‘Long Story Short’ The Era’s Tour was the best night of my life
Darian Trabold, Editor-in-Chief
After almost a year and a half of waiting after winning the Ticketmaster war, picking my outfit, making friendship bracelets, and a new album, I finally got to see Taylor Swift’s “The Era’s Tour” with three of my best friends. To say it was incredible is an understatement, it was the best three and a half hours of my life. I never wanted it to end. To see your favorite artist live, there are no words to describe it, but to also celebrate 17 years of music that has gotten me through some hard times made those three and a half hours feel like five minutes. If I were to rank the concerts I have been to, ‘The Era’s Tour’ would have to be number one.
Taylor’s opener, Gracie Abrams, was a great way to get us ready. “That’s So True” has been on repeat since it came out so to hear it live was so fun. One thing Gracie skipped was her song featuring Taylor, “us.” This was one of Taylor’s famous Easter egg.
When “Applause” came on, I was in the bathroom which led to Arib and I running for our lives to our seats; that feeling of exhilaration could never be replicated. When Taylor’s introduction began playing, I felt my soul leave my body and all the hours we spent on line, the many months we spent waiting for this day to come and it was finally here.
Taylor began the show with the “Lover” set. There was nothing more cathartic than screaming the lyrics of “Cruel Summer” with 50,000 other Swifties. The “Lover” set included “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince”, “The Man”, “You Need to Calm Down”, and “Lover”. We were so lucky to have an incredible view of Taylor, she definitely made eye contact with us.
Then the show goes to the “Fearless” set, taking most of us back to our childhood. Putting up heart hands during “Fearless” just encapsulates the feelings of pure joy and happiness being at the Era’s Tour. The set included iconic tracks like “You Belong with Me” and “Love Story”.
We then go to the “Red” era with one of my favorite parts of the show singing the songs of “Red” that did not make the setlist while we wait for Taylor. While of course I wanted the 22 hat to celebrate my twenty-second birthday, it was very sweet to watch someone else enjoy that special moment. “Red” concludes with the “All Too Well (Ten Minute Version)” a perfect end to an incredible era.
The short “Speak Now” set consists of one of my favorite songs of all time “Enchanted”. Seeing Taylor walk out in that beautiful ballgown just made the night sparkling.
The scream that came out of my mouth when the “reputation” era began was louder than I thought possible. This set includes one of my favorite songs “Delicate” and the best song transition of the tour from “Don’t Blame Me” to “Look What You Made Me Do”. This set reminded me the amount of money I am spending when she releases reputation (Taylor’s Version).
The “folkmore” set transports us to a rustic cabin in the woods, which feels very Canadian. I do not apologize to the people around me for my singing during “illicit affairs” as it was very healing. It was cool to match with Taylor during “willow”, it really made me feel part of her cult.
Back to the more dance vibes, next was the “1989” set which was uppity and hot (literally Taylor shot off fire during “Bad Blood”). To the dad sitting in front of me who really loved “Shake it Off” I am glad you got to hear it live.
The new addition to the setlist, “TTPD” or female rage: the Musical, was exhilarating. Despite it missing “Florida!!!” I enjoyed shouting “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”. The graphics at the end of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” were terrifying and fun.
After almost three hours of waiting, the most anxiety inducing part of the show, the acoustic set, was upon us. After manifesting “New Year’s Day”, I realized I should have paid an Etsy witch. We got a surprise with “us” featuring Gracie Abrams mashed up with “Out of the Woods” which worked well together. Then the piano was “Long Story Short” and “You’re On Your Own Kid”. I was happy we got an “evermore” song. I do wish she would sing the entire song instead of a portion of it so she can mash it up, but overall I was happy with what we got.
The best night of my life ended with the “Midnights” set, and I could not help but feel a mix of sadness and joy. I did not want the show to end. Alas, all good things must come to an end and after the “Karma” bow I made my way back to my apartment, my life forever changed. I look forward to telling my future grandkids that I got to see the most amazing tour of the 21st century.