Photos and Review by Jim LaValley
Galleries: Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Gayle
Friday night, May 19, 2023 was one for the history books. Taylor Swift headlined Gillette Stadium in Foxboro Massachusetts with her “Eras Tour,” alongside opening acts GAYLE and Phoebe Bridgers. The Eras Tour was the first time Swift is back in “Foxy Foxborough” since the Reputation Tour back in 2018 after releasing 4 new albums over the past 5 years.
The opening act of the night was 18-year-old GAYLE rocking out with her orange Fender bass guitar to “Everybody Hates Me.” The crowd was bouncing up and down, singing along to the singer’s hit song “abcdefu,” which was Grammy nominated for Song of the Year this past year.
Phoebe Bridgers and her crew of skeletons brought so much energy and excitement to the crowd when they came out to perform with many different instruments, including a trumpet. Playing 9 songs like her raging hit “I Know the End” really got the crowd ready for the countdown to Taylor Swift’s epic tour of 45 songs lasting over 3 hours.
Currently being considered the greatest show on earth, each era of Taylor Swift’s show was like little mini concerts all rolled up into one spectacular evening. Many people of all ages joined together to celebrate the legion of Swift Nation. The fans were incredibly friendly passing out and trading hand-made friendship bracelets, including mine, given to me by a fan.
The first song to bless the ears of the exhilarated fans was from the album Lover, “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” where Swift came out sparkling from head to toe in a sea of violet and coral parachutes. Song after song, outfit after outfit, era after era, Swift kept the entire stadium of 70,000 fans engaged. They would sing along, be a part of the show with colorful Bluetooth bracelets, or just love the whole vibe by waving their hands in the air along with the music. It did not matter where your seats were that night because everyone in the stadium was able to truly enjoy a show of a lifetime. This proved to be true when Swift played songs from her 1989 album “Blank Space” or “Bad Blood.” The stadium erupted harmoniously alongside Taylor while she sang some of her most famous songs.
This show was a combination of all aspects of the live music industry coming together for a master production of lights, sound, wardrobe/costumes, stage experience, high-resolution displays, and with a whopping 45 song setlist. Anyone in attendance was treated with a beautiful long-term memory.
At one point I noticed the decibel level from an app on my phone. It was 100-105 decibels but the sound still sounded great. I could appreciate the sound quality because it wasn’t cranking at 120-125 decibels.
If Taylor Swift is coming to your area, make it a point to get tickets to a show because it is a phenomenal production/performance. I think I am now a “swiftie” ?.