London Increases Security for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Experts Weigh In

“I feel bad for whoever sits behind us,” laughs Marge Haines.

The 69-year-old mom chats with her two daughters, Abby Luna and Val Haines, in Abby’s Tennessean kitchen about heading to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in London. Marge beams as her bedazzled “We are never getting back together. Like ever.” T-shirt sparkles in the kitchen light. She’s excited to wear the “Red” themed-tee to Wembley Stadium on Aug. 19.

“Yeah, I think especially all three of us together,” adds Val, 38.

“We’re a loud group of women,” quips Abby, 40, and everyone laughs.

The three reminisce about how they became fans of Swift. For Val and Abby, the admiration started in 2006.

“We’ve been fans for 18 years,” Abby says. “We saw Taylor open for Rascal Flatts in Knoxville in 2006.”

Although three of the Eras Tour shows were canceled in Vienna due to a thwarted terrorist plot, the family is undeterred about heading to the UK for Swift’s final European stop.

“Taylor is not going to put people’s lives in danger,” says Abby. “I’m glad she canceled the Vienna shows, and if she has to cancel London, so be it. We will still go, and we’ll be the Swifties singing in the street like they did in Vienna.”

“I’m a little concerned,” Marge admits, “but I’m concerned when I go to Kroger. I always want to know where my exit is. I go to the Titans games and I’m concerned about how I get out, but I’m not going to let that stop anything.”

The London Metropolitan Police Department assures USA TODAY that “there is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London.”

Wembley Stadium has beefed up security for the shows. The venue will not allow overnight camping and fans without a pass will be moved on.

“The Met works closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place,” a London police spokesperson states. “As always, we will continue to keep any new information under careful review.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, confirms, “We’re going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the concerts can take place in London safely.”

Swift has remained silent on the canceled shows, usually addressing such changes on her Instagram story.

Earlier instances, like postponing a Rio de Janeiro show in the fall of 2023, saw Swift emphasizing safety: “The safety and well being of my fans, fellow performers, and crew has to and always will come first.” Following a tragic event in Southport, UK, while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, she wrote, “The horror of yesterday’s attack is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock.”

Security experts discuss the dynamics of potential threats at concert venues. Carey Rapport, a professor and expert in event security, explains the concept of “soft target” areas outside secure zones like stadium entrances.

Authorities revealed that the 19-year-old Austrian suspect envisioned an attack in these vulnerable areas outside Ernst-Happel Stadium, planning to maximize casualties using knives or explosive devices. The suspect, who recently quit his job and pledged allegiance to ISIS, targeted the unsecured zones to inflict maximum damage.

“Large venues can unfortunately be kind of a tempting target for terrorist organizations,” says Corrinne Zoli, a part-time instructor at Syracuse University specializing in global conflict dynamics. She explains that targeting young crowds helps terrorist organizations generate significant media coverage.

Swift has previously expressed concerns about keeping her fans safe, especially after high-profile attacks like the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 and the Las Vegas mass shooting during a country music event.

“I was completely terrified to go on tour this time,” Swift shared with Elle Magazine in 2019. She highlighted the extensive planning required to ensure fan safety.

As Swift’s Eras Tour continues to break records, the performances offer fans memorable experiences. Mothers and daughters weep during “Marjorie,” and fans propose during “Love Story.”

Despite the prevalent concerns, security experts suggest that evolving technology and security protocols will bolster safety at large venues. Don Erickson, CEO of Security Industry Association, discusses implementing facial recognition technology and expanded perimeters to enhance safety.

“Facial recognition technology is reliable and you see it at the airports,” he explains. “You can have individuals come into a stadium quickly and safely.” He also emphasizes the importance of identifying anomalies in traffic patterns and densely populated areas.

As Swift wraps up her European shows in London, she will soon return to North America, with her tour concluding in cities like Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Source: USA TODAY, Nashville Tennessean