Swifties Devastated by Canceled Austria Eras Tour Shows

Fans of Taylor Swift are deeply saddened by the cancellation of three sold-out Eras Tour shows in Austria. The decision to cancel arose after authorities in Vienna thwarted a potential attack.

Swifties, as Taylor Swift’s fans are known, flooded social media with their heartbreak over missing the superstar’s performances. Many who shared their disappointment on the social platform X expressed frustration over the wasted efforts spent on crafting friendship bracelets and selecting fashionable outfits for the show. Numerous fans had also invested thousands of euros on travel, accommodations, and dining in one of Europe’s priciest capitals.

Journalist Annmarie Timmins, who traveled from the United States for Thursday’s event, shared her disappointment. “I can’t even believe it,” she said, recounting how she and her husband were at the subway station when they heard the news. Timmins described seeing a young girl with her mother who appeared even more devastated. In an attempt to comfort her, Timmins gave the girl one of her bracelets and wished she could give her a hug.

Authorities arrested a 19-year-old main suspect in Ternitz, located south of Vienna. The suspect had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, according to Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s Interior Ministry. Chemicals and technical devices were found at the suspect’s residence.

A second arrest was made in Vienna, and Austrian media reported that additional suspects were being sought, although this was not officially confirmed by the police.

Ruf mentioned that authorities were aware of preparatory actions for a potential attack and identified a focus on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. The 19-year-old suspect is believed to have been radicalized online. Ruf stated that the chemical substances were secured and were being examined. He did not provide more details, such as names, adhering to Austrian privacy laws.

The disappointment extends beyond Vienna. Fredrikke Blekastad, a fan from Norway, experienced her second attempt to attend a Taylor Swift concert being thwarted. The first was canceled due to the pandemic. “We had planned to get up really early, stand in line, and get to the very front and see her,” Blekastad told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “But nothing will come of it either.”

Other Norwegian fans, Jenny Moltubakk and Marie Hov Aanæs, also shared their disappointment. “At first, we were in shock when we saw the message. I didn’t really believe it,” Moltubakk told NRK. “It’s very strange when something you’ve been looking forward to for a whole year is suddenly canceled.”

Despite her disappointment, Moltubakk acknowledged that safety is the highest priority. Aanæs added, quoting Swift’s 2014 hit, that they must “Shake It Off.” “Actually, we are just very grateful that security was tightened enough for them to unravel this,” Aanæs commented to NRK.

Source: Associated Press