Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

A musical metamorphosis: The Eras Tour

A+musical+metamorphosis%3A+The+Eras+Tour

Spoiler Warning

With its awe-inspiring grandeur, undeniable charisma, and repertoire that spans Taylor Swift’s illustrious career, “The Eras Tour” has captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide, solidifying its place as an unforgettable spectacle. The monumental undertaking is destined to etch itself into the annals of music history for generations to come. 

“The Eras Tour” has transcended the boundaries of a typical concert, morphing into a transformative experience that amalgamates artistry, storytelling, and pure entertainment.  Swift, a luminary in the music industry, has masterfully curated an evening of sonic enchantment, where each meticulously choreographed performance reverberates with a myriad of emotions, leaving the audience spellbound.

From her humble beginnings as a country sensation to her metamorphosis into a pop powerhouse, every era of her career is brought to life on stage. 

With unparalleled stage production, captivating visuals, and a seamless blend of old and new, “The Eras Tour” takes audiences on an extraordinary journey through time. Fans are immersed in nostalgia for hits that catapulted Swift into stardom and inspired by boundary-pushing innovation of  newer  releases such as “Midnights.”

With an army of dedicated Swifties lined up for hours— even days— to secure a coveted spot in show parking lots, the palpable anticipation and electrifying energy permeates the air. The tour has become a sensation on social media, highlighting the heartwarming exchange of friendship bracelets between concertgoers and staff. This sharing of tokens fosters friendships, the sharing of cherished memories, and the cultivation of a profound sense of belonging. 

Embarking on a mesmerizing musical odyssey, Swift’s awe-inspiring spectacle, “The Era’s Tour,” commences with a sunset homage to her enchanting “Lover” era. As the stage comes alive with dazzling lights and mesmerizing visuals of a neon sky, fans find themselves irresistibly drawn into a whirlwind journey through the tumultuous realms of love and loss. 

With each note reverberating through the air, Swift’s artistry delicately weaves a tapestry of emotions, leaving the audience yearning for more, eager to delve into the depths of a “Cruel Summer.” The “Lover” segment of the show is an abundant display of heart-stirring melodies and breathtaking choreography. From the soaring crescendos of “Lover” to the introspective reflections of “The Archer,” every song pulses with a raw and evocative energy that resonates deep within the audience’s souls.

Continuing the musical odyssey, “The Era’s Tour” takes a nostalgic turn as it pays homage to her iconic “Fearless” era. Transporting the audience to a golden age of her country music, the stage becomes a mesmerizing spectacle with a cascading sparkler waterfall while resounding hits like “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story” take center stage. This part of the show took me on a nostalgic journey, immersing me in the tender memories of my high school romances while playfully delving into Swift’s history.

One of the standout highlights of the show lies in the mesmerizing performances of the albums “Evermore” and “Folklore.” These sets genuinely transport the audience to a world of enchantment and wonder. As the melodies fill the air, a realistic-sized cabin graces the stage, evoking a sense of rustic charm and coziness. Its presence alone creates an immersive experience, allowing the audience to feel like they’ve been transported to a secluded, magical place.

Photographer: Clara Faulkner

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Amidst the woodland scenery as “Willow” fills the stadium, a moss-covered piano takes center stage during “Champagne Problems,” adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the performance. The moss draping over the instrument creates an enchanting visual that perfectly complements the soul-stirring lyrics emanating from the keys.

Following the woodland setting, The next era opens with a dramatic unveiling, as an enormous projection of a coiling snake appears on the backdrop, the symbol that came to define her “Reputation” era.

The “Reputation” era is not just about the aesthetics; it’s about unraveling the truth and confronting the lies that often swirl around in the realm of fame. As the musical genius performs hits like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “Ready For It,” the stage becomes a vivid tableau of unmasking deceit and reclaiming personal power. 

Photographer: Clara Faulkner

With every beat, she reminds the audience that she will always rise above and reclaim her narrative no matter the obstacles thrown her way.

As the haunting snake projection vanishes into thin air, a magical transformation unfolds before the mesmerized crowd. The once dark and edgy stage suddenly becomes enveloped in a sea of purple glimmering sparkle, casting an enchanting hue that hints at the imminent arrival of the iconic “Speak Now” era. 

The “Speak Now” era was a time of profound growth and creativity for Taylor, as she wrote and composed each song herself, pouring her heart and soul into every lyric. The set features only one piece, “Enchanted.” The combination of her ethereal presence, the dazzling gown, and the mesmerizing choreography make this moment a true highlight of the show, leaving the audience in awe of her artistic brilliance and the timeless allure of the “Speak Now” era.

