Taylor Swift’s much anticipated concert film documenting the historic “The Eras Tour” finally hit theaters this past weekend, and fans are treating it just like a real concert.
Swift appeared in Beverly Hills, California at the premiere of the film last week at the AMC location at the Grove. Swift’s film marks a groundbreaking deal with AMC as its primary distributor, cutting out major film studios amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Beyoncé famously made a rare public appearance at the film’s premiere. Fans are dancing and singing along in theaters, and even recording their favorite songs.
The unique viewing experience was born from the struggle many endured to secure tickets to “The Eras Tour” via global ticketing conglomerate Ticketmaster. Fans experienced absurdly long queues, exorbitant processing fees, and many even never received presale codes after being confirmed as “verified fans” under the system. The debacle resulted in a lack of a general admissions sale and thousands left without tickets. This incident is in part what inspired Swift to produce a concert film.
Fans Are Getting Into Their “Eras Era” Everywhere
The film encompasses performances from the singer’s several shows in Los Angeles, California. It includes the full ten-studio album encompassing set, and the two surprise songs from the weekend, including “Our Song”, from her self-titled debut, and “You’re On Your Own Kid” from her most recent album “Midnights.”
Fans continue to exchange bracelets, sing along to the iconic live show chants, and dance to their favorite tracks. For many, the theatergoing experience replaces their missed opportunities to attend a live show.
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The latter surprise song inspired a trend within the fan base and beyond of making and trading friendship bracelets, due to the line “so make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.” Fans additionally enjoyed special release popcorn buckets, cups, and posters in conjunction with the film’s release.
Had so much fun yesterday dressing up and watching the Eras Tour movie! Met so many kind swifties! Love all the friendship bracelet exchanges! ???????? @taylornation13 @Cinemark @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/WUInEfnSPD
— Lexi (@leximonique_98) October 14, 2023
This line in particular is what connected Swift to her current relationship with Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce. When Swift played a show in his home stadium of Arrowhead, Kelce made her a bracelet with his phone number on it. The pair have since supported each other at NFL games and by making joint cameos on Saturday Night Live.
Taylor Swift And Ticketmastergate
Ticketmastergate resulted in a U.S. Senate Judiciary hearing in January. Live Nation, the ticketing conglomerate owns Ticketmaster, and has been accused by lawmakers of becoming a monopoly.
Joe Berchtold, a top Live Nation executive, was questioned about the issue. Berchtold did acknowledge the fan verified presale debacle that affected Swift’s ticket sales. Millions of fans who were approved within the system and received presale codes were locked out of purchasing tickets.
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Ticketmaster and Live Nation merged in 2010, and their terms of agreement surrounding the merger with the Judiciary Committee is set to expire in 2025. Some lawmakers argued that the two companies should split in 2025.
Swift will soon release her next re-recorded album, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” on Oct. 27.
