Concerts Reviews
Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour: A Night to Remember in Vancouver
Let me just start by saying this: it’s almost impossible to write a review of The Eras Tour without repeating what’s already been said. Whether you’ve seen the movie that premiered in October 2023 or seen endless TikToks and tweets raving about it, this tour has transcended just being a concert. It’s now a cultural phenomenon. But as I sat down to write about the first of Taylor Swift’s three sold-out shows at BC Place and the last Friday show of The Eras Tour ever, I realized the best way to capture what makes this experience special is not just by recapping the music (though I’ll do that too!) but by focusing on the atmosphere and the magic of the night.
The evening began with a land acknowledgment, recognizing that Vancouver is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It was a meaningful moment that set the tone for an inclusive and respectful experience.
Gracie Abrams opened the show, and wow, did she command the stage. Having last seen her perform at the Vogue Theatre in April 2023, it was incredible to witness her growth as an artist. Going from an intimate venue like the Vogue to opening at BC Place, packed with tens of thousands of people, is no small feat, but Gracie handled it with grace (pun intended!) and confidence. Her set was short but impactful, and she left the crowd buzzing for Taylor.
Vancouver Becomes Swift City
Taylor Swift’s three shows at BC Place are the grand finale of The Eras Tour, which kicked off in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, 2023, and will end on December 8, 2024. By the time the final confetti falls, Taylor will have played an incredible 149 shows worldwide. Vancouver truly pulled out all the stops to welcome her. An inflatable friendship bracelet (shipped all the way from Toronto) was wrapped around the stadium. The Vancouver Police Department even got into the spirit, decking out their horses with friendship bracelets around their necks. Destination Vancouver joined the fun by installing 13 light signs scattered across downtown, each featuring Taylor’s lyrics. Fans who visited these signs had the chance to win tickets to the show, which only added to the frenzy leading up to the weekend.
Walking around the city before the show, you could feel the excitement in the air. Groups of friends in coordinated outfits inspired by Taylor’s eras, families with moms and daughters hand-in-hand, and fans trading bracelets everywhere. It was like the city had been taken over by a joyful, glittery army of Swifties.
The Magic of Friendship and Community
If I had to pick one thing that truly makes The Eras Tour special, it’s the sense of community. The friendship bracelet exchange, a nod to the lyrics in You’re On Your Own, Kid, was in full swing. Even for someone who can be a little shy (guilty as charged!), the bracelets are the perfect icebreaker. I traded with fans from all over the world, each bracelet carrying its own story. And it wasn’t just friends exchanging bracelets; I saw mothers and daughters bonding, entire families dressed in theme, and even groups of coworkers out for a night of fun.
That sense of connection seems to amplify the energy of the show itself. In fact, Swifties are known for dancing so hard at Taylor’s concerts that they’ve literally shaken the earth. This happened in Seattle in July 2023, where their moves registered as seismic activity, and again in Edinburgh in June 2024, when monitors were triggered by fans’ collective enthusiasm. The energy in Vancouver definitely felt like it could spark a tremor of its own.
The Setlist and Show Recap
The show itself is a masterpiece. It kicked off with the Lover era and the pastel dreaminess of “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince,” setting the tone for a night that would be equal parts nostalgic and celebratory. From there, Taylor took us on a journey through her entire discography:
- Lover Era: Romantic and glowing, complete with “Cruel Summer” (cue the screams during “he looks up, grinnin’ like a devil!”).
- Fearless Era: A sweet, golden interlude with hits like “Love Story.”
- Red Era: Pure heartbreak and exhilaration during “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”
- Speak Now Era: A short but emotional segment highlighted by “Enchanted.” The pastel tones were on point.
- Reputation Era: Dark, electric, and powerful with “…Ready For It?” and “Look What You Made Me Do.”
- Folklore/Evermore Era: Moody, enchanting, and absolutely stunning during “Willow,” where fans joined in with lit up orange balloons. “Marjorie” being my favourite Taylor Swift song, I was overjoyed that it was included on the setlist.
- 1989 Era: Glittering pop perfection, with “Shake It Off” and “Style” turning the stadium into a dance party. “Bad Blood’s” pyrotechnics kept everyone warm!
- The Torture Poets Department Era: An intense and deeply introspective part of the night, aptly dubbed Female Rage: The Musical, with “Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me?” and “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.”
- Surprise songs: Taylor’s acoustic set has become one of the most anticipated parts of the tour. On guitar, she treated us to “Haunted” followed by “Wonderland,” joking that the latter was “perfect for Canada, eh?” thanks to its catchy “(Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh) in Wonderland” lyrics. Then, at the piano, she gave an emotional performance of “Never Grow Up” and “The Best Day,” leaving many of us misty-eyed.
