Cruel Summer: Taylor Swift’s Singapore Shows Sell Out, Leaving Asian Fans Disappointed
It has been a challenging summer for Taylor Swift fans in Asia, as the singer’s highly anticipated Eras Tour makes its only stop in Southeast Asia in Singapore. With regional hubs like Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta missing out on hosting the tour, demand for tickets to her six nights in Singapore has skyrocketed. Over 22 million people registered for pre-sale tickets, and when they went on sale, they sold out within hours, leaving many devoted “Swifties” disappointed and empty-handed.
The competition for tickets has been so fierce that fans have dubbed it the “Great War.” Many fans shared their stories of coming close to getting a ticket but ultimately falling short. The tour itself is expected to generate record-breaking sales of $1 billion.
The Eras Tour includes more than 100 concerts across the United States, South America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Apart from Singapore, Swift will only be performing in Japan, further fueling the frenzy among fans in the region. While Singapore’s economy is set to benefit from Swift mania, other countries in the region are questioning why they missed out on such a lucrative event.
Some fans and politicians have expressed their disappointment and urged Swift to visit their countries. In Thailand, Pita Limjaroenrat, a prime ministerial candidate, declared himself a Swiftie and invited her to perform, emphasizing the country’s return to democracy. In the Philippines, discussions revolved around the country being overlooked due to its notorious traffic jams and inadequate public transportation.
Fans in the United States are known for their enthusiasm in supporting public transport during Swift’s shows, sometimes overwhelming bus systems and subways. Local media and editorials in the Philippines highlighted the importance of having not just sophisticated venues but also efficient transport systems, road networks, parking lots, and public amenities to accommodate such large-scale events.
While Swift’s Eras Tour has brought joy to fans worldwide, it has also sparked conversations about the infrastructure, tourism industry, and economy in countries that missed out on hosting the tour. As fans eagerly await her performances, the impact of Swift’s music and popularity extends beyond the stage and into the discussions surrounding the localities she visits.
