Taylor Swift stormed the stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the first night of her Australian Eras tour – and the biggest concert of her career – on Friday.
The global megastar, 34, left the crowds reeling as she strutted out in style for the hotly-anticipated show, which kicked off her first Australian tour since 2018.
She pulled out all the stops as she put on her usual high-energy performance for the 96,000 eager Swifties who flocked to Melbourne for the epic night.
While Swiftie mania has swept Australia in the lead-up to the concert, the night also marked Taylor’s biggest show ever as almost 100,000 fans descended on the MCG.
Despite already having performed at huge sporting stadiums across the US, the opening night of her Australian tour broke records, as she has never performed to a crowd larger than 74,000.
Taylor Swift stormed the stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the first night of her Australian Eras tour – and her biggest concert to date – on Friday
The global megastar, 34, left the crowds reeling as she strutted out in style for the hotly-anticipated show, which kicks off her first Australian tour since 2018
While Swiftie mania has swept Australia in the lead-up to the concert, the night also marks Taylor’s biggest show ever as almost 100,000 fans descended on the MCG
Reacting to performing at her biggest show to date, Taylor told the 96,000-strong crowd: ‘This is the biggest show we’ve done on this tour or any tour I have ever done!
‘That’s the version you get of me tonight, the version that is completely star-struck by the fact that so many of you wanted to hang out with us on Saturday night in Melbourne!’
As well as the massive crowds inside the venue, huge numbers also stood outside the grounds, despite not having secured tickets, in a bid to hear the epic setlist.
Kicking off the record-breaking night, Taylor put on a very leggy display in her signature jewelled silver and pink leotard, which she styled with matching knee-high boots as she stormed the stage.
Once again pulling off an impressive amount of outfit changes – in line with her tour tradition – Taylor later slipped into a stunning gold tasseled mini dress, once again worn with matching sparkling boots.
Taylor rocked a whole host of stunning outfits as she stormed the stage and put on the performance of her life for the 96,000-strong crowd – her biggest audience to date
Despite already having performed at huge sporting stadiums across the US, the opening night of her Australian tour broke records, as she has never performed to a crowd larger than 74,000
At one point in the show, Taylor put on a very elegant display in a stunning orange gown as the crowds lit up with torches behind her
She also showed off her glamorous sense of style in a glittering lilac gown with a layered tulle skirt
She flashed a huge smile as she sat behind the piano and channeled her individual ‘Eras’ in the epic performance
Changing her outfits to match with the mood and aesthetics of her ‘Eras’, she also put on a daring display in a statement one-legged jumpsuit featuring bold red detailing
Taylor put on an edgy display in the glittering ensemble as she showed off her signature sense of style
She made sure all eyes were on her as she put on an incredible performance for impressed fans
Taylor was joined by a whole host of backing dancers for one very high-energy moment in the show
She put on a dazzling display in a floating green gown as she twirled around the stage
Sporting an array of show-stopping ensembles, Taylor later slipped into a stunning gold tasseled mini dress, once again worn with matching sparkling boots
Taylor was completely showered in colourful confetti as she put on an epic performance for her eager fans
Taylor captured attention in a stunning blue sequinned bodysuit, styled with a tasseled jacket
The Cruel Summer hitmaker put on a vibrant display in a ruffled yellow gown as she sat at the piano
With an array of different stage set ups and outfits, Taylor pulled out all the stops for the performance
Kicking off the show, Taylor first took to the stage in a sparkling silver blazer before stripping down to reveal her iconic leotard beneath
She put on a vibrant display in a stunning red sequinned ensemble as she stood under the spotlight
She pulled out all the stops as she put on her usual high-energy performance for the impressive 96,000 eager Swifties who flocked to Melbourne for the epic night
She completely blew the crowds away as they videoed her performance and sang along, during her biggest show ever
Changing her outfits to match with the mood and aesthetics of her ‘Eras’, she also put on a daring display in a statement one-legged jumpsuit featuring bold red detailing.
She also sported an array of gorgeous gowns including a billowing lilac dress with a layered tulle skirt and a vibrant orange ensemble as she put on a spectacular show.
In keeping with tradition, she also performed two special surprise songs for the delighted Melbourne crowds, and opted for hits Red and You’re Losing Me this time around.
She then sent fans completely wild as she revealed a previously unseen cover for her upcoming album The Tortured Poets Department.
Projecting the album cover on the screen behind her, the shot showed her lying down and facing the camera as she rested her head on her arms.
As the crowds deafening screams could be heard, she explained of the cover: ‘There is an exclusive song on this vinyl called The Bolter, so this is called the Bolter edition.’
She added of writing the songs: ‘This album, I think more than any other, I needed to make it, it was really a lifeline for me, just the things I was going through.’
For the record-breaking night, Taylor put on a very leggy display in her signature jewelled silver and pink leotard, which she styled with matching knee-high boots
Taylor was joined by backing dancers as she put on the show of her life in Melbourne
Reacting to performing at her biggest show to date, Taylor told crowds: ‘This is the biggest show we’ve done on this tour or any tour I have ever done’
Taylor looked ethereal in a gorgeous green dress with a floating cape as she twirled around the stage
She teamed her delicate ensemble with a pair of green pumps as she sang while sitting down on a staircase on stage
The All Too Well hitmaker looked incredible as she put on an impressive performance
She also put on a very leggy display in a beaded orange co-ord set, made up of a mini skirt and an ab-flashing crop top
Taylor also