“We’re so back!” »: Taylor Swift thanks Canadian fans as Toronto race begins

Taylor Swift took his time to bring the Tour of the eras in Canada, but after her first night in Toronto, it’s clear that for Swifties, all is forgiven.

Dressed in sequins, cowboy hats and extravagant outfits making obscure references to the pop star’s lyrics, Swift’s fans gathered at the Rogers Center on Thursday to see their wildest dreams come true.

And Swift reciprocated their affection with a tireless performance that offered a generous helping of affection from the start.

“Oh Toronto, we’re so back!” she exclaimed during the first of many breaks she took throughout the night to be lulled by the overwhelming screams of the nearly 49,000 fans in the room.

Even Swift seemed stunned by Toronto’s enthusiasm, which has reached fever pitch in recent weeks with authorities changing transit routes, deploying security and enthusiastically promoting concerts and side events as a highlight for tourists.

“You turned this into something that feels like more than just a concert,” Swift said.

“The way the city of Toronto has embraced us and welcomed us, we notice all of that, and it’s encouraging.” It feels so good and is so different from any other experience I’ve had before.

The singer opened with “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” and “Cruel Summer” from her 2019 album “Lover.” It was the first of 10 mini sets in the evening that represented eras from her 11 studio albums.

For about three hours, Swift performed almost nonstop in front of a huge digital screen that projected her image into the rafters.

A stunning array of pyrotechnics and lights punctuated his performance while audience members were given LED bracelets that lit up in a sea of ​​colors to represent each era.

Swift mixed big hits “Bad Blood,” “Cardigan” and “Blank Space” with deeper cuts, including surprise songs “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” and “False God.”

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Its first evening in Toronto marks the beginning of the end of the ambitious Eras Tour which began in March 2023 and has landed on five continents with nearly 150 performances.

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She will play two weekends, a total of six dates, at the Rogers Centre, ending November 23. The Eras tour will then head to Vancouver for three final shows at BC Place from December 6-8.

On the first night, Swift ensured that the proceedings had an unmistakable Canadian touch.

Earlier in the evening, Swift’s dancer Kameron Saunders hopped on the mic for his moment in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Saunders recently became a favorite among Swifties for replacing Swift’s “like ever” phrase in the song with an improvised throwback that speaks to each country’s native language. In Toronto he went with a fake Canadian accent.

“Sorry,” he proclaimed with a smirk.

Later, while launching into the “folklore” era, Swift suggested that her sweater album might be better suited to the North.

“Doesn’t it seem that the entire era of “folklore” belongs to Canada? » she asked to a roar from the audience.

“The kind of place I imagined in my mind, where the ‘folklore’ took place, is very natural: wild, beautiful nature, forests that have existed since the dawn of time. And it feels like we’re bringing the “folklore” era back where it belongs anyway.

Canadian fans have been waiting for over a year for Swift to come to town.

Jennifer Fetters said her young daughter Abigail crossed out the days on a calendar waiting for the moment when she would finally see Swift in the flesh.

“She told me in line that I had to pinch her because she felt like she was in a dream,” the mother said.

“We are so grateful to be here,” she added. “It’s even more exciting than Disney World.”

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Fans gather at Taylgate ’24 ahead of first show

Tickets for Toronto dates of The Eras Tour went on sale in August 2023 and sparked a frenzy as hopeful buyers vied for pre-sale codes and jostled for spots in queues virtual events on the Ticketmaster website.

Many left empty-handed, as demand far outstripped supply and the six dates at the Rogers Center quickly sold out.

That didn’t stop superfans from coming to downtown Toronto for Swiftmania Central. Even those who didn’t have tickets gathered to sing songs, make friendship bracelets, and compliment each other on their carefully crafted outfits.

Towards the end of the show, Swift took one last moment to digest her Canadian reception, as the crowd began chanting “Taylor!” Taylor! Taylor! »

“This is why everyone loves Canadians,” she said, extending her arms to the crowd.

Later, she added: “You made us feel very welcome in Toronto. »

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