Being the global superstar she is, it was no surprise that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour would be a success. However, few would have anticipated the juggernaut it became – setting records and bringing people together. It showed the power of music and the positive impact an artist can have on the world.
After reviewing various online forums and surveys, we created a list of 12 ways in which Taylor Swift’s Eras tour took over the entire world.
Economic Impact
Swift’s stadium concert tour made a substantial contribution to the global economy. As she took her shows on the road, fans traveled to attend, boosting local economies of various countries by spending on accommodations, dining, and multiple services. Cities hosting her performances experienced a notable economic upturn. The average expenditure per show by concertgoers, approximately $1,300, directly translated into economic growth.
High Craft & Bracelet Sales
The song “You’re On Your Own Kid” from the Midnights album features the lyrics, “So make the friendship bracelets/Take the moment and taste it” sparked a widespread interest in creating friendship bracelets. This resulted in a 40% increase in jewelry sales at Michael’s craft stores – the most significant art and crafts provider in North America. Furthermore, the stores near the Eras Tour stops experienced a 300% surge in beads and jewelry sales. Michaels has actively supported Swifties by facilitating the creation of over 22,000 bracelets through in-store classes. This trend has transcended the realm of music fandoms and resonated with other groups adopting the tradition of exchanging bracelets.
Bringing Generations Together
Swift’s music has a broad appeal across different age groups. The Eras Tour successfully brought together multiple generations, with parents and children attending the concerts as avid Taylor Swift fans. The concerts helped them bond stronger and created memories for families. About one-fifth of the attendees had their parents accompanying them, while 31% attended with their children and almost 20% with their siblings. Moreover, the concerts have had a varied age group of attendees, with the majority (58%) in the 35-64 year-old bracket.
Dominating the Social Media Landscape
Fans unable to attend the concert can still enjoy highlights from the series of concerts on TikTok, where view counts have exceeded 30,000 per stream. Content from the Eras Tour has gained significant traction, amassing over 1.9 million videos on TikTok, with an average of 380 million daily views. Taylor Swift integrated fan-generated trends into her tour choreography, showcasing the viral Bejeweled dance.
Pioneering Stage Design
The Eras Tour stages were meticulously designed with a creative and innovative approach. Each show was themed according to the era of the songs performed, resulting in visually stunning stage settings that enhanced the overall beauty of the concert. It also meant hiring designers and creative professionals to accomplish the job. The innovative stage design sparked extensive discussions throughout the tour, setting a new benchmark for future concerts. The cost of the stage design is estimated to be over $100 million.
Boost in Merchandise Sales
The merchandise sales during the Eras Tour were exceptional, with fans purchasing T-shirts and posters to commemorate the concert. Taylor Swift earned around $200 million from selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other merchandise featuring her name and logo, which again reflected the strong connection she has with her fans.
Highlighting Social Issues
Taylor Swift leveraged her tour to highlight significant social issues such as women’s rights, equality, and mental health. Her impactful messages have resonated with millions, effectively raising awareness and promoting positive change. The speeches she delivered during her tour have sparked widespread sharing and debate, underscoring how she uses her platform for the greater good.
Charitable Contributions
Taylor Swift has been deeply committed to philanthropy and has consistently made generous contributions throughout her career. During the ongoing Eras Tour, she made a substantial donation to the Seattle Food Lifeline, acquiring several thousand pounds of fresh produce for local food banks. She also covered the cost of 75,000 meals at a local food bank in Denver, Colorado. Her philanthropic endeavors have included donations to those in need through platforms, contributing books to public libraries and schools, and even assisting disaster relief efforts. These initiatives prove that despite all the glamor, she is still dedicated to making a meaningful impact in diverse communities.
Special Guests and Surprises
During Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the surprise performances and special guest appearances have been a highlight for fans. Notable guests have included Ice Spice, who performed “Karma” with Swift, and Marcus Mumford, who joined her for “Cowboy Like Me.” Aaron Dessner, a frequent collaborator, also made appearances to perform songs like “The Great War” and “Mad Woman.” Other notable guests included Phoebe Bridgers, Jack Antonoff, and Maren Morris.
Media Coverage
The Eras tour by Taylor Swift has been extensively covered by major media outlets, making it one of the most reported-on events in recent music history. Major platforms like The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Variety have featured numerous articles, reviews, and interviews. This broad media attention has amplified its cultural impact, ensuring widespread public engagement and discussion.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales
The ticket sales for Swift’s tour were exceptional. Upon release to fans worldwide, they were immediately sold out. The demand was high, as fans all over the globe were eager to grab the opportunity to see Taylor Swift perform. This generated $1.04 billion worth of ticket sales, making it the highest-selling tour ever and proving how much fans adore Swift and her songs.
Shattering Attendance Records
The Eras Tour broke attendance records almost every other day. Most notably, her performance for three consecutive nights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia broke records, with 288,000 people attending over three days. While the tour is slated until December 2024, attendance records have already been set in at least eight Eras tour venues. Swift even spurred “Taylor-gating” events, attracting thousands of fans to gather and celebrate outside the venues.
