I was just living in Taylor world for the ten days she was in Toronto doing six sold out stadium shows — something no other artist has ever come close to doing here.
Six stadium shows … and you couldn’t get a ticket.
Well, you could if you wanted to pay $4000 for one on the resale market and trusted people and electronic ticketing, but there were scams going on all over the place.
I haven’t watched a single minute of American news since the election but watched live-streams of her entire 3½ hour shows two of the last three nights.
Her fan base is unlike anything I’ve ever known to exist with the possible exception of Deadheads (which I and others have compared them to).
A ton of Swifties connect with a handful of different streamers who then function like live television directors flipping between different camera angles to broadcast the entire show.
Fans who attend spend the whole night holding up their phones so they can share the show with those who can’t be there, like Dead tapers would forgo their own dancing pleasure in order to share the music with others.
This is the most spectacular, complex show ever staged by humans.
Theatrical rock was invented 50 years ago by Alice & Bowie & company, and Madonna & Beyoncé & others expanded it with dancers & sets & costume changes, but nobody has created entire worlds for 10 different ‘eras’ and for each song within them.
A friend groused recently about the price of Beatles tickets in the ’60s versus Taylor today, but that’s comparing a bicycle to a spaceship.
It’s no wonder Paul McCartney is a friend and fan of hers. He’s the only composer who comes to mind whose mind wrote as many different catchy melodies.
And then there’s the lyrics. I had cause to listen to a couple Shania Twain albums on a recent Road trip — the (Canadian) woman who was the relative equivalent to Taylor 20-something years ago — and after soaking my ears in Taylor’s poetic universe for the last year, my gawd were those before-times lyrics insipid.
This woman is doing so much good for the world — giving these now multiple generations of particularly young women something to aspire to in their own lives. Not only is she a kind and generous person, but she’s creating art that inspires others the way Bob Dylan raised the bar. A rising tide lifts all boats.
This biggest global tour in the history of human culture wraps up in a couple weeks in Vancouver. I won the lottery for tickets to the Dead’s Fare Thee Well shows in Chicago, cuz maybe if there’s karma I was meant to. I didn’t feel bad that this 60-yr-old grey-haired dude wasn’t picked for this similarly historic event. This is meant for another generation and another gender. I’m so sad for those who couldn’t go, but so happy for all those who did.
.
.
Whether you like her music or not, this is somebody who’s doing a helluva lot of good for a helluva lot of people. While we all grieve for a woman who didn’t get a chance to do the same thing in another field in America recently, be Grateful that this woman is out there inspiring millions of souls to be smart, creative, gracious, joyous, playful and kind.
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by Brian Hassett
karmacoupon@gmail.com — BrianHassett.com
Or here’s my Facebook page if you wanna join in there —
53 responses so far ↓
1 Karen Schloss Diaz // Dec 2, 2024 at 2:31 AM
Love this SO. Thank you for articulating what matters.
2 Emma Chloe Hodgson // Dec 2, 2024 at 9:56 AM
Exactly! I love watching snippets of the shows through streamers. And it’s over a year since I saw the Eras tour movie in the theater! And she still on this tour! She’s amazing.
3 Carolyn Victoria Mill // Dec 2, 2024 at 10:13 AM
Love it when men speak this way about powerful women. Thx eh?
4 Roger Belton // Dec 2, 2024 at 10:27 AM
Mercifully, this isn’t a eulogy, but it could be a very evocative one for this ‘era’! Well done, Brian!
5 Dana Stoker Cochran // Dec 2, 2024 at 10:58 AM
Music is our salvation right now. I love that you are such a strong advocate for this whole new generation of magnificent musical wonders we are so privileged to see emerging.
6 Liz MacKenzie // Dec 2, 2024 at 11:14 AM
This piece is phenomenal!!!
7 Jerry Cimino // Dec 2, 2024 at 12:18 PM
Wow – what a fierce photo!
8 Carrie McCarthy // Dec 2, 2024 at 1:01 PM
Great piece. I’m not super familiar with her music yet, but I love learning about her, her music, and the Taylor culture. Thanks for sharing. What an incredible woman!
9 Ross Perlmutter // Dec 2, 2024 at 1:11 PM
Well written and well said! I wasn’t at any of the shows, but I hooked a friend up with a booth at the vendors’ village at the big “Taylgate” event at the convention centre, and it was wonderful to vicariously experience the thrill they were all enjoying. The thing I underestimated was the female empowerment happening at her concerts. We may not see it all manifested for another 5-10 years, but those young girls are ‘different’ now. Many of my friends say they “don’t get it”, but they don’t have to. Just imagine 60,000 people (mostly all female) singing and crying to songs that speak to THEIR souls. That’s amazing. The whole thing was a celebration of beauty AND strength, and what’s wrong with that?
10 Judith Maxine Barnett // Dec 2, 2024 at 1:43 PM
I can’t do concerts anymore (can barely make it to my kitchen) but I was fortunate enough to see Taylor early in her career. Even as an opening act she impressed me. Will watch her Eras movie at some point soon. Love her lyrics, which is saying something cause I am such a picky old broad when it comes to songwriters.
