Pop icon Taylor Swift has had a whirlwind segment of her international “Eras Tour” over the past several weeks, from threats of violence to technical issues, none of which have deterred her from giving her fans concerts they will never forget.
On Monday August 19, Swift performed through a slew of obstacles in Wembley Arena, the seventh of her appearances at the iconic London venue. The 34-year-old sensation pushed forward with her concert even as the rain poured down on her in the open air. She embraced the notorious British weather by telling the crowd that the performance could “officially” be called “a rain show” if the water kept pouring for more than “six minutes.”
Meanwhile, as if the rain wasn’t enough of an inconvenience, Swift ran into trouble with her piano keyboard. She wound up having to hail a crew member to help her repair the issue so she could play. But the concert was still a hit as the singer praised the crowd as the “best” view in the city.
The performance also included what has become a staple of the “Eras Tour” shows, which is for the singer to give the hat she wears while singing “22” to a young female fan. The girl who received the gift this week appeared in shock as Swift dropped the hat on her head, according to a clip of the moment on social media.
The epic show followed another Wembley performance, when “Everything Has Changed” turned from a solo into a duet after Swift encouraged fans to “say hi to Ed Sheeran.” An ecstatic audience witnessed the two old friends perform two duets, including “End Game,” and got a special treat when Sheeran gave an unexpected solo performance of his classic ballad “Thinking Out Loud.”
Swift’s London concert series began weeks after a tragic attack took place in a small British town. The late July event—a workshop for young dancers that featured her music—turned deadly when a teenager began stabbing children and adults. Swift reacted to the attack on July 30, saying she was “completely in shock.”
Police said the “ferocious” July 29 stabbing spree killed three girls under the age of 10, wounding eight more, five who were in critical condition after the incident.
