We asked a Scottish journalist to review Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour ahead of her arrival in Liverpool

Taylor Swift brings curtain down on her trio of Edinburgh shows and will now take the show on road to Liverpool where she will play three nights in a row at Anfield Stadium.

Taylor Swift is coming to Liverpool this Thursday, 13 June, where she will play the 100th show of her Eras Tour at Anfield Stadium.

We asked Scottish journalist Paul English to share all about his experience at Taylor’s show in Edinburgh:

“I’m suddenly feeling extremely powerful,” said Taylor Swift on the last of her three-night run in Edinburgh’s Murrayfield stadium.

From the moment Tay Tay appeared in the middle of the huge runway in Murrayfield, until the end of a 3 hour 15 minute show, she wielded full control over 70,000 fans like a sequined superhero with powers bestowed upon her by the Gods of pop’s universe.

Swift’s gigs at the home of Scottish rugby were the most anticipated moment inside the Edinburgh stadium since the decision over Scotland’s is-it, isn’t-it try back in February’s Six Nations clash with France.

And this time, for Scottish fans at least, the outcome was far better.

Lady Gaga’s tune Applause blared around the stadium as Swift was wheeled into the arena in a black box, just visible stage left, as her 10-piece band and 14-piece dance troupe made their way onto the vast stage, set with a countdown clock. Her dancers appeared with huge billowing pearlescent clamshells, from which the star appeared to an ear splitting crescendo of screams. 

It was the first of many elaborately executed costume changes of the show, each somehow defying the laws of space and time. 

The sets and visuals were similarly incredible. Enchanted forests, cityscapes, tidal whirlpools, inter-stellar saucers, mountain ranges and even graveyards, office suites and hospital rooms are all depicted either on the vast screens or on stage. 

The setlist is an epic, at 40-odd songs long, traversing the eras of her career from innocent country starlet to all-conquering pop queen, her signature over-the-shoulder smoulder punctuating each one of the many versions of the Swift brand on stage. 

The addition of 70,000 light-up wrist bands added a now-familiar kinetic colour effect around the stadium, the lights still blinking long into the drive home and on to the morning after a night witnessing a true global music phenomenon.

Is there a support act?

Yes, Tennessee rockers Paramore, who are absolutely worth heading along to catch. Their swaggering punk-pop style was the perfect contrasting set-up for the clean cut sugar-high of Swift’s set, with many Swifties evidently already onboard. 

What about the merchandise?

Be prepared to wait. In Edinburgh, the queue for a sweatshirt (£70) tote bag (£25) and t-shirt (£40) was two hours. 

Some spent £600 to get VIP access, and had a bag of swag the size of Santa Claus’s which they carted in and out of the arena with them. Others were content with a bracelet.

Did everywhere inside the stadium get a good view?

Pretty much everywhere inside Murrayfield stadium had a great view of the spectacular show. There was a small section of seating behind the stage wings, but as most of the action takes place on the runway, the only thing those views are missing is the big screen.

Anfield will be the same.

Can I charge my phone?

At Murrayfield there were phone charging packs for sale around the stadium. Swifties use their phones a lot during the gig.

It’s a long Swift shift. How do I stay hydrated?

There are people walking among the crowd giving out water. Tay Tay has you covered..

Any other tips?

Bring a poncho. It threatened rain in Edinburgh, although a few warning-shot skyward glances from Ms Swift kept the drops down to a minimum.

We did wonder what she would have done if she’d been caught in one of the wild summertime downpours common at this time of year, given her entire set is delivered uncovered, including the songs she does solo at the piano and on guitar. “There’s no-one I’d rather dance with in the rain more than you,” said Taylor in the drizzle, which lasted five minutes, luckily for everyone.

Wear as many sequins and as much shiny stuff as you can find. 

Wrap yourself up like the contents of a tin of Quality Street. 

Paint 13 on your hand. 

Wear serpent jewellery. 

Swap bracelets with strangers. 

And sing your heart out.

By Paul English

For everything you need to know about the Taylor Swift Eras Tour click here.