All eyes were on Taylor Swift on May 9 as she kicked off the European leg of her Eras Tour with the first of four concerts in Paris, marking her first show back after the release of the Billboard 200-topping, record-breaking The Tortured Poets Department.
Not only did the pop star debut seven fresh numbers from the new album (see a full setlist), but she also made multiple changes to her original Eras set. A few fan-favorite songs were cut (sorry, “The Archer,” “Long Live” and “Tolerate It”), while parts of the show were restructured in order to make room for the new material. The sacrifices proved to be worth it, however, when Swift stunned the audience at La Defense Arena with brand new costumes, choreography, visuals and special effects, including an alien abduction and a clever trick that made the star appear to levitate across the stage.
The trek’s nightly high points, however, remained in place. Fans still got to scream along to the full 10-minute version of “All Too Well” during the Red era, hold their phone flashlights up for “Marjorie” in the Evermore set and scream the traditional “1, 2, 3, let’s go b—h” chant during Reputation’s “Delicate.” The surprise song section also remained fully intact as Swift gave Midnights’ “Paris” and TTPD’s “LOML” their live debuts.
“This has been an unforgettable night in Paris!” Swift gushed to the crowd before closing out as usual with “Karma.” “Thank you so much!”
Check out photos from Swift’s Eras Tour European kickoff show in Paris below.
-
‘Lover’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Taylor Swift opens the show with “Miss American & The Heartbreak Prince” and “Cruel Summer” for the Lover era, wearing an all-new crystal bodysuit and boots.
-
“Lover”
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images The pop star sings “Lover” in the City of Love.
-
“The Man”
Image Credit: Julien De Rosa/AFP/Getty Images Blazer on, Swift performs “The Man.”
-
‘Fearless’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift switches course for the Fearless era, debuting a new, sparkly fringe dress.
-
“22”
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images The singer opens the Red era with “22” in a new T-shirt reading “This is not Taylor’s version.”
-
‘Red’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift sings “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” before “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
-
‘Reputation’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift takes the stage for the Reputation era.
-
‘Folklore’ & ‘Evermore’ Eras
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift combines the Folklore and Evermore eras into one mini set.
-
‘1989’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift performs during the 1989 era while debuting a new crop top, skirt and booties combo.
-
‘TTPD’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift gives “Fortnight” its live debut in The Tortured Poets Department era with a custom lyric-covered Vivienne Westwood gown.
-
“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images The musician performs “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” in the Tortured Poets era.
-
Surprise Songs
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift sings “Paris” as the first surprise song. Soon after, she performed “LOML” on piano.
-
‘Midnights’ Era
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images Swift performs “Vigilante Shit” during the Midnights finale era.
