Gelsenkirchen - Waiting for Taylor Swift: Fans are ready for the "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, adorned in glitter and sequin dresses, sat and stood. However, not all "Swifties" are young and female. For instance, Gerrit Kludt and Denis Öhl from Hattingen plan to be as close as possible to the stage.
Taylor Swift electrifies all genders and age categories
These childhood friends, who rarely listen to pop music, shared an unusual experience with Taylor, according to Gerrit. "Denis was the zero patient. He introduced me to her last summer, and somehow it all came together," he said. When they received the opportunity to buy tickets for the front row near the stage through the fan sale in early 2023, they didn't hesitate.
"Even though it's quite unusual, as they say, for two guys, in their mid-30s, to be in the target audience," Gerrit remarked.
Besides the music, Gerrit was particularly impressed by the elaborate production of the "Eras Tour," he said. He had watched the concert film named after the tour twice in the fall. "Somehow, you get drawn deeper into this universe," he added.
Special outfits and accessories are a must-have for the "Swifties"
Now, various Taylor references can be seen in his apartment: framed tour posters, a sofa cushion with song lyrics, and a coffee mug. One song title, whose meaning he likes, Gerrit had tattooed on his upper arm: "Anti-Hero," or Antihero, is the title.
In preparation for the concert, the two friends had also thought about their outfits. Since they wanted to avoid glitter, they both wore Travis Kelce's football jersey. The Kansas City Chiefs player has been in a relationship with Swift since the previous year.
Some fans wait for hours for a good view
Some friendship bracelets to exchange with other "Swifties" they had brought along. However, they didn't need to stand in the front row at all costs, Denis and Gerrit said. Their height would ensure a good view. In the morning, they had set off for Gelsenkirchen.
Some fans had been there since early morning to secure a good view of the stage. A few hundred fans had gathered at the waiting area as early as 4:30 a.m. "We've been here since 4:30 a.m.," said Emily, the 18-year-old, who had brought snacks and card games to pass the time. "I'm so excited to see Taylor, and the atmosphere will be amazing," she added. Seeing so many other "Swifties" was also exciting.
The organizer FKP Scorpio warned on its website that camping on the premises was not allowed. Some "Swifties" had camped near the venue despite this. Fans without tickets also gathered around the arena in the afternoon to listen to the concert from outside.
"The bright cowboy hats catch the eye. But the fans around the arena behave absolutely peacefully," a Gelsenkirchen police spokesperson 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 from Taylor Swift
Despite the warning, some fans had camped near the venue. Fans without tickets also gathered around the arena in the afternoon to listen to the concert from outside.
"The bright cowboy hats catch the eye. But the fans around the arena behave absolutely peacefully," a Gelsenkirchen police spokesperson said after taking a picture on site in the morning. "They're all just excited about the concert tonight."
Fans were eagerly anticipating their favorite songs from Taylor Swift. Many had prepared themselves with their favorite outfits and accessories, reflecting their love for the artist. The excitement was palpable as the day progressed, and the anticipation grew stronger with each passing hour. The fans were ready to immerse themselves in the world of Taylor Swift and create unforgettable memories.
Fans passed the time in their camping chairs speculating about the upcoming show. "We're also talking about what surprise songs tonight could be", said "Swiftie" Alessia. To the three-and-a-half hour set of the singer, there always belong two surprise songs that she performs alone at the piano or the guitar.
In line for the merchandise stands, some fans spent their time as well. "We want to buy shirts for ourselves and also for friends at home", said Olivia. She was there with her friend Meadow and Meadow's mother Kristina from Michigan.
Gelsenkirchen anticipates around 200,000 fans for the three Swift concerts on July 17, 18, and 19. Following Germany shows will take place in Hamburg and Munich.
- The Sweden tour film titled "Eras" had left a strong impression on Gerrit, even inspiring him to get a tattoo of the song "Anti-Hero."
- Emily, an 18-year-old fan, had been at the Veltins-Arena since 4:30 a.m., bringing snacks and card games to pass the time before the concert.
- Gerrit and Denis, despite being in their mid-30s, decided to wear Travis Kelce's football jersey to the concert, as he is in a relationship with Taylor Swift.
- North Rhine-Westphalia, specifically Gelsenkirchen, was expecting approximately 200,000 fans for Taylor Swift's three concerts on July 17, 18, and 19.
- Located in Gelsenkirchen, the Veltins-Arena was bustling with excitement as countless fans dressed in sequin and glitter attire awaited the US superstar, Taylor Swift.
- People from all over Germany, including Hattingen's Gerrit Kludt and Denis Öhl, traveled to the Swift Church in Gelsenkirchen for the highly anticipated concert.