- Midnights Era: Closing out the night with the dreamy, synthy vibes of “Anti-Hero” and “Karma.”
Each era was distinct, with Taylor’s costumes, staging, and choreography perfectly tailored to match the vibe. The transitions between eras were especially stunning, beautiful tableaux that often showcased the incredible talent of her dancers, who added depth and magic to each shift in tone, making the experience feel seamless and theatrical. The setlist was a marathon with over three hours and 40+ songs, but every moment felt deliberate and unforgettable.
Production Value Like No Other
I’ve been to a lot of concerts (already over 100 this year), but the production value of The Eras Tour is in a league of its own. The stage stretched across the stadium with a massive screen ensuring everyone had a great view. The visuals were breathtaking, from the enchanted forest of Folkmore to the lofty clouds of “Lavender Haze.” The way the lighting, pyrotechnics, and stage transformations worked in harmony was incredible. And don’t even get me started on the bracelets that lit up in sync with the music. Standing in the crowd felt like being part of a living work of art.
The sheer scale of this tour is staggering. By the end of 2024, it’s estimated that Taylor will have brought over $2 billion from ticket sales and merchandise, making it one of the most profitable tours in history.
Why It’s A Show For Everyone
Confession time: I’m not the kind of fan who knows every Taylor lyric (I’m showing my age here, but Spice Girls will always hold that title for me), but even so, this was one of the best shows I’ve ever attended. Taylor’s charisma and storytelling make her songs accessible even if you’re not a die-hard fan. The energy of the crowd, the flawless production, and the sheer joy of the night make it impossible not to have fun.
As I left the stadium with my voice hoarse and my arms full of new bracelets, I couldn’t stop smiling. And guess what? I’ll be back for Night 2 today. Bring it on, Taylor!
We would like to thank Taylor and her team for having us at their show.
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: aespa Close North American Tour With a Futuristic Spectacle in Vancouver
My K-pop education continued on October 11 as aespa brought their SYNK : COMPLæXITY Tour to Rogers Arena in Vancouver. After seeing TWICE in January and IVE in August, this was my third concert foray into K-pop. I was excited to see how aespa would compare, and the answer was a little different from my first two experiences. Where TWICE brought the fun and IVE delivered its own polished pop spectacle, aespa leaned into futuristic visuals, heavy electronic production and choreography that rarely let up.
With no opening act, the stage belonged entirely to Karina, Winter, Giselle and Ningning. Vancouver marked the final stop of the North American leg before the group heads to Europe in January, making this the last chance for fans on this side of the Atlantic to see the production for a while.
There had been some concern about Giselle’s participation after she left the stage five songs into the group’s October 9 show at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Thankfully, she was back in Vancouver. Both she and Winter mentioned having a cold, but you wouldn’t have known it from their performances. Neither appeared to let it get in the way, and both delivered strong performances throughout the night.
The show opened with “LEMONADE,” immediately filling Rogers Arena with heavy bass, electronic beats and futuristic visuals. The production was massive, but the sound mix occasionally worked against the group. At points, the bass threatened to overpower the vocals, which was frustrating when four singers this capable were onstage.
“Switchblade” and “Whiplash” kept the momentum going before aespa reached back to its 2020 debut single, “Black Mamba.” The choreography remained sharp, and the group’s ability to move between demanding routines and vocal passages without losing its composure was impressive. “WDA (Whole Different Animal)” brought a harder hip-hop edge, with Giselle’s rap standing out against the heavy production.
The concert was divided into five acts, with cinematic video segments building on the group’s fictional universe. The story occasionally felt like a lot to keep up with, particularly for someone who hasn’t followed every chapter of aespa‘s mythology. Still, the visuals gave the show a clear identity. The production had a narrative thread running through it.
The second act offered a welcome change of pace. Karina introduced “Count on Me” on a piano, leading into a softer arrangement that let the members’ voices take centre stage. “Camouflage” and “Angel #48” continued the dreamier stretch. These moments were a reminder that aespa doesn’t need a wall of bass and flashing screens to hold an audience’s attention.
The solo and duet stages were among my favourite parts of the night. Giselle and Ningning brought a relaxed feel to “Lollipop,” while Karina and Winter took a more energetic approach with “Serenade.” Each pairing had its own character, making the performances feel distinct rather than like variations on the same routine.
The four solo performances gave the members even more room to show what they could do. Ningning’s “I Love You But I Gotta Let You Go” built from restrained verses into soaring high notes, while Karina’s “16 Bit” relied on a more understated, moody delivery. Giselle showed a softer side on “BYEB4HELLO,” moving beyond her usual rap role, and Winter’s “Saddle Up” put her choreography and stage confidence front and centre.
These performances made a strong case for the individual personalities within aespa. The group’s sleek, coordinated image is part of its appeal, but seeing the members step outside that format made the concert more interesting.
