#SPOTTED: TAYLOR SWIFT IN TORONTO FOR THE ERAS TOUR

Me and Karma vibe like that! I had been trying to land a single ticket to any of Taylor Swift‘s The Eras Tour shows in Toronto. Having been to most of her prior tours, I’d never have expected to have faced the roadblocks and limitations I did this time around. Let’s not even mention reseller prices! With a verification system that guarded those without a code from getting access to tickets, things seemed hopeless. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones last year when tickets first were released, to gain “verified” access, so you can understand my frustration seeing resellers snatch-up tickets in abundance. You’d think an easy way to verify a legitimate fan is to look at streaming data or merchandise purchases right? How about using that as a data point to determine who gets “protected” ticket access?

It was heartbreaking in the least to hear about last minute ticket drops that were happening, only to be greeted with a message on my Ticketmaster account that I did not have the necessary verification to purchase a ticket. ONE SINGLE TICKET.

I’ve always been of the belief that you get back what you give and when you do good for others, they will do that to you. One “Tayngel” who saw my struggles on Social Media getting tickets, randomly messaged me the other day early in the morning asking if was still manifesting tickets. You better bet!

Fast-forward one day later in which I found it incredibly tough to focus on anything as I was beaming with joy and excitement at the thought of finally getting to attend the Tour. I found myself in complete disbelief that I was actually there at Rogers Centre, with a great seat nonetheless.

I’ve never seen merchandise queues like the ones I’ve seen for this Tour. People queued up the stairs and lines coiled around multiple times just for a chance to buy a tour t-shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt or totes. Many of which already are sold out. Unless you want a size 4XL hoodie because by showtime that’s all that was left in some instances. This is the power of Taylor!

Having seen the concert film and already having a ball at that, I knew what to expect with this live show. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to see the just-added The Tortured Poets Department era added to the setlist, plus surprise songs are always cool to see unveiled! I do not know how Taylor does it. Three-and-a-half hours straight with no breaks and she still sounds great and looks like she’s got plenty left in the tank at the end of it all. We look more winded in the audience on our feet than she does, and she’s doing all the work!

THE ERAS TOUR is a cultural moment. To have the privilege of witnessing it in person is a flex the lucky ones who attended, will hold in their backpocket for a lifetime of stories. The communal experience of sharing mutual love and respect for one Artist, all with a very supportive and inclusive energy among the fans, is truly a remarkable accomplishment.

I fear Taylor really is closing a chapter with this Tour as she continues on her artistic journey. I can only hope we can witness the magic of these songs again in future tours again one day!

Some highlights from the dazzling spectacle that is THE ERAS TOUR:

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Some other related moments to my journey to the Tour:

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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)