Taylor Swift delighted fans in Zürich with two mashups of her iconic breakup anthems during the first night of her two-show stint in the Swiss city. The performance, which took place on July 9, was part of her record-breaking Eras Tour and marked her 113th show. Swift, known for her love of the number 13, mentioned this milestone to the crowd, adding a personal touch to the evening.
Dressed in a vibrant orange outfit, Swift began her acoustic set at the far end of her massive catwalk, addressing the enthusiastic audience. “I wanted to come hang out with you guys back here because you have been going absolutely insane all night,” she said, setting the tone for an intimate and memorable segment of the concert.
Swift kicked off the acoustic set with “Right Where You Left Me” from her album “Evermore” and “All You Had to Do Was Stay” from “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” The sold-out crowd at Stadion Letzigrund sang along to the slow-paced melodies, creating a magical atmosphere under the open roof of the stadium. Despite the high temperatures, which reached 89 degrees earlier in the day, the energy remained high. Swift even paused during “All Too Well” to ask security to hand out water bottles to the audience, a gesture she has made frequently during her European shows to ensure fan safety.
After finishing the guitar mashup, Swift moved to the piano and acknowledged the significance of the date. “Happy July 9th for those who celebrate,” she said before playing “Last Kiss” from “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” The song famously mentions the date with the line, “that July 9th, the beat of your heart.” She seamlessly combined it with “Sad Beautiful Tragic” from “Red (Taylor’s Version),” creating a poignant moment for the fans.
This performance was particularly special as it fell on a date memorialized in Swift’s music. A year ago, she performed “Last Kiss” on the guitar in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 8, the closest concert date to July 9. The Zürich show was a nostalgic nod to that performance, adding another layer of connection for her dedicated fans.
The Eras Tour has been a monumental journey for Swift, and her Zürich shows are no exception. The tour, which has spanned multiple continents, has seen Swift perform in various cities, each with its unique setlist and surprises. The Zürich concert was her first-ever show in Switzerland, making it a historic event for both Swift and her Swiss fans.
During the Lover section of her set, Swift acknowledged the heat and praised the audience for their enthusiasm. “You’re still dancing like crazy,” she said. “Immediate bonus points right off the bat.” The crowd’s energy was palpable, and Swift’s performance reflected that, with her delivering each song with passion and precision.
Swift’s acoustic set is a highlight of the Eras Tour, featuring a selection of songs unique to each date. For the Zürich show, she chose some of her favorite songs, aligning with her favorite number, 13. The mashup of “Right Where You Left Me” and “All You Had to Do Was Stay” was a treat for fans, showcasing Swift’s versatility as a performer.
The significance of July 9 in Swift’s music added an emotional depth to the concert. The date is mentioned in “Last Kiss,” a song from her “Speak Now” album, which she re-released as “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” The re-release has been a significant part of Swift’s journey to reclaim her music, and performing the song on this date was a powerful statement.
Swift’s performance in Zürich was not just a concert; it was an experience. The combination of her heartfelt songs, the enthusiastic crowd, and the historical significance of the date made it a night to remember. As she continues her Eras Tour, each show brings new surprises and moments of connection with her fans.
The Eras Tour star has one more night in the Swiss capital before moving on to her next destination. Fans in Zürich and around the world eagerly await each performance, knowing that Swift will continue to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Source: USA Today, Nashville Tennessean, People