Taylor Swift performs during the opening show of the Toronto dates of The Eras Tour on Thursday, November 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
TORONTO – After a long wait, Taylor Swift finally brought her highly anticipated Eras Tour to Canada, kicking off the first of six sold-out shows at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on Thursday night. For her devoted fans, the wait was worth it.
Decked out in sequins, cowboy hats, and creative outfits inspired by Swift’s lyrics, thousands of "Swifties" packed the stadium to see the global superstar perform. And Swift didn’t disappoint, delivering an electrifying and heartfelt show that left the audience buzzing.
“Oh, Toronto, we are so back!” Swift exclaimed early on, pausing to take in the deafening cheers of nearly 49,000 fans. The energy in the venue was palpable, a testament to the city’s excitement, which has been building for weeks. From adjusted transit routes to heightened security measures, Toronto fully embraced Swift's arrival, promoting the concerts as a major cultural moment.
“You’ve turned this into something that feels bigger than a concert,” Swift told the crowd. “The way Toronto has welcomed us—it’s something truly special.”
The night began with “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” and “Cruel Summer” from her 2019 album Lover, setting the tone for a nearly three-hour spectacle. Divided into ten “mini-sets” representing her 11 studio albums, the performance showcased her evolution as an artist.
With vibrant pyrotechnics, intricate lighting, and a massive digital screen projecting her every move, the production was nothing short of dazzling. Audience members were equipped with LED wristbands that lit up in coordinated colors, adding an interactive touch to the evening. Swift’s setlist was a mix of fan favorites like “Bad Blood,” “Cardigan,” and “Blank Space,” alongside surprise tracks including “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” and “False God.”
Toronto’s debut of The Eras Tour is part of the tour’s final stretch, which began in March 2023 and has spanned five continents with nearly 150 performances. After Toronto’s six shows, Swift will wrap up with three dates in Vancouver in early December.
Swift also added some Canadian flair to her performance. Her dancer, Kameron Saunders, humorously adapted a line from “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” with a playful Canadian twist: “Sorry aboot it,” he quipped, earning laughs and cheers. Later, Swift reflected on her Folklore album, suggesting its themes of wilderness and natural beauty felt right at home in Canada.
“Doesn’t it seem like the entire Folklore era belongs in Canada?” she mused. The crowd’s thunderous response suggested they wholeheartedly agreed.
For fans like Jennifer Fetters and her daughter Abigail, the concert was a dream come true. “She told me I needed to pinch her because she felt like she was dreaming,” said Fetters. “This is even more exciting than Disney World.”
The frenzy for tickets, which went on sale in August 2023, was fierce, with all six Toronto dates selling out almost instantly. Yet even fans without tickets found ways to join the celebration, gathering outside the venue to sing, exchange friendship bracelets, and share their enthusiasm.
As the show neared its end, the crowd chanted Swift’s name in unison. Visibly moved, Swift expressed her gratitude. “This is why everyone loves Canadians,” she said with a wide smile. “You’ve welcomed us so flawlessly to Toronto.”
With her first night in the city complete, it’s clear that Swift and her fans have created a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
