Era Seven is here
It’s time…to enter an era we didn’t anticipate but were extremely grateful for in the midst of endless lockdown: folklore.
(This album was a major departure from her successes in pop and moved to a more indie, folk/rock genre. It was the first time Swift collaborated with Aaron Dessner of The National; it was the first time that Bon Iver’s hauntingly beautiful voice made an appearance – a match made in heaven; and it was the first time that his longtime partner (at the time) Joe Alwyn helped co-write some of the songs. )
Now it’s time to sit down and embark on a journey through Taylor’s folklores.
Key events
Steph Harmon
I wasn’t expecting this, but Taylor Swift’s collaborators just sent over some VERY special official photos taken earlier this evening. Straight to our inbox, just for you.
Please keep sending us pics, Taylor Swift friends!
On stage, she just finished Last Great American Dynasty, which involved A LOT of Taylor screaming, and is now singing August.
Outfits for folklore
Think of the cottagecore aesthetic that exploded on TikTok a few years ago and you’ve entered the era of folklore.
Taylor usually wears this gorgeous Alberta Ferretti ruffle and flare look for this era:
The dress comes in purple, white or green during some of the most emotional parts of the show. My favorite is the green number, which she is wearing tonight in Melbourne!
I’m so excited to see other August girls dancing with Swift at the MCG tonight.
Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to shooting victim’s family
Let’s pause to note that Taylor Swift just donated $100,000 to the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 44-year-old Kansas City Chiefs fan who was killed this week in a shooting at their victory parade after the Superbowl.
THE GoFundMe was created Thursday with the goal of raising $75,000 for her husband and two children. On the site, an hour ago, an account under the name “Taylor Swift” made a donation of $50,000 then, eight minutes later, a second donation of the same amount: “I send you my most sincere condolences following your devastating loss. . With love, Taylor Swift,” the donation note read.
The donations were confirmed to Variety by Swift’s representative.
the folklore continues
At this time, Swift gives us seven songs, which is really nice.
Depending on how she feels, the first song of this era is string 1 or invisible. Tonight Melburnians got the 1 – the sadder of the two songs.
For context: we know that The Invisible Chain was written about Joe (her ex) and how the couple were always destined to be together because, as she sings, “one golden thread tied me together yours”. When the Eras tour began, this relationship ended, and perhaps because it was too heartbreaking to play, the 1 was replaced: this is a relo that could have been the 1.
The opening is followed by Betty, the last great American dynasty, August (my favorite), in the illicit affairs bridge, my tears ricochet and the unique cardigan.
All of these songs according to Taylor are works of fiction, with different characters and folk tales. For example, the triptych of Betty, Cardigan, and August all follow a story of characters intertwined by romance. These are intimate songs without being taken directly from Swift’s diary.
Here she sings at a past concert for those watching at home xx
Steph Harmon
We just received the best review from a reader, Viona Fung.
“Thanks for your live blog on Taylor Swifts’ first Eras concert in Melbourne this evening.
Not having tickets to the concert, we are creating our own Swift moments by following the set list on your blog and playing the songs at home. We feel love.
Attached you will find a watercolor tribute to the music icon of our century and the superb costume of Roberto Cavilli, painted by my ten year old daughter this evening.
We feel lucky to be a part of the Swiftie era, even remotely.
Actually, I’m tearing up a bit here. Please keep emailing us, it brings all the feels: [email protected]
Era Seven is here
It’s time…to enter an era we didn’t anticipate but were extremely grateful for in the midst of endless lockdown: folklore.
(This album was a major departure from her successes in pop and moved to a more indie, folk/rock genre. It was the first time Swift collaborated with Aaron Dessner of The National; it was the first time that Bon Iver’s hauntingly beautiful voice made an appearance – a match made in heaven; and it was the first time that his longtime partner (at the time) Joe Alwyn helped co-write some of the songs. )
Now it’s time to sit down and embark on a journey through Taylor’s folklores.
Back to Taylor injecting some Australian slang into We Are Never Getting Back Together.
The aesthetic of this era is basically taken from his 22 music video from 2013.
Tay wears the famous T-shirt (the lyrics change depending on the show), with a Gladys Tamex hat that she gives to a fan.
When it’s time for All Too Well (10 minute version), Taylor transforms into a long, shimmering red coat (again), with ends dipped in black and paired with a red guitar. All she needs is her pick and her guitar: a moment of silence for this song.
I’m exhausted from writing all these different changes of settings and eras, imagine what it would be like to perform them.
Taylor Swift is a superwoman.
Sian Cain
I just turned to a row of significantly older guys standing nearby watching and asked them who they were. “We are the riggers!” »
I asked, gesturing toward the stage, “Is that very impressive?” One said: “This is truly amazing mate. »
Taylor just gave the hat to a little girl and is now singing We Are Never Getting Back Together.
The girl looks so happy!
There’s a really special moment in this era where Taylor gives his black hat to an audience member in the crowd during song 22.
If you are lucky in Melbourne, congratulations!!
Era six… Red!
Loving Him Was Red
Everyone’s bracelets turned RED!
The Sixth Act is the 2012 record where Swift started turning to pop, left her scarf at Jake Gyllenhaal’s sister’s house, and wore that famous “there’s not much going on right now” t-shirt in his 22 clip.
For this era, Tay Tay performs banger after banger, starting with 22, followed by We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, I Knew You Were Trouble and All Too Well (10 minute version).
Absolutely screaming, crying and vomiting that we were getting the magnus opus, the 10 minute version – I didn’t expect it to be so generous! But alas, the fans made this song huge, so we must be rewarded.
Claire almost started crying while watching the horrible Long Live live stream, which just ended.
Red is next!
“Some of the happiest people I have ever seen”
Here’s what it all looks like from the bottom, courtesy of our colleague Meadow Nguyen.
Our deputy sports editor, Jo Khan, is at level four and “the energy is incredible. I’m surrounded by glitter and cowboy hats and some of the happiest people I’ve ever seen.
Taylor totally transforms again for this short but memorable Speak Now moment, delighting us all with a soft, bright dress, made by Nicole + Félicia Couture.
But if you think that’s beautiful, Taylor also wore this stunning purple dress (shaped like a pastry) for this ensemble:
And even this slightly different custom dress (from the first dress) Zuhair Murad Couture.
At least her outfits give this two-song set some variety. Can’t wait to see what she wears for the Melbourne and Sydney shows.