Taylor Swift’s Eras tour has landed in the UK – and it’s the grand adventure she promised
Taylor Swift has smashed a triumphant set in front of an enormous crowd in Edinburgh on her record-breaking Eras tour – telling fans it was “the wildest way to welcome a lass”.
As she welcomed the crowd, the US megastar announced it was officially the highest-attended stadium show in Scottish history.
“Oh hi,” she casually told the more than 70,000 people who came to see her perform.
See more: Swift’s Eras tour in Edinburgh in pictures
The 34-year-old star initially took to the stage in a diamante-encrusted corseted leotard and bejewelled cowboy boots.
She later admitted: “This tour has been the most fun I’ve had in my entire life… my one regret now is that I really should have come to perform in Scotland more.
“I can’t stop staring at you, I’m captivated by this audience.”
Blasting through her biggest hits in a set of 40+ songs, on stage for more than three hours, she promised to take fans on a “grand adventure” they’d never forget. She certainly did that.
“After tonight, you’re going to think about us and the memories we made,” she promised.
As it happened: Taylor Swift’s first UK Eras tour date
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Taylor Swift kicks off UK leg of Eras tour
The evening was “unforgettable”, she told the crowd, while her last song of the night, Karma, was dedicated to the crowd. “Edinburgh you have given us everything you could possibly give us tonight.”
It was a pinch-yourself evening for Swifties fortunate enough to get a ticket. Lyrics memorised, costumes perfected.
The show was a musical marathon which demonstrated not only why Swift is arguably one of the greatest songwriters of modern pop music but also one of the world’s most accomplished performers.
The show itself, paced perfectly to hold the audience’s interest with slick dance routines and theatrical, at times fantastical, staging.
The screams of support for her most famous hits were deafening. Countless fans leaving Murrayfield hoarse after she told the story of her eight Eras while delivering the ultimate singalong.
More entertainment news:
Jennifer Aniston emotional at Friends question
Woman sues Netflix over Baby Reindeer
Pic: PA
This was a long day for many, a hardened few sat outside since dawn to be among the first in-line to secure a front row spot.
“Anything’s worth it for Taylor,” Julia had told me at 7am outside the stadium. Her friend admitting she’d “sell my kidneys, probably both lungs” to get close to the star.
Why does she elicit such a reaction? Despite her billionaire status, Swift has somehow remained an artist whose voice remains real, authentic and honest.
Her songwriting – a shared diary of sorts – resonating all the more for her openness about her flaws, bad break-ups, sharing with fans not only the joy of falling in love, but the heartbreak.
The crowd at Murrayfield were word-perfect for her hits like You Belong With Me, the stadium echoing with noise during We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.
If performing songs from her Tortured Poets Department Era – her latest album written about her ill-fated London loves – took on more poignancy for Swift this being the UK leg of her tour, she gave no indication on stage.
Pic: PA
An all but faultless performance but for the acoustic section of her show, where the star was forced to briefly stop playing the guitar, saying: “My hand has frozen in a weird cramp… this is so embarrassing… it’s like performing with a claw. No one relates.”
While it’s understandable that many balk at the stupidly expensive price of some VIP packages, few could question Swift’s commitment to offering her fans the ultimate experience. The confetti canons and fireworks, a needless distraction really from what she does best – singing out.
A one-woman economy boosting machine, Swift’s 15 UK shows are projected by some to boost the UK economy by almost £1bn with fans shelling out, not only on tickets, but accommodation, travel, and pre-show parties.
I spoke to people who travelled here from Spain, The Netherlands, America, India and even Australia.
Fans who’d spent months planning their costumes, painstakingly threading bracelets, embroidering jackets, which is undoubtedly half the fun.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘Anything’s worth it for Taylor!’
While this level of pop obsession is nothing new, that one artist can still achieve this in an age where we are swamped with musical choice speaks volumes as to the power of Swift’s music.
Forget about politicians touring the country, Swift’s whereabouts will be what’s dominating the national conversation for vast swathes of the country over the next month.
While some may scoff at the tweeness of swapping friendship bracelets, dressing up and glitter – there is a delightfulness to being a part of the Swift crowd, which is a warm and welcoming world.
Swift’s proving herself to be, not only a prolific songwriter, but the ultimate showwoman.
Entertainment
BAFTA Games Awards: Astro Bot tops leaderboard – with psychological horror close behind
Astro Bot was the big winner at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards, taking home five prizes, including the coveted best game.
The 3D platformer, which was launched to critical acclaim in September to mark PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, was nominated for eight gongs, while Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, led with 11 nods.
But in the end, the critics – some of whom had dubbed Astro Bot a “perfect game” – were right as it dominated the awards at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, hosted by comedian Phil Wang for the second year running.
