I saw Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium for a second time and it was even more exhilarating- review and setlist

The last few weeks have been difficult with the recent tragic events in Southport, where three little girls lost their lives at a Swift-themed holiday dance class, fuelling a wave of right wing demonstrations across the country.

Then on August 7, an alleged terror plot led to the cancellation of her three Vienna shows. In light of this security at Wembley Stadium has been increased for the five August shows.

Despite the heightened atmosphere, last night’s show was an extraordinary display of love and unity.

Swiftie fans

Having only recently become a mega Swiftie in the last year I’ve only come to know the warmth and kindness of Swift’s fans as of late.

Even on my Tube journey to Wembley Park, a fan from Leeds swapped a friendship bracelet with me and came and sat next to me for a chat.

Any Londoner would know this is not regular Tube etiquette but I was delighted to see a friendly face.

I first attended the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in June and had restricted viewing seats which I was very grateful for but this time I was lucky enough to have secured a standing ticket near the stage. 

I can only describe the difference as being upgraded from economy to first class. It was thrilling to be so close to the stage and also to be amongst other fans all dancing and singing together. There was also a lot more opportunity to mix and chat with other fans.

Paramore

I thoroughly enjoyed Paramore’s set, especially the crowd pleasing hits ‘The Only Exception’ and ‘Still into You’.

Hayley Williams looked effortlessly cool as always wearing a blue cropped sports top and trousers.

“I can’t believe I get to do this as my job,” she exclaimed while lying down on the catwalk stage.

Being aware of her supporting act status, Williams encouraged new fans to get involved and won over the crowd with her nine-song set.

She shared her gratitude to be back at Wembley Stadium and gushed at her joy to be part of the Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift

Fans squealed with excitement and joy when Swift finally emerged on stage under a canopy of orange and purple feathers.

In the usual fashion she kicked off her Eras tour with her album Lover. Hits included “Cruel Summer”, “The Man”, “You Need to Calm Down” and of course the title song “Lover”.

It was incredible seeing Swift up close and to have the opportunity to see everything going on on stage.

 Each era had a completely different look, sound, set of costumes and stage design and the transitions were seamless.

Her Red era was an energetic, pop set with nostalgic hits like “22”,, “We are Never Getting Back Together”, “I Knew You Were Trouble”. This was followed by a 10 minute version of “All Too Well”.

For folklore/evermore Swift sits on top of a mossy cabin clad in a long green dress. Performing on a moss covered piano she sings a selection of hits from this era including “cardigan”, “champagne problems”, “marjorie” and “willow”.

“We just adore you; I hope you know that,” she told the audience following a prolonged applause to her piano rendition of champagne problems.

“Anytime any of us have a bad day in future, we will go back to this moment in our minds.”

The Tortured Poets Department section is like a full theatrical production, which sees Swift reawakened from a slumber surrounded by her dancers dressed as mimes. This section culminates in an all powerful performance of “I Can Do it With a Broken Heart”.

For the much anticipated “surprise song” section, Swift sings a verse of "Everything Has Changed", a song she collaborated on with Ed Sheeran.

She then teases fans saying she’s not “doing the song justice”. After a rapturous roar Swift’s “second brother” Sheeran appears on stage to the delight of the audience.

The pair performed an acoustic blend of the 2013 song with End Game, which they also collaborated on.

They ended their duet with an iconic performance of “Thinking Out Loud”. 

After hearing so many exciting surprises throughout the tour it was really thrilling to be there to witness such a legendary moment.

Swift finished her “surprise song” section with a rendition of King of My Heart from Reputation and The Alchemy from her latest album The Tortured Poets Department.

As night fell on Wembley Stadium, Swift performed the Midnights era for her final section of the show. Each audience member was given a wristband with a light on arrival and it was incredible to see the entire stadium lit up by thousands of lights.

Swift performs a selection of hits from this era including “Bejeweled” which sees her and her dancers sparkling like jewels. She ends the night with an uplifting performance of “Karma” with confetti falling on the stage for a triumphant finale.

Swift didn’t mention the Vienna show cancellations or the Stockport attacks but what she showed through her powerful and joyful performance was a healing wave of love and unity.

Eras tour at Wembley stadium setlist for August 15

Lover

Miss Americana and Heartbreak Prince

Cruel Summer

The Man

You Need to Calm Down

Lover

Fearless

Fearless

You Belong With Me

Love Story

Red

Red

22

We Are Never Getting Back Together

I Knew You Were Trouble

All Too Well

Speak Now

Enchanted

Reputation

..Ready for it?

Delicate

Don’t Blame Me

Look What You Made Me Do

folklore/evermore

Cardigan

Betty

Champagne Problems

August

Illicit affairs

My tears ricochet

Marjorie

Willow

1989

Style

Blank Space

Shake it off

Wildest Dreams

Bad Blood

The Tortured Poets Department

Female Rage: The Musical

But Daddy I Love Him/ So High School

Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

Down Bad

Fortnight

The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

Surprise Songs

Everything Has Changed/ End Game/ Thinking Out Loud with Ed Sheeran

King of My Heart/ Alchemy

Midnights

Lavender Haze

Anti‐Hero

Midnight Rain

Vigilante Shit

Bejeweled

Mastermind

Karma