Taylor Swift Opens Up About Vienna Tour Cancellation Amid Terror Threat: ‘We Were Grieving’
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd August 2024
Taylor Swift has shared her first reaction to the heartbreaking cancellation of her Eras Tour dates in Vienna, revealing that the decision was prompted by a planned terrorist attack. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the renowned pop star conveyed her deep sense of fear and guilt over the sudden cancellation, which impacted many of her devoted fans.
The Vienna performances, scheduled for early August, were highly anticipated events, making their cancellation even more disheartening. Swift described the emotional rollercoaster of walking on stage in London, contrasting it with the devastation of the Vienna shows being called off. “Having our Vienna shows canceled was devastating,” she wrote. “The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows.”
In her post, Swift expressed profound gratitude towards the authorities for their swift action, which she believes prevented a much larger tragedy. “I was so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she added. Her fans, known for their strong sense of community, came together to support each other even in the face of such disappointment. They gathered near the concert venue on Corneliusgasse, sharing friendship bracelets and taking selfies, maintaining the spirit of the event despite its absence.
Swift’s decision to remain silent until now was driven by her concern for fan safety. She emphasized the importance of restraint in sensitive situations, stating, “Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows.” Her primary focus, she said, was ensuring her fans’ safety while completing the European leg of her tour without further incident.
The cancellation of the Vienna shows came after concert organizer Barracuda Music announced the decision due to a terror threat. Authorities had revealed that a 19-year-old suspect was planning to target spectators outside the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives or homemade explosives. The plot aimed to “kill as many people as possible.” Austrian officials reported that the suspects were allegedly inspired by extremist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida.
The 19-year-old suspect, along with a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, was apprehended shortly before the planned performances. The 19-year-old’s legal representative has criticized the authorities, accusing them of exaggerating the threat for political reasons. The cancellations left many Swifties devastated, especially those who had traveled from around the world to see her perform.
Despite the setback in Vienna, Swift’s European tour continued successfully, concluding with record-breaking performances at Wembley Stadium in London. Her Eras Tour has achieved historic success, becoming the highest-grossing concert tour ever. Swift’s next performance is set for October 18 in Miami, Florida, as her global tour resumes.
In the wake of the Vienna incident, Swift has expressed her shock and sorrow over a tragic stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class in Southport, UK, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls. She met with survivors backstage in London, demonstrating her ongoing support and compassion for those affected by recent events.