Astro Bot. Pic: Team Asobi
Nicolas Doucet with his five awards for Astro Bot. Pic: PA
BAFTAs for audio achievement, game design, animation, and best family game completed the set for developers Team Asobi, who designed multiple galaxies and dozens of levels for the titular Astro to journey through, retrieving spaceship parts and rescuing lost robots.
“We’re a team based in Japan, but we have over 12 nationalities. We really mix it up and get ideas from everyone,” Nicolas Doucet, president of Team Asobi, told Sky News.
“We do a lot of jokes in the game, but the joke has a different meaning depending on where you are in the world. So it’s really, really nice to go around and ask everyone ‘is that joke fine in your country?’ And then together we come to a kind of universal playfulness.”
Among the gongs for Astro Bot was the best game award. Pic: BAFTA
It’s a very different atmosphere than that generated by British psychological horror Still Wakes The Deep, which won three awards for best new intellectual property and best supporting and leading roles.
Compared to John Carpenter’s 1980 sci-fi horror The Thing but on a Scottish oil rig, the game sees players take on the role of an electrician trapped on a damaged facility while being pursued by monsters.
Still Wakes The Deep. Pic: Sumo Digital Limited
Developer The Chinese Room has been praised for using home-grown talent to voice the characters, including comedian and actress Karen Dunbar, who picked up best performer in a supporting role for voicing Finlay.
“I’ve been nominated for quite a few BAFTAs in my time in Scotland, and I’ve never won one,” said Dunbar.
“It was such a great category, so many great performances. When they shouted my name, I think I started clapping for someone else!”
Read more: See full list of winners
Still Wakes The Deep star Karen Dunbar won best performer in a supporting role. Pic: BAFTA
Meanwhile, best multiplayer game went to Helldivers II – a satirical, sci-fi shooter that sees players fight bugs, aliens and robots with the gumption and gullibility of the characters in Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers.
It has gained a cult following since launching in February 2024 with so much initial interest it created server problems.
“Games for me are about connecting people and forging those bonds of friendship and the multiplayer award is exactly what it stands for,” said Johan Pilestedt, chief executive of Arrowhead Game Studios.
Helldivers II. Pic: Arrowhead/Sony
From outer space to a fictional Yorkshire town called Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here! – a cartoonish, comedy platformer – won Best British Game. Like Still Wakes The Deep, it has won praise for the authenticity of its actors and setting.
“I think it’s been a real privilege to be able to represent Barnsley on the silver screen,” said Will Todd, who is from the town and one of two game designers behind the project.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! Pic: Coal Supper/Panic Inc
Co-creator James Carbutt added: “Me and Will wrote everything in our tone of voice, quite literally. The further along development we got, the more we lent into it. I think the voices from different parts of the UK and different voices in gaming are super important, and hopefully we’re one of them.”
By the time the BAFTAs wrapped up, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was only handed one of the 11 BAFTAs it was nominated for, technical achievement.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Pic: Ninja Theory
But developers Ninja Theory are already adding this year’s win to a tally of five BAFTAs they were awarded for the first game in the series, which created a protagonist with psychosis by drawing on clinical neuroscience and the experiences of people living with the condition.
Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died at the age of 70
The band said Blurke had been diagnosed with cancer, and described his death as a “profound loss”.
He featured on all the Debbie Harry-fronted group’s studio albums since joining a year after their formation in 1975.
Blurke was with the band from their self-titled debut, through their 1978 classic Parallel Lines, to 2017’s Pollinator.
Drummer Burke.
Pic: Reuters
In a statement on Blondie’s Instagram, Harry and the band’s guitarist, Chris Stein, said: “It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer.
“Clem was not just a drummer, he was the heartbeat of Blondie.
“His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.
“Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie, a self-proclaimed ‘rock and roll survivalist’, he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists.”
Burke in his performance at Festival Estereo Picnic 2023.
Pic: AP
Burke featured on Iggy Pop’s 1982 album Zombie Birdhouse and also performed with Bob Dylan, The Ramones, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and Joan Jett.
The statement went on to say Burke had left an “indelible mark on every project he was part of”.
It added: “We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.”
Burke, who performed on classic tracks such as Call Me, Heart Of Glass and One Way Or Another, made his final live appearance with Blondie last year.
Read more from Sky News:
King arrives in Rome for Italy tour with Queen after health concerns
Global bank chiefs hold talks over Trump tariffs crisis
Blondie performing during Glastonbury Festival in 2023.
Pic: Invision/AP
Among those paying tribute to him was Kinks guitarist Dave Davies, who said: “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon.
“May he rest in peace, spectacular drumming, we were friends.”
Nancy Sinatra said: “My heart is shattered. Clem became an icon as a member of Blondie, but he was also an important part of my band, the K.A.B. I was blessed to call him my friend.
“If I ever needed him, he was there. Always. Sending healing prayers and comfort to his widow, Ellen, his family, and all who loved him.”
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway