Safety at Concerts: The Wake of Taylor Swift’s Cancelled Eras Tour Show
Concerts are the home of escapism – a safe place to embrace your passion, meet new friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime. What they’re not, is a place for displays of anger, violence and hatred.
For many, events like these are a once-in-a-lifetime event. They present an opportunity to see the soundtrack to your life play out in front of your eyes, surrounded by hundreds and sometimes thousands of other fans, who all share a slither of your story in what can be a hugely profound way.
Following the cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts last week in Vienna, Austria, questions have been raised about the safety of these large-scale events.
On 7 August, two men with connections to the Islamic State were arrested in Vienna, Austria, following intelligence reports about plans for a terrorist attack on Taylor Swift’s three scheduled shows at Ernst-Happel-Stadion. Franz Ruf, Austria’s Public Security Director, initially stated that the concerts would continue as planned, but with heightened security measures to mitigate any remaining threats.
The shows were expected to draw over 65,000 fans each day, with an additional 20,000 anticipated outside the venue.
However, concert organisers, Barracuda Music, announced on Instagram later that day that the three shows would in fact be cancelled, following confirmation of the planned attacks from government officials. Fans were quick to spread the news, jumping onto social media to share their feelings about the situation. Within just ten minutes of the announcement being made, the news was already trending worldwide on social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.
Thankfully, authorities intervened before the situation escalated at Swift’s show, but it doesn’t erase the concern that surrounds large-scale events.
This story brings with it a stomach-turning sense of déjà vu. In 2015, fans of the American rock band, Eagles of Death Metal, were subject to a terror attack that shook the city of Paris and beyond. This attack, which took place at the Bataclan Theatre, claimed 91 lives and saw more than 200 other attendees injured. Then subsequently, the 2016 attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester saw an additional 22 people unnecessarily lose their lives at the hands of the same extremist organisation.
Since The Eras Tour began back in March of 2023, it has become an outlet for young people to enjoy themselves and feel safe in the company of their favourite artists. Its significance in shaping fans’ experiences, memories and views of the world should not be understated, especially during such a time of social, economic and political turbulence.
It was a little over a week ago that three young children lost their lives at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport, a tragedy that’s effects are still being felt across the UK. At the hands of one extremist, children, their friends, their families, and the communities in which they live, are all trying to piece together what happened, and how they can rebuild their lives together.
Lucia, 21, from Berlin, who was supposed to attend the show on 7 August said, “I think that the situation was handled really well. I’m glad that they cancelled, especially now that we know the details of the planned attack. It’s sickening to think about what could’ve happened. I’m also glad they communicated it so clearly, cancelling it in advance instead of leaving people guessing and letting the panic and speculation get out of hand.”
“It’s disappointing but I’m just grateful that they prioritised everyone’s safety.”
Sandra, 28, from Austria, added, “I was in the car with my friends because we had just picked up them up from the airport when we opened Instagram and saw the post from the organisers. I was really upset in the beginning, but now, I’m just so glad that we are safe.”
Speaking on whether the experience has changed her opinions on attending large events, she said, “No, it hasn’t changed my mind. I will still attend concerts since they are my happy place. Things like this can happen everywhere, it’s just about organisers and attendees being vigilant.”
Ahead of Swift’s planned return to Wembley Stadium, London, next week, the venue has advised that there will be enhanced safety precautions to keep fans safe. Additional ticket checks will take place in and around the venue, and fans will no longer be allowed to ‘Taylor-Gate’ around the stadium during the shows.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said, London plays host to a significant number of very high-profile events each year with millions of visitors having a safe and enjoyable experience. The Met works closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place.
“There is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London. As always, we will continue to keep any new information under careful review.”
Counter Terrorism Policing has also issued advice to anyone concerned about the safety of the upcoming event, including:
- Be patient with security checks and don’t give security, staff or stewards a hard time
- Don’t bring unnecessary items to the event
- If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to the police or security staff immediately
- In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff – especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly
- Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare – and never agree to look after anyone else’s bags
- If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.
