Music - Waiting for Taylor Swift: Fans are ready for "Eras Tour"
In "Swiftkirchen," the countdown is running. Hours before the first Germany concert of Taylor Swift in Gelsenkirchen, numerous fans eagerly awaited the US superstar. Protecting themselves from a few short but heavy showers, they used rain ponchos and umbrellas.
At the Veltins-Arena, many young women sat and stood, dressed in glitter and sequins - but not all "Swifties" are young and female. Gerrit Kludt and Denis Öhl from Hattingen, for instance, want to be as close as possible to the stage in the evening.
The two are childhood friends, and they hardly listen to pop music. But Taylor Swift is different, Gerrit explained. "Denis was the zero patient. He got me into it last summer, and then somehow it all came together," he said. When they had the opportunity to buy tickets for the front row through the fan sale in early 2023, they jumped at the chance.
"Going deeper into this universe"
"Even though that's quite unusual, if you put it that way," Gerrit thought: "Two guys in their mid-30s, who, according to classical categories, aren't necessarily the target audience."
Besides the music, Gerrit is particularly impressed by the elaborate production of the "Eras Tour," he said. The namesake concert film, he had seen twice in the cinema in the fall. "Somehow, you get drawn deeper and deeper into this universe."
Merchandise and concert outfits
Meanwhile, various Taylor Swift references can be seen in Gerrit's apartment: framed tour posters, a sofa cushion with song lyrics, and a coffee mug. One song title, whose meaning he likes, he had even had tattooed on his upper arm: "Anti-Hero," or Antihero.
For their outfits for the concert, the two friends had also given some thought. Since they want to forego glitter, they both wear Travis Kelce's football jersey. The player for the Kansas City Chiefs has been in a relationship with Swift since the previous year.
Some fans have been waiting for a good view of the stage for hours
A few friendship bracelets for exchange with other "Swifties" they also brought along. In the front row, they didn't necessarily have to stand there at all costs, Denis and Gerrit said. Their height would ensure a good view. In the morning, they had both set off for Gelsenkirchen.
Some fans had been there since 4:30 a.m. A few hundred fans had gathered at the site early in the morning. "We've been here since 4:30 a.m.," said Emily, the 18-year-old. She had brought not only snacks but also card games to pass the time. "I'm so excited to see Taylor, and the atmosphere will also be great," she said. Seeing so many other "Swifties" was also exciting.
The promoter FKP Scorpio warned on its website that camping on the premises was not allowed. Some "Swifties" had camped out near the site despite this. Fans without tickets also gathered around the arena from midday on to listen to the concert from outside.
"The bright cowboy hats catch the eye. But the fans around the arena behave absolutely peacefully," a spokesperson for the Gelsenkirchen police said after taking a picture on site in the morning. "They're all just excited about the concert tonight."
Fans hope for their favorite songs
The fans passed the time in their camping chairs by speculating about the upcoming show. "We're also talking about what surprise songs could come tonight," said "Swiftie" Alessia. To the three-and-a-half-hour set of the singer, there always come two surprise songs that she performs solo at the piano or on the guitar.
In the line at the Swag-booths, some fans spent their time as well. "We want to buy shirts for ourselves and for friends at home," said Olivia. She was there with her friend Meadow and Meadow's mother Kristina, who had traveled from Michigan.
Approximately 200,000 fans are expected in Gelsenkirchen for the three Swift concerts on July 17, 18, and 19. Shows in Germany will follow in Hamburg and Munich.
- Amidst the excitement, Gerrit and Denis, despite being in their mid-30s, became avid "Swifties" in Gelsenkirchen, eagerly waiting for the countdown to Taylor Swift's Germany concert at the Veltins-Arena.
- As the countdown for Taylor Swift's concert in Gelsenkirchen neared, numerous fans patiently waited in the rain, protecting themselves with rain ponchos and umbrellas.
- Over at Swift Church, the anticipation was palpable as the population of North Rhine-Westphalia eagerly awaited the arrival of their beloved pop star, Taylor Swift.
- At the concert, women of all ages adorned in glitter and sequins were a common sight, joining the dedicated "Swifties" like Gerrit and Denis, proving that Taylor Swift's fanbase is vast and diverse.
- In the lead-up to Taylor Swift's Germany concert in Gelsenkirchen, the McFly-esque countdown on the big screen created an electric atmosphere, sending shivers down the spines of fans who braved the bad weather.
- Regarding their concert attire, Gerrit and Denis opted for unconventional choices, donning Travis Kelce's football jersey to stand out among the glittering sea of women in the front row of Taylor Swift's Gelsenkirchen concert.
- After the Germany concerts in Gelsenkirchen, the Swifties headed to Hamburg and Munich, continuing their countdown for each anticipated concert of the "Eras Tour" in Germany, fueled by their undying love for the pop star.
