120 Comments

Mia! This is a beautiful read and exactly how I felt. I'm 45, came from Perth with 2 girlfriends, we went Friday nt, it was incredible. I too cried for reasons I'm not quite sure why, overwhelmed at the energy and gloriousness of it all I think. Melbourne's vibe the whole weekend was like being in a magic twilight zone to the rest of whats happening in the world right now. God the joy filled my soul. As usual your words have resonated with me so much, thank u 😘

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Lovely article. Thx from someone who could not name a Taylor song but totally respects her talent & "positivity". We need so much more of this in our world.

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As two women in our late 50s we felt exactly the same. The vibe was something else.

We too swapped bracelets with young girls and their mothers in our hotel, on the way to and from the concert, and to see the utter pure joy on their faces is something we take away from this whole experience. We even gave bracelets to three cheeky boys on their way to the soccer who graciously accepted them.

It was a real feel good experience much like Harry’s Love on Tour but dialled up to 1000!!!

We actually enjoyed people watching and we came to the conclusion that the reason why Taylor is so loved is the kindness and compassion that she radiates, and lord knows we all need that in our lives right now!

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It sounds wonderful - like a miniature Woodstock, but with sparkly outfits and better hygiene.

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worshiping mortals

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What is going on! I cried seeing the news stories about the concert, I cried reading your article. Waterproof mascara will be MY makeup of choice when my daughter and I attend in Sydney. And I’m 57!

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It’s never too late to become a swiftie! I am 55, was always a fan but became rabid during the pandemic. My husband calls it my midlife crisis. As far as midlife crisis’ go, I’ll take it!

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1000% sums up the experience I shared with my 11 year old Swiftie. Pure joy and kindness and fun. Such an antidote. Such a moment.

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I think any magical experience in this day and age is fantastic and meaningful and worth writing about.

But I am concerned about living in a world where people believe celebrities are somehow more important or worthy or deserving than the rest of the mere mortals. I would have much rather read that a teacher somehow changed a student’s life for the better and that there’s a chance that student will go on to change other’s lives.

That’s magic right there.

And let’s not forget that the teacher uses her own money for classroom supplies and will not be a billionaire in her lifetime because she doesn’t know how to sing. I am a champion of the unsung heroes and so should we all be.

Real stories of real people living real lives. That’s what makes me sob.

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A lot of the magic described in the article, about the somewhat exclusive experience of a Taylor Swift concert, just made me think of the same happening at widespread occurrence of raves (with people often taking therapeutic substances recreationally (MDMA)). There are pros and cons to getting the feeling and vibe solely from a community alone Vs also having the aid of substances.

One argument for the latter is that at raves, there is much less reliance on a particular celebrity/DJ/ego bringing everyone together. Also not to mention that as one ages and goes to events sober, the magic is still there, not just because many other attendees may still be intoxicated. Also I'd argue that the magic of a Taylor Swift concert or rave can fade over time unless reinforced, and the relative scarcity of Taylor makes that harder to sustain, to then have the capacity to see this magic and joy in the lives of mere mortals... (My past experiences with substances at raves has definitely made more empathetic)

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The internet is shouty for you because you support occupation, apartheid, genocide against brown people & you’re on the wrong side of history.

You all felt ‘free’ at the concert? White people in a Western country with privilege feeling free? Congratulations.

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You okay?

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Gaslighting me? Because I speak up about genocide? Yeah I’m ok, are you?

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Shut up Jew!

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(((White))), LOL. Khzar Jews aren't white. And Palestinians are more Semitic than self proclaimed Khzar Jews.

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So very sorry for you.

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What an unfortunate name, are you for real?!

Hey there’s a documentary about you! It’s called Deconstructing Karen.

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Wow, you’re so clever and unique! You’ve made a comment about my name! I’m truly impressed.

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& yeah lazy of me to use ad hominem in replying to you, but in this forum you need to be clear what exactly you mean by ‘sorry for you’. I’m an extremely sorry white middle aged woman. I’m very sorry about injustice & racism. & people staying ignorant & silent about that. I’m sorry I was also unaware & put myself as the centre of the universe. I won’t stay blind any longer so really, it’s a good thing I’ve found my voice! Agree?

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You’ve told me you feel sorry for me for speaking up against oppression, apartheid & genocide. What side of history are you on? Or are you sorry about those facts too & commiserating with me & I mistook your reply unfairly?

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Shut up Jew!

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Shut up Jew!

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Please. Zionism is antisemitic. Please don’t be antisemitic.

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Yes God forbid one say uncomfortable true things about what Jews do. Yes Jews, it isn't the Amish killing all those women and children in Gaza, it's literally 100 percent Jews, with the support of 80% of American Jews.

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She brings me hope❤️ I adore that she is a role model for our girls❤️❤️❤️

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Thanks so much for this beautiful piece. I was struck especially by your observation that “Taylor runs warm.” Today I saw a clip of Charles Schulz talking about Peanuts, and I thought, “Charlie Brown runs warm.” Both connected with hearts. Both are/were global sensations. Neither will soon be forgotten. Thanks again. 🙏

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So... like doing ecstasy..

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Ha! My thoughts exactly.

Except MDMA and raves are much easier to attend than a Taylor Swift concert

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You should have been at a Grateful Dead concert. THAT was transcending...and talk about being in an altered state lol. No my wife and 15 year old have seen T 3 times...I respect her very much.

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Thank you Mia. We had to give up our tickets due to an overseas trip. We were almost going to fly back for our Sydney concert tickets. I almost didn't read this for fear of major FOMO. But I instead, feel grateful for the detailed insight that made me feel like I was there x

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I love this. Not gonna lie, I'm not a Swifty, but it is impossible to deny the epic force of a woman that she is. You portrayed the energy flawlessly, and I think that giddy unity is what keeps drawing even the most die hard anti back to her. She really is magnetic, and I can't even imagine the love that exists in those venues, for her and for each other.

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Sounds like you had a great, really positive experience.

'.....they’re cool and with coolness comes distance. Taylor runs warm.'

That's an interesting observation. It's nicer when famous personalities are more warm, approachable and vulnerable.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

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