Taylor Swift performed in Phoenix on Monday and Tuesday nights for her 1989 concert tour. This concert was a flash to the past in the best way possible. Swift took us though her day-to-day life in all of her songs. Her performance on stage was incredible, and when she changed outfits, we were only left with her guitarist for no longer than 40 seconds — I counted. Swift had a dance routine to every song. Her backup dancers had so much swag and looked great on stage next to Swift.
I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. My best friend and I bought backstage pit tickets a few weeks before the show. The pit is open seating, so my friend and I arrived at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale two hours before the doors opened. We were dressed in trendy outfits, which made us feel a little out of place. Most girls waiting for the doors to open were dressed in outfits that relate to Swift's music videos. These fans are called "Swifties." Fans were dressed in cheerleader outfits and ballerinas, just like in the music video for "Shake It Off." A group of girls dressed in scrubs that said "Meredith" on the back, referring to Swift's cat who is named after Meredith Grey from "Grey's Anatomy."
Once the doors opened, my friend and I got a front row spot, so close to the stage that if Swift were to reach out her hand, I could have touched her. Sadly she didn't reach into the crowd. Vance Joy was the opener. He was British with a few well-known songs. He was a good singer, but it was hard to get into his music because everyone just wanted Swift to come out. At exactly 8:42, the lights shut off and an image of New York City filled the stage. Girls' shrieks filled the arena, and the show had finally begun.
Swift started with the first track on her 1989 album, "Welcome To New York." Swift came out on stage in a black crop top, blue skirt and sparkly purple jacket with shades on. "She is so cool," I whispered to my friend. Her backup dancers started on their first synchronized dance, and Taylor joined in. It was a perfect opening act. Next, she played a lot of her big songs such as "Blank Space," "Clean," and "New Romantics." Every single person in the audience was belting out all of the words to every song Swift was singing.
Swift strutted down the catwalk in her sparkly booties, little dress and wavy hair. She was killing the outfit game. Swift was on the backstage looking out into the crowd, as she took a breath of air, the fans did something that Swift has never heard before. The fans were screaming so loudly and didn't stop for almost a minute. Swift took a step back and smiled. Swift said, "[Glendale] you are such an amazing crowd that is so loud and so much fun." That made the crowd scream even louder and Swift smile even bigger. At that moment, I knew that she was never going to forget the energy in this arena.
The concert was a solid 2 hours and about 15 minutes. Swift was onstage for 98 percent of the time. She took the time between songs to connect with each fan in the audience. She gave us advice on dating, how to handle a broken heart, dance like nobody's watching and the importance of having girl friends. I felt like I was good friends with her and just happened to be sitting in the crowd.
During the middle of the performance, Swift made her way up to the catwalk to the backstage, which was able to lift into the air so she could make a 360 degree appearance. Swift sang and played her guitar, really connecting with the fans. This was her time to play some older songs that everyone loves without having to add dance moves. Swift was lifted into the air so high up that she was directly over my head. It was great because she got close so some of the fans that were in sections away from the stage. She sang some of her oldies such as "Fifteen," and "Love Story."
As the concert was coming to an end, Swift made one last outfit change and stole the show when she played "Shake It Off." Swift and her dancers came out in full purple suits. They filled the catwalk as it lifted into the air, making sure everyone had a good view. The crowd sang every last word with Swift, and she could not wipe the smile off of her face. That song was a perfect end to an outstanding concert.
If you have never been to a Taylor Swift concert before, I highly recommend it. Swift is an amazing performer, such a sweet person and really knows how to have a good time. In my opinion, this was one of the best concerts I have ever been to.
That night will always be a night I will never forget. Thank you, Taylor!
