After months of hype, anticipation for fans, and a degree of bewilderment for everyone else, Taylor Swift kicked off the Australian leg of the Eras Tour on Friday in front of 96,000 fans.

The New Daily was on hand at the opening night of one of the most anticipated tours of a generation, and the verdict from Swifties (as Taylor Swift devotees are known) was overwhelmingly positive.

The Melbourne shows, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, are the biggest of Swift’s career, with more than 270,000 people expected to attend over the three nights.

And while Swifties packed out the MCG for the three-and-a-half hour spectacular, countless more surrounded the stadium to sing along with the crowd inside as Taylor Swift took them on a journey spanning 10 albums and 18 years of her career.

96,000 fans experiencing the wonder of The Eras Tour. Photo: TND.

Dedicated Swifties

Swift is regarded by many as a once-in-a-generation artist with an incredibility dedicated fan base willing to travel across the world for a chance to see their idol.

Swifties have and spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, to be in the same room as her.

While many fans made friendship bracelets to swap at the concert, others obviously spent plenty of time and money putting together Swift-inspired outfits, celebrating the singers style and performance-wear.

At opening night of the Melbourne leg, TND spoke to a several fans about why there were willing to commit so much time and money to their favourite artist.

Jiji, who travelled from Vietnam for the show, said he loved the Swift community as much as the artist.

“I think her songs are really great and I think she’s a great person as well. There’s just something about Taylor that you’re really drawn to…I love the community that she’s created.” he said.

Grace made the trip from Perth for the show and said Swift enabled her to meet likeminded people.

“She’s creates an environment where you can invest your time into …s he created great songs, she creates great music and it gives you a space to meet likeminded people which I really love,” she said.

Many attendees were gifted friendship bracelets at The Eras Tour. Photo: TND.

Swift will complete her Australian tour in Sydney from next Friday, but some Sydneysiders made the trek to Melbourne for their chance to take in the show.

“She’s got incredible music. She’s such a great songwriter and it’s very much giving it back. She loves her fans so much so it’s so worth coming.” Sydney fan Isis said.

Melbourne fan Jessica, meanwhile said Swift was something of a role model.

“I love her energy and spirit and think she’s just a really powerful female figure.” she said.

Many fans worked hard on their Swift-inspired outfits. Photo: TND

All of the Eras

As the name suggests, the tour is structured around Swift’s varous  eras – what fans, and Swift herself, call each album cycle.

The concert opened with the Lover album before travelling to Fearless and Evermore as the sun began to set over Melbourne.

It was during the fan-favourite Reputation era that the crowd’s electric energy really kicked in, with the stadium belting out the lyrics to …Ready For It? as loudly as the song’s bombastic bassline.

After a brief Speak Now segment, fans were treated to high-energy hits from Red before Swift delivered the show’s most emotionally devastating moments, and arguably best visuals, in the Folklore era.

In the 1989 era, the crowd were up and dancing to Swift’s massive hits, Shake It Off and Blank Space with fans still able to shout out lyrics at full volume after over two hours of intensive singing.

To bring Swifties back down to Earth, the performer surprised the crowd with two ‘secret’ songs in the show’s acoustic section, before finishing up the marathon setlist with fan-favourites from her most recent album, Midnights.

Swift performs The Man at night one of The Eras Tour. Photo: TAS Rights Management.

Long Story Short

The Eras Tour is a visual wonder with elaborate graphics, gorgeous sets and practical effects like fire, sparks, confetti and fireworks giving audiences a true multi-sensory experience.

A show for the fans, it is Swift’s chance to celebrate her achievements with those who adore her and her music, and, through her ability to connect with fans across the stadium, make a 96,000 person show feel like an intimate performance.