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RETURN OF STADIUM TOURS BRINGS FANDOMS BACK TOGETHER
By Maddie Mosely
The summer of 2023 will be remembered as a time of musical resurgence, as the world welcomed back the electrifying experience of stadium concert tours after the pandemic-induced hiatus. Among the standout moments were Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” and Beyoncé’s “Renaissance Tour,” which both brought together thousands of fans and left indelible marks on social and economic landscapes.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” was a nostalgic journey through the different phases of her illustrious career. With an estimated 200,000 ticket-holders attending her three sold-out shows in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Inquirer), Swift showcased not only her musical evolution but also a strong connection with her fans. However, beyond the costumes that paid tribute to her various eras like rhinestone corsets and sparkly gold dresses, the heart of this experience lay in the sense of community it fostered.
Geralynn Razo, a sophomore history major, attended night three of the Philadelphia “Eras Tour” as well as the “Renaissance Tour”.
“The culture behind Swifties at The Eras Tour was a more nostalgic vibe, from trading friendship bracelets and just not being scared of going up to people,” said Razo. “I think as we get older, we are scared to approach people, but here, it was acceptable to just go up to people and trade friendship bracelets and take pictures with strangers wearing the same outfit as you.”
Beyoncé, the reigning queen of the music industry, mesmerized a crowd of 67,000 at the Lincoln Financial Field during her “Renaissance Tour,” reported by Philadelphia Magazine. While fashion played a part in the spectacle, with fans wearing rhinestone cowboy hats, bedazzled stilettos, and bold makeup, the core of the narrative resides in the unity and connection nurtured by stadium tours of this nature.
“The fan culture with the Beyhives was insane,” said Razo. “As a woman of color, I have never felt so safe anywhere else, you could feel the positive energy everywhere. No one was judging you, and I felt so comfortable in my own skin for the first time in ages.”
Ava Mosby, a sophomore audio and live entertainment major, emphasized the positive impact stadium tours have on the economic welfare of the host cities.
“Major stadium shows like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, increase and positively benefit the economic welfare of the current city they are in,” said Mosby. “There is an increase in transportation, jobs are provided to locals in preparation for the show, restaurants and hotels see a boom in demand and overall the economy of the city blossoms.”
Reviving the excitement of live music, the comeback of stadium tours, exemplified by the “Eras” and “Renaissance” tours, offers a distinctive and cherished experience that goes above the ordinary.
“Gen Z places a high value on live music,” said Jada Bromberg, a sophomore majoring in audio and live entertainment. “And stadium tours have transformed how we perceive live performances, making them truly unique and special.”
The “Eras” and “Renaissance” tours have extended their impact beyond music, showcasing the profound influence of live shows and the tight-knit communities they foster. This resurgence of the live music scene acts as a driving force, not just culturally but also within the industry and among fans, rekindling the timeless magic of live music.
