From the launch of the new album at La Defense Arena in Paris to the opening night of the European leg of the Eras Tour in France. Last night Taylor Swift brought live versions of her latest double album to the stage for the first time: The Tortured Poets Department And The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.
In a very “dramatic” change of tone after the set of 1989Swift returned to the stage in a white dress straight from the music video of Fortnight to usher in a completely new “era” for the Eras Tour, with seven new songs. The part of the concert dedicated to TTPD it opened with But Daddy I Love Himbefore abruptly switching to I know High School for the outro. And then Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? which was followed by a mash-up of Down Bad And Fortnight. And then a band comes along to support her in The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.
The set was complete with visuals, sets, theatrical choreography and costume changes. Swift even performed a silent movie scene before moving on to the final number I Can Do It with a Broken Heart .
Taylor Swift performs “Down Bad” at her Paris Eras Tour show. pic.twitter.com/BUF3uNl32X
— Variety (@Variety) May 9, 2024
However, the new era was not only seen in the change of lineup. Before Swift took the stage, eagle-eyed fans noticed the addition of lyrics by The Alchemy And The Tortured Poets Department in the mash-up that serves as the opening. The other eras related to each album have also been mixed, with sets of Red And Speak Now which now arrive later Lover and before Folklore and Evermore. Swift also cut several songs from the setlist, including The Archer, Long Live Tis the Damn Season, Tolerate It, The 1, The Last Great American Dynasty.
There were also some notable outfit changes, going from a new sparkly pink and orange onesie to Lover to a different t-shirt for Red on which was written “This Is Not Taylor's Version”. During the era of Red, Swift played with the chaos of changes. Before performing in All Too Well (10 Minute Version)told the audience: «I see the reactions of this crowd and I want to show you all the surprises».
Taylor Swift performs “Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?” at the Paris Eras Tour show. pic.twitter.com/AH1MP0kRPz
— Variety (@Variety) May 9, 2024
Fans began speculating how The Tortured Poets Department would be included in Swift's upcoming tour dates following the release of the double album on April 19. The theories began to circulate as soon as the pop star shared a video of tour rehearsals two weeks before the show in Paris, which appeared to include new sets and choreography.
As Swift said during the Arlington, Texas stop: «There's one thing to say about the Eras Tour, we're smart. It's who we are, we like to play with the lineup.”
Translation from Rolling Stone US.