Taylor Swift fans in London are buzzing with excitement as the pop superstar gears up for a highly anticipated series of five shows at Wembley Stadium from August 15 to August 20. The anticipation is palpable, but recent events have cast a shadow over the upcoming concerts. Swift’s planned London performances come in the wake of a serious security scare involving her concerts in Vienna, Austria, where a thwarted terrorist plot led to the cancellation of her shows.
The situation in Vienna, where authorities uncovered a plot targeting her concerts, has left fans on edge. Despite the unsettling news, Swift—TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year—has yet to comment publicly on the situation or her upcoming London dates. Her Eras Tour, which has already set records as the highest-grossing tour in history, surpassing $1 billion, is eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike.
As of now, Taylor Swift's official website confirms that her London dates remain scheduled. Local officials have assured the public that safety is their top priority. Multiple statements from London authorities emphasize that they are keeping the situation under close scrutiny and are committed to ensuring a safe environment for the concerts.
The Metropolitan Police, responsible for Greater London, reassured fans with a statement that there is no indication the Austrian investigation would affect the London shows. They highlighted their close cooperation with venue security teams to maintain a high level of safety and preparedness.
U.K. Minister for Policing, Diana Johnson, emphasized that the police would be vigilant and proactive. On British radio station LBC, she assured listeners that intelligence will be carefully assessed and appropriate measures will be taken for the London concerts.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, echoed this sentiment, affirming that the Swift concerts will proceed as planned. He assured Sky News that efforts are in place to work closely with police to ensure the concerts take place safely.
Wembley Stadium, the venue for Swift’s London shows, has yet to announce any new safety measures specifically related to her concerts. However, the venue's Eras Tour-specific page indicates that previous restrictions, such as prohibiting standing outside entrances and on the Olympic Steps, will remain in effect.
On August 7, Swift’s three sold-out shows at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium were abruptly canceled. This decision came after Austrian authorities arrested two individuals allegedly involved in plotting a terrorist attack. A third suspect was later apprehended in connection with the foiled plot.
Concert organizer Baracuda Music announced that all tickets for the Vienna shows would be refunded, a message that was also communicated on Swift’s official website. The Austrian authorities revealed that one of the suspects, a 19-year-old Austrian, had confessed to planning the attack. According to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, the suspect intended to carry out an attack outside the stadium using knives or explosive devices.
The suspect, who resided with his parents in Ternitz, a town south of Vienna, reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS. Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf provided additional details, confirming that the suspect was deeply involved in extremist activities.
The second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian, had recently started working with a company providing services at the concert venue. Authorities discovered materials related to ISIS and al-Qaida at his home. The third suspect, an 18-year-old Iraqi, was found to have been in contact with the main perpetrator but was not directly involved in the attack plans. He had recently pledged allegiance to ISIS.
In the wake of the canceled Vienna concerts, disappointed fans gathered at Corneliusgasse, a street with a name reminiscent of Swift’s popular track “Cornelia Street” from her 2019 album Lover. The fans, though disheartened by the cancellation, found solace in each other’s company. They exchanged friendship bracelets, a tradition among Swift's Eras Tour attendees, and sang their favorite songs in a show of solidarity and support.
As Taylor Swift’s London shows approach, fans are hopeful that the heightened security measures will ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. The excitement for her return to Wembley Stadium remains high, and despite the challenges, the resilience of her fan base continues to shine brightly.
Login