The heavier material returned with “Armageddon” and “Bite,” followed by a run of choreography-driven performances including “Next Level,” “SHAKIN’” and “Supernova.” The dancers added scale to the show, and the synchronized routines looked particularly effective against the digital scenery. By this point, the production had made its point: aespa knows how to turn its music into a full arena experience.
The pre-encore dance challenge was a fun change of pace, with cameras scanning the crowd and giving fans a chance to show off their moves on the big screens. The segment ended with an (shy) audience singalong to “Roll” before aespa returned for “Yeppi Yeppi” and “’Til We Die.”
As someone still getting to know K-pop, I appreciated the range. The spectacle was impressive, but the quieter songs and individual stages stopped the night from becoming one long sensory overload. The sound mix could have been better, and some of the storyline went over my head, but those were minor complaints in a show packed with strong performances.
TWICE got me curious about K-pop, and IVE gave me another reason to keep exploring it. aespa made a convincing case for sticking around. Their Vancouver show was loud, visually striking and full of personality, with four performers who could hold Rogers Arena’s attention even when the production threatened to steal it. That’s a solid way to close out a North American tour.
Upcoming Aespa – SYNK : COMPLæXITY’ World Tour Dates:
01/14 – Manchester, United Kingdom @ AO Arena
01/16 – London, United Kingdom @ The O2
01/19 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome
01/22 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Avicii Arena
01/24 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Royal Arena
01/26 – Berlin, Germany @ Uber Arena
01/29 – Milan, Italy @ Unipol Dome
01/31 – Barcelona, Spain @ Palau Sant Jordi
02/02 – Paris, France @ Accor Arena
More information here.
Concerts Reviews
LØLØ Brings her ‘God Forbid a Girl Goes on Tour’ to the Pearl in Vancouver
LØLØ brought her second headlining tour – aptly named “God Forbid a Girl Goes on Tour” – to Vancouver this week, a first for the Canada-born artist. We’ve been a fan since we first heard “Death Wish” back in 2021, which seems like it was yesterday, and we aren’t going to overthink that right now. That being said, we’ve been waiting a long time for this night, and what a show!
We’ve been frequenting The Pearl more and more lately, and like so many others this show was sold out and packed wall-to-wall. There was a small mob for the first opener of the night, Dawson Gamble, and the floor was packed by the time Con the Artist took the stage. When LØLØ appeared, it was all plaid miniskirts and devil horns from the stage to the merch booth.
When the lights went down, LØLØ’s voice boomed over the speakers, narrating excerpts from a journal. LØLØ is not a choreographed, over-polished pop princess. Like so many artists that grew their audience from nothing, she does her best to connect with individuals in the audience. She takes her time, holds their hands, and during one memorable song, brings them on stage to dance.
“I think that people don’t want perfection,” she told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “They just want to see a live show and a special moment.”
LØLØ was very upfront about her adventures online, finding her voice, and time spent during COVID, and from the vibe you have to assume the audience had been there with her the entire time. From “The Floor is Lava” to “Faceplant,” all the hits were covered and sung along to. Speaking of which…
Must Hear Songs by LØLØ (In Our Humble Opinion):
• “death wish” (Single, 2021)
• “Hot Girls in Hell” (falling for robots, 2023)
• “u turn me on (but you give me depression)” (falling for robots, 2023)
• “Let It Go” (A Whole New Sound (Disney), 2024)
Fun fact: LØLØ was featured on a 2024 Disney punk album alongside Simple Plan, Magnolia Park, and Yellow Card, to name a few iconic bands. Check out her version of “Let It Go” from “Frozen.” It’s unexpected and a lot of fun.
LØLØ ‘s first moment of viral fame was her cover of “Hey There Delilah,” updated and sung from Delilah’s perspective. Pulling Con the Artist back on stage for a duet gave the crowd a wonderful, heartfelt moment that was honestly quite touching. Not everyone’s favorite song, but a lovely moment for everyone in the audience.
LØLØ, with several incredible songs in her library and with a stack of “Warped Tour” appearances already in the books, seems poised to breakthrough to the next level. She’s electric on stage, and animated, and we can only dream of the day she is given more space to play. Until then, another highlight concert of 2026, and something to think about until her next visit!
LØLØ Setlist:
• the devil wears converse
• pretty little wreck
• god forbid a girl spits out her feelings!
• THE FLOOR IS LAVA!
• debbie downer
• me with no shirt on
• the punisher
• 2 of us
• u turn me on (but u give me depression)
• faceplant
• Hey There Delilah
• death wish
• delusional darling
• junkie
• DON’T!
• dumbest girl in the world
• wish i was a robot
• hot girls in hell
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery. Thanks for attending the show with us and for checking out our review!
LØLØ
All Photo Credit: Jason Martin