Taylor Swift Concert Cancelations: Swifties Left On The Streets

In an expected turn of events, planned terror attacks slated for performances in Austria have led to three Taylor Swift concert cancelations. With information from the Austrian government, Swift and her team instantly canceled the Austrian leg of her tour. 

Police detained and questioned three young teenagers about the threats. It appears that those arrested were in contact with other parties who were aware of the plans.

Although no one was hurt, thousands of fans were shocked and disappointed by the Taylor Swift concert cancellations. Most appreciate Swift’s team’s care and consideration in protecting the public, while others remain frustrated with the incident.

Plans to Attack the Concert

The three teens involved in the incident—aged 15, 17, and 19—planned multiple sinister attacks on the Taylor Swift concerts. Before the plans, two of the teens exhibited major changes in behavior. The 19-year-old suspect announced that he had “something big” planned before quitting his job, while the 17-year-old recently broke up with his girlfriend.

When Austrian officials searched the homes of the teens, they found some shocking evidence. In the main suspect’s house, authorities found chemicals, explosive material, detonators, 21,000 euros in counterfeit money, and numerous knives. Likewise, officials reported that the teens had been consuming and propagating Islamic militarist propaganda on the internet. 

Of their various plans, the teens intended to set off multiple explosives as well as stab concert-goers with knives and machetes. Other sources cited that the teens had also planned to drive a car into the crowds of fans who would be waiting outside the packed concert venue. 

The Austrian Chancellor has made multiple public statements in response to the sinister plans. In one, he said, “Islamist terrorism threatens security and freedom in many Western countries. This is precisely why we will not give up our values ​​​​such as freedom and democracy, but will defend them even more vehemently.”

Concerts Becoming Increasingly Dangerous 

While events like this seem too far-fetched to be true, they are unfortunately becoming an increasingly common reality. Concerts can be a dangerous environment on their own. However, more and more concerts have experienced intentional violence. As mentioned by the Austrian Chancellor, Europe has experienced multiple attacks from extreme Islam groups targeted at packed music events. Of note, a 2015 attack on the Bataclan Theatre in Paris and a 2017 suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert are great examples of these tragic trends. 

Unfortunately, these trends are also increasing in the United States. Take, for instance, the Las Vegas mass shooting that took place at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. These events are so common that they find their place in polarizing Supreme Court cases. 

Fans Left To ‘Shake It Off” In The Streets After Taylor Swift’s Concert Cancelations

Understandably, Swift fans reacted with utter shock at the turn of events. Many had spent much on transportation, food, housing, and more. A large number of fans had already begun the travel, leaving them stranded in Austria with no plans. Many fans took to social media, exclaiming their disappointment and sadness. Others expressed their happiness that the team canceled the concert for safety reasons. Even major stars like Nikki Glaser expressed their dismay.

In addition to the emotional impact, the Taylor Swift concert cancellations will likely have significant economic repercussions. People coined the term ‘Swiftenomics’ to describe the surge of economic activity surrounding Taylor Swift concerts. From food to lodging, countless businesses rely on Swift’s performances. Analysts project she will generate roughly $380 million in revenue from her London tour dates alone.

Luckily, the 195,000 people expected to attend Austria still found ways to have fun after the incident. Iconically, they took to the streets with other Swifties, singing her hit songs, exchanging bracelets, and making new friendships. Many businesses also capitalized on the activity, playing Swift songs at full volume from their storefronts. 

Despite the fans turning lemons into lemonade, the concert cancellations will likely have some major impacts.

Response of the Taylor Swift Team 

In response to the initial threats, Taylor Swift’s team worked extremely fast to cancel the concerts for safety. Barracuda Music, the Austrian concert leg’s promoter, reportedly worked with authorities and Taylor Swift to make the decision. 

Swift’s team released multiple prompt alerts informing their fans of the cancelation. Currently, Taylor’s website reads, “Please note the following information from the organizer: Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone’s safety. All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next ten business days.”

It has been said that Taylor is disappointed but glad that the decision likely saved lives. In fact, in a 2019 interview with the pop star, she said that having an attack at one of her concerts was one of her “biggest fears.” 

While her team has been extremely prompt, Taylor has yet to comment publicly about the incident. As it stands, her tour is scheduled to continue regularly on August 15th at Wembley Stadium in London.