There is one stark difference between Taylor Swift‘s past shows in Australia and her current record-breaking Eras tour.
The superstar took some time out of her busy show to meet up with the writer of some her songs on the Lover album, Joel Little, while in Melbourne. The New Zealand writer, along with his family, were able to meet up with the singer backstage and even snap a photo.
“What a night. Many tears were shed, and my kids cried too. Seeing @taylorswift play the songs we made in front of 96,000 people, and having my wife and our Taylor-obsessed kids there with me, is a feeling that’s hard to describe,” he wrote while sharing the photo on Instagram.
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“Let’s just say it’s a pretty good feeling. We work hard in this music business and being able to share the big moments with the people we love makes it all worthwhile. A huge thank you to Taylor and her awesome team for having us ❤️”
But this will not be a reality for anyone else on the Australian leg of the Eras tour.
Prior to her latest concerts, the superstar was known to always take the time to meet fans backstage in meet and greets, but this is no longer the case on her latest tour.
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Fans were known to try and position themselves in aisles or back behind crowds in the hopes they would get tapped on the back by one of Taylor’s team to be able to meet her, according to one Reddit user.
“Something about it rubbed me the wrong way… it felt like they prioritised a chance to meet her over enjoying the show experience. It seemed like a waste of time to me, at least. There’s 70,000 people there! What’s the likelihood that’ll work?” one US fan wrote as the singer toured her home country a few months ago.
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They added that many fans spend a lot of money on seats, costumes, and signage in order to get noticed.
“It’s awesome that people have gotten that opportunity, but I feel like it cheapens the experience of meeting her and turns it into some kind of competition or sport. Ever since night 1 of the eras tour where no such meet and greet took place, I’ve really enjoyed not hearing people make that a sole focus.”
Others pointed out that Swift needs to be in pristine condition in order to deliver her shows, and thus needs to remain healthy. A meet and greet would potentially jeopardise her health.
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“A meet and greet would not have been plausible for this tour. For one, Covid plays a big factor. Taylor plays almost every weekend, playing up to three times a weekend. If she were in close proximity to countless fans every night through meet and greets, it would increase exposure. I think the choice to not host such events was made to protect both herself and fans,” said another fan.
It has been reported the singer and those closest to her in proximity are limited in where they can go during global tours.
But this rule didn’t stop Swift from exploring the cultural hub of Sydney, having visited a restaurant in Surry Hills with singer Sabrina Carpenter while Down Under.
The pop superstar and the former Disney Channel starlet, who is Swift’s The Eras Tour support act in Melbourne and Sydney, were reportedly seen arriving for dinner at Pellegrino 2000 about 7pm.
Just a few short hours later, they were captured on camera leaving the Italian restaurant together as fans cheered.