Taylor Swift opened her Eras Tour show in London with an emotional statement today – her first show since Vienna was cancelled. The pop star made her return to the stage tonight at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, her first appearance since the shows in Vienna, Austria were cancelled after police thwarted a terror plot.
Taylor’s shows were expected to take place at the Ernst-Happel Stadium on 9, 10 and 11 August but were later cancelled.
A 19 year old and a 17 year old were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in the Austrian capital. The older suspect had pledged allegiance to the current leader of Islamic State online, and materials to produce a bomb were found in his home. A third suspect has since been arrested.
As she opened her show tonight, performing her hits Cruel Summer and Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, she spoke to the crowd as she told them: “The way that you have chosen to welcome us. There are 92,000 of you, out here, with your hands in the air – screaming the words. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. We love you so much London.”
“I know how much planning and energy and effort it took to come to these shows I really appreciate that,” she added.
Taylor was spotted earlier this week marking an incredible run of tour with her huge crew. The group partied at exclusive club Annabel’s in London, with Taylor seen leaving the venue at three in the morning. She had organised for six coaches to take her whole crew to and from the venue ahead of their sold out set of shows at Wembley this week.
London’s Metropolitan Police have reassured fans heading to Wembley in the wake of Vienna’s cancelled shows. In a statement, they said: “London plays hosts to a significant number of very high profile events each year with millions of visitors having a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Met works closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place. There is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London.” It was later confirmed that some timings had changed for the show.
