For days, the colorful “Swifties” dominated the Vienna cityscape. Despite concert cancellations due to the threat of terrorism, they sang in the city, organized picnics and flash mobs. But not a word has been heard from their great idol, the 34-year-old singer Taylor Swift, about the canceled Vienna concerts.
On Thursday, the US superstar returned to the stage for the first time. Fans around the world waited anxiously to hear what the singer had to say about the alleged attack plans of the suspected jihadists from Ternitz. But Swift remained silent.
Im sold-out Wembley Stadium in London in front of around 90,000 people The first of a total of five concerts took place. Security measures were also increased there, and gatherings around the stadium were prohibited. However, the police in London felt prepared and said that the investigations in Austria would have no immediate impact on the shows in Great Britain.
“A lot going on at the moment”
What was striking was that Swift had a T-shirt with the inscription “A lot going on at the moment” (“A lot is happening right now”). This was interpreted by some on social media as a reaction to the concert cancellations.
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Some fans were really disappointed in their idol. “I have never been so disappointed in my life”writes one user. Another: “I feel sad, angry and disappointed. We don’t ask for much. We just want recognition that we existed. That the Eras Tour in Vienna was a thing.”
At the concert, the singer remained silent not only about Vienna, but also about the knife attack in the coastal town of Southport. Three girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift dance class there at the end of July, and right-wing extremists used this as an excuse for riots. Swift only expressed her shock on Instagram at the time and, according to the BBC, is said to have contacted the families.
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The only Austrian reference and the only surprise at the show in London remained a joint performance with Ed Sheeranwho opened the Frequency Festival in St. Pölten on Wednesday.
Swift will be playing concerts in London until Tuesday, followed by shows in the US and Canada in October, November and December.