As the fairytale of the “Speak Now” era ends, a dramatic shift occurs, and Swift descends into the captivating world of her “Red” era. The stage transforms into a kaleidoscope of red glitter, filling the air with passion and excitement. 

With hits like “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “22,” the “Red” era showcases Taylor’s versatility as an artist, effortlessly blending her country roots with infectious pop hooks. Amid the exhilarating “22” performance, a heartwarming moment unfolds for fans—a fan, chosen by Swift’s mother before the show, is handed an autographed hat at the end of the song. 

Photo: Clara Faulkner

A truly unforgettable moment of the show is when Swift takes the stage to perform the 10-minute version of her powerful ballad, “All Too Well.” As the hauntingly beautiful melody fills the air, the stadium transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow and confetti gently falling from the top, creating an enchanting atmosphere that encapsulates the heartache and raw vulnerability of the song. For those 10 minutes, it feels like time stands still as the audience is fully immersed in the world of Taylor’s mind and heart, evoking tears and smiles. 

The captivating visuals persist throughout the night, seamlessly transitioning into the era of “1989,” Swift’s pop sensational album. The stage undergoes a dazzling transformation, adorned with neon lights and retro-inspired designs, setting the scene for a vibrant and exhilarating performance. As the “1989” era takes center stage, Swift delivers an electrifying performance, belting out her chart-topping hits like “Style,” “Blank Space,” and “Bad Blood.” 

A mesmerizing fire intensifies the electric atmosphere as the “Bad Blood” performance ignites the stage. In “Blank Space,” Taylor takes the audience on a captivating journey through the darker side of love. 

As the song builds to its pivotal moments, the stage projections transport the crowd to a scene of drama and intrigue. A car appears on the visual backdrop, representing the tumultuous relationships explored in the song’s lyrics. In an astonishing display, the vehicle gets dramatically smashed with neon glowing golf clubs, mirroring the chaos and passion depicted in the music. 

Photographer: Clara Faulkner

Following the exhilarating “1989” era, Swift brings her fans an extra dose of delight with a unique segment in the show. She graciously treats the audience to not one but two acoustic surprise songs from her illustrious past albums or singles, one on piano and the other on guitar. 

The stage then undergoes a stunning transformation, adorned with sparkling gems, marking the transition into Swift’s most recent era, “Midnights.” As the lights dim, the stage is veiled in a dreamy haze of lavender clouds, setting the scene for the intro of “Lavender Haze.” 

The grand finale of “The Eras Tour” is breathtaking as it started as Swift closes the show with her powerful anthem, “Karma.” The stage erupts with dazzling fireworks, illuminating the night sky in a mesmerizing display of color and light. 

As the final notes of “Karma” reverberate through the venue, the audience is left with an unforgettable memory of an extraordinary performance, a testament to Swift’s status as an iconic performer and storyteller. 

In the aftermath of “The Eras Tour,” I found myself inspired to explore my creative pursuits with renewed vigor. It was a reminder that the creative journey is continuous, and we must embrace change and growth to reach new heights.

The artist’s ability to connect with the audience on such a deep emotional level was nothing short of remarkable. We were not just spectators but active participants in this incredible journey. The shared experience of being part of “The Eras Tour” created a sense of unity and gratitude among the audience.

Ultimately, “The Eras Tour” was more than just a concert. It was a testament to music’s power to inspire, move, and unite. It left me with cherished memories and a burning desire to channel my newfound inspiration into my creative endeavors. I left the concert hall that night feeling profoundly grateful to have been part of such an extraordinary and transformative journey with one of music’s most remarkable artists.

“The Eras Tour” was a memorable experience, leaving the audience and myself inspired, moved, and grateful to be part of this unforgettable journey with one of music’s most remarkable artists.



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About the Contributor
Clara Faulkner
Clara Faulkner, Managing Editor and Living Arts Editor
Clara Faulkner wears multiple hats at the Beacon, serving as both the Business Director and the Living Arts Editor. Prior to assuming these roles, she demonstrated her expertise as an assistant editor, specializing in living arts—a domain she is deeply passionate about, fueled by her love for pop culture and entertainment. Additionally, Clara served as a writer for the Boston Globe, Boston.com, is a part of NBCUniversal Entertainment Group, and contributed to the music team at Intersect Magazine. In addition to her editorial responsibilities, Clara actively participates in various campus organizations, including SPJ, Associate Entertainment Producer at WEBN-TV, programming director at WECB. fm, and AEPHI. Outside of her writing pursuits, Clara immerses herself in culinary exploration, cinematic enjoyment, and language acquisition, consistently seeking fresh experiences and knowledge.

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