude, fans of the hit series Schitt’s Creek had a delightful moment when Swift’s backup dancer, Kam Saunders, humorously quoted a famous line from the show mid-performance of We Are Never Getting Back Together.
“So he calls me up and he’s like, ‘I still love you.’ And I’m just, ‘This is exhausting. We are never getting back together,’” Swift sang, presenting her microphone to Saunders, who enthusiastically yelled, “Ew, David! Ew!” — a staple catchphrase from the show that fans eagerly recognized.
As the Eras Tour draws to a close with just three shows remaining, Swift’s global impact continues to resonate throughout the music industry and beyond. The tour has achieved remarkable milestones; it was the first ever to surpass the billion-dollar mark since its announcement in 2022, with the 14-time Grammy winner expanding her dates internationally.
Her decision to end the tour in Canada underscores her appreciation for her most dedicated, passionate, and thoughtful fans.
Furthermore, the economic influence of her concerts has been staggering, estimated to inject an impressive $282 million boost into the Toronto economy alone.
Swift’s connection with her audience and the Swiftmania phenomenon is unparalleled. In several historic concerts before her, only a handful of other artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles have drawn such immense crowds in Toronto’s history.
With tickets flying off the shelves, the electrifying energy in Toronto through her concerts has created an unforgettable memory for both her fans and the city.
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Swift’s cultural phenomenon is distinct; she has broken her own records this year, including a staggering 700,000 vinyl albums sold in just three days following the release of The Tortured Poets Department and a combined sales figure of 800,000 copies across physical and digital formats within the first week.
Incredibly, she was responsible for a notable 7% of all vinyl album sales in the U.S. throughout 2023, reflecting her expansive influence over the industry.
Ever since her debut in the music scene as a country artist in 2006, Swift has consistently surpassed industry benchmarks while maintaining a devoted following that avidly tracks her every move.
After a stunning acoustic section that included performances of Cassandra, Mad Woman, and I Did Something Bad, fans were left eagerly anticipating an announcement regarding the release date for the much-anticipated re-recorded edition of her 2017 album, Reputation.
Though that surprise didn’t materialize, Swift still thrilled her audience with a captivating mashup on acoustic guitar featuring Sparks Fly and Message in a Bottle, followed by a piano medley of You’re Losing Me and How Did It End?.
While her tour opener, Gracie Abrams, made a surprise appearance earlier in the run, the concluding night in Toronto featured only Swift and her 49,000 closest friends celebrating an unforgettable musical journey that will remain in the hearts of fans for years to come.
Swift closed the night with heartfelt words: “Toronto, we’ve had the most wonderful time with you. We’ve had the most fun. If you (came) to any of the other shows, if you just came in for this show, if you’ve travelled to be here, or if you just live down the street, you’ve been so generous to us.”
Swift ends the Eras Tour in Vancouver on Dec. 6, 7 and 8.
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What were some memorable moments from Taylor Swift’s final performance on the Eras Tour?
F you came in from anywhere else, I want you to know how much I appreciate you being here. You have made this tour extraordinary, and I will carry these memories with me forever.”
As she took her final bow, the cheers and applause from the audience resonated deep within the stadium, marking yet another historic moment in her illustrious career. The Eras Tour not only highlighted Taylor Swift’s musical genius but also her ability to connect with her fans on a profoundly emotional level, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Taylor Swift continues to redefine what it means to be a global superstar, proving that her artistry knows no bounds, and her impact on the music industry remains profound. As she looks ahead to her remaining performances in Vancouver, fans can only imagine what unforgettable moments await them in the next chapter of this extraordinary tour.