Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department made its concert debut at last night’s Paris Eras Tour, and we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the performance!
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Following her latest 2-part album release and subsequent tour hiatus, Taylor Swift is back on the town. The European leg of the Eras Tour kicked off in Paris last night for one out of four sold-out nights at the La Défense Arena. While many parts of the tour have seemingly remained the same, her 'Tortured Poets Department’ has officially become the next Era added into the 3.5 hour show. The biggest differences to the tour, therefore, can be found in the setlist, costumes, choreography, set designs, and all the teasers she created for her eagle-eyed fans.
The Setlist
The Eras Tour setlist had a major shift to account for the new album. While each previous ‘Era’ still has at least one song performed, the fan-favorite Folklore and Evermore albums were newly combined into the same Era. “I’ve always thought ‘Folklore’ to me represents spring and summer and ‘Evermore’ represents fall and winter,” she explained to fans at the concert, “So on the 'Eras Tour,' we have now reunited the sisters and combined them into one chapter.”
The Tortured Poets Department is the newest chapter, which she jokingly called ‘Feminine Rage: The Musical.'” The tour now features seven songs from the album, including the single “Fortnight.” scream-along “But Daddy I Love Him,” and a new, angry and powerful rendition of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” This Era doesn’t close out the show, however, and actually comes before the 7 tracks from album Midnights. And, there was even a surprise section of two songs that Swift wanted to premiere in Paris, calling it a "very special city."
The Costumes, Choreography and Set Design
Alongside the change in the setlist, the entire Eras Tour had changes in costumes, choreography, and some stage designs. This time around, Taylor’s classic bejeweled bodysuit and fabric-inspired background were in bright shades of red and orange. But, in following the grayscale aesthetic of TTPD, Taylor’s entire stage presence was in black and white for the new era. Her dress was a strapless corset with a high-low skirt, and her "Fortnight" song lyric "I love you, it’s ruining my life" was written in cursive on the body of the dress. Her dancers were in similar white corsets but with flowing pants for easier movement.
The new Era also featured over three new set designs. The first piece was a moving mirrored box to allow Swift to stand in one area while seemingly levitating across the stage. Another "mini stage" set was in the shape of a wired bed frame, with only a table, two chairs, and a typewriter - a clear reference to her own lyrics and poetry aesthetic. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring set was used for the song "Down Bad," where the stages’ screens and spotlights worked together to give the impression of a UFO and alien abduction of the singer.
As for the choreography, Swift and the dancers perfectly reflected each of the song’s original intentions. "Fortnight" features Taylor and one male dancer moving around the typewriter, as if they're trying too hard to be emotionally connected. The entire dance crew got involved for the songs "So High School" and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived," with the latter even featuring a marching band set up. Afterward, the choreography found Taylor Swift being reluctantly "fixed up" by her dancers until she was carried over to a music box to sing "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.”
The Teasers
And in perfect TS fashion, the easter eggs and references within the performance of TTPD are seemingly endless. For starters, the dancer featured alongside the singer in "Fortnight" was a lean, dark haired man who uses a typewriter, much like the ex the song is rumored to be about. The drum line choreography could stand on its own or could be another reference, this time, to Taylor’s repeated use of marching band imagery. Anyone remember the "You Belong with Me" uniform?
Of course, Swift had some teasers to tell the crowd as well. “You are so present and it means the world to us as performers when you show up to a concert and when you act this way” Taylor said, thanking her fans at the beginning of the concert. “It makes us want to show you all kinds of fun surprises…” she chuckled.
Whatever’s coming next, it’s safe to say that this new album era is in full swing! You can listen to all these Taylor tracks and more by tuning in to our Audacy's Taylor Swift Radio -- and we’ll be sure to keep you posted with all things TS!