11 Alison King // Dec 2, 2024 at 2:13 PM
I wouldn’t describe myself as a Swiftie but sure enjoyed the whole concert experience – watching the joy and excitement of literally everyone in the crowd, being surrounded by people of all ages from literal babes in arms to the 80-year-old woman next to me. Of course the production value, staging, special effects, lighting, choreography, etc. were beyond anything I’ve ever seen before, not to mention her incredible stamina singing and dancing for 3.5 straight hours. My favourite thing was the fan community – flying back from Newfoundland this week at least half the people on my plane were coming to Toronto for the concert. They were making bracelets in the airport, chatting with each other and making connections – total strangers all united. It was very special.
12 Mary Parsons // Dec 2, 2024 at 2:40 PM
She is an amazing human being, that’s for sure!
13 Dale Topham // Dec 2, 2024 at 3:22 PM
So great to see you have become a full Swifty. If I hadn’t blown my concert budget on the Rolling Stones earlier this year, I might consider Taylor Swift in Vancouver. I don’t think it’s worth standing outside the stadium holding my hand up for a ‘miracle’.
14 Lisa Lester // Dec 2, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Agreed. Full respect. Great write up.
15 Wendy Thackway // Dec 2, 2024 at 4:21 PM
So well said! I was sooo happy for our daughter who got a ticket to night 5 via a friend very last minute. It was the very top row of the nosebleeds and it was still the best concert she’s ever been to! Lifetime memory for her. Unreal what Taylor is able to give this generation! Warms my heart!
16 Corry Landry // Dec 2, 2024 at 5:09 PM
I always enjoy reading your blogs Brian and this is so on point! It’s just mind-blowing how she started off as a country singer, switched her genre and became a megawatt star ✨. The energy downtown was so electric this past couple of weeks. I lined up and got some swag on a non-show day for a friend of mine who couldn’t make it to Toronto or get tickets for any of the shows. I bought an extra set that I’m raffling off this week at a charity event. I wonder what her next tour will bring .
17 John Allen Cassady // Dec 2, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Well put, as always.
18 Deanna Waters // Dec 2, 2024 at 6:33 PM
Thanks so much for your insights on Taylor Swift. I love that she gives of her riches so beautifully.
19 Megan Reese // Dec 2, 2024 at 7:08 PM
I had no idea about all that about the Swifty fans… interesting with the comparison to DeadHeads… I love her lyrics – her passion – her soul – all of it!! Seeing her is on my radar.
20 Diane H Gates // Dec 2, 2024 at 7:14 PM
My first Grateful Dead show was 5/2/81. I listened to her latest record, The Tortured Poets Department, and the songs are catchy and relatable and really damn good. Frankly, I’m a surprised as anyone how much I enjoyed it. I’m listening to lots of her music now.
21 Vera Gilpin // Dec 2, 2024 at 8:32 PM
This type of review could be your new gig, Brian. The sky’s the limit.
22 Drew Berman // Dec 2, 2024 at 10:15 PM
Completely agree.
23 Brian Hassett // Dec 3, 2024 at 1:07 AM
Beautifully stated … thank you for sharing that.
24 Linda Ranson-Smith // Dec 3, 2024 at 9:36 AM
What a beautiful tribute, Brian. So very touching. I wish she could read your words.
And like you, I have turned off the news because of it’s bleakness but isn’t it lovely that there is someone like her sending out so much joy for so many, of all ages too. We sure do need it.
I have always enjoyed your conversations and outlook on the world, Brian. You are a positive force and a very dear soul.
25 Peter Acocella // Dec 3, 2024 at 10:07 AM
I’m a conservatory-trained pianist who usually thinks there is no music worth listening to after Rachmaninov’s death. That said, I love Taylor. I put together a mix of her songs for working out. My only regret is coming late to the party and missing the tour. She is like sunlight.
26 JP Cordill // Dec 3, 2024 at 11:27 AM
I taped sometimes, but it didn’t stop me from dancing–exuberantly. Admittedly I wasn’t the most popular taper in tape-land. But I never clipped a mic stand. I absolutely love Taylor. But her music is not for me. Her social activism and leadership does make me dance a little. I’m also skipping the news for now.
27 Lehanna Markets Green // Dec 3, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Thanks for this!
28 Chima McLean // Dec 3, 2024 at 2:03 PM
Well said. My 16 year old went and was over the moon.
She has force fed me all of TSwift’s music and I have enjoyed it!
29 Sharanam Anandama // Dec 3, 2024 at 4:54 PM
I absolutely Love Taylor Swift. She is in a class by Herself with hundreds of millions of followers … and such an empowering message for women.
Thank You for a great tribute!! JaiJaiJaiMaa!!
30 Pat Stalvey VanBenthuysen // Dec 3, 2024 at 8:04 PM
So well written, Brian. You do her justice! I’m so very tired of reading the negativity about her that seems biased , mean spirited and so obviously undeserved. She is a treasure on so many levels!
Thanks for writing this, Brian!
31 Kyle Bell // Dec 3, 2024 at 11:29 PM
Just wait till these young lassies find grilled cheese and phatties lol poor girls could be enjoying the wait time so much more 🙂 truly a joy to see other people appreciate music as much as we do.
32 Nico Noviello // Dec 4, 2024 at 12:58 AM
Very well said!
33 Kath Leen // Dec 4, 2024 at 10:33 AM
That photo of her in the white dress needs to hang in every young girl’s room.
Impressive to say the least!
Things I didn’t know, thank you!
34 Ross Perlmutter // Dec 4, 2024 at 12:48 PM
It’s hard for me to process that she’s only 34 years old. So many people say she’s “a flash in the pan”, but she’s been doing it for SO long, and yet she’s barely getting started in entertainment terms. It’s not inconceivable that she could (easily) sell out a Vegas residency in 30 years.
35 Barbara Kielbania // Dec 4, 2024 at 3:09 PM
She’s a badass, never been to a show but definitely something I would check out. I went to 2 pink shows and talk about women empowerment. Grateful for these young women.
36 Sandra Trionfini // Dec 4, 2024 at 9:18 PM
Nice review Brian. Thanks.
37 Eric Douglas Mani // Dec 5, 2024 at 4:19 AM
Thanks Brian for keeping up on this talented woman. Ya old Swiftie you!!!
38 Maggie Power // Dec 5, 2024 at 10:53 AM
Damn Brian I’m loving all this Swifty info!
Guilty pleasure.
39 Steve Brown // Dec 5, 2024 at 12:42 PM
She is brilliant, a human advocate, and an inspiration to millions. I hope she does not become a target for the Trump/ Musk regime.
40 Brian Hassett // Dec 5, 2024 at 1:56 PM
Steve — if they did, she’d write a hit song about it. She’s handled adversity pretty poetically so far.
41 Adam Hirschfelder // Dec 5, 2024 at 5:11 PM
This is SO good. thx.
42 Scott Willits // Dec 5, 2024 at 9:47 PM
Not my taste in music – at all – but I can’t think of anything I’ve read or heard about Taylor Swift that’s not to like. I wish modern music were less over-produced and more organic with just folks playing instruments and singing, but if this is what it’s gotta be I guess I’m pretty happy that she’s the guiding light.
43 Andy Morse // Dec 6, 2024 at 2:17 PM
Great write up Brian!
44 Kristopher Kaiser // Dec 6, 2024 at 7:02 PM
She’s good in my book. The comparison to Deadheads applies in some ways, not in others. My daughter went, for face value, and really enjoyed herself. The kids are alright.
45 Nicklas Millner // Dec 7, 2024 at 1:08 PM
Great writing!
46 Sue Arenschield // Dec 8, 2024 at 11:15 AM
I saw her in Philly when she was doing her first stadium tour, I believe, for “1989”.
I’ve seen some pretty amazing concerts, but this was one that I still consider one of the all time best for the entire production. It was the first time I saw anyone use the bracelets as part of their light show. Funny thing… depending on your seat, you HAD to enter through certain entrances. Two of the four in my group had tickets on the floor, but I managed to sweet talk them into letting them enter with me…I could see exactly where she was sitting the entire night because their bracelets were doing what the entire stadium, except for the floor seats, were doing.
Very, very cool show, and I wasn’t even a huge fan of hers, and still don’t listen much, but I would go see her anytime, anywhere. She’s a lovely, funny, intelligent person, and I’m amazed she manages to stay that way.
47 Cathy Haggerty // Dec 8, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Thank you Brian for the tribute.
48 Annie Cassidy Gaffney // Dec 8, 2024 at 2:39 PM
Beautiful, Thank you. And WHAT A PHOTO!!!
49 Nadine Condon // Dec 9, 2024 at 11:27 AM
Nicely expressed.
50 Mary Parsons // Dec 9, 2024 at 3:59 PM
I always love your stories comparing TS shows to Dead shows. I get it. I love it so much.
How can I get my hands on that Stealie Taylor sticker?! I love that!
51 Brian Hassett // Dec 9, 2024 at 5:25 PM
Hey! Thanks, Mary! I wish I knew where to get them. I just downloaded the image a year ago. I can’t find it for sale anywhere – wish I could. Maybe I or one of us should just make one.
52 Terri Jones // Dec 10, 2024 at 11:03 AM
Well done & I enjoyed it.
Bravo!
53 Stevo Nelson // Dec 10, 2024 at 6:43 PM
I’d go see her & I’m an old dead head, doesn’t take a genius to understand & appreciate good live music. Maybe lil ol humble genuine Taylor should run for president next term if we get thru this one unscathed … an just like the Dead sing – “That’s right the women are smarter” – an i believe they are.
btw, everything you said nails it Brian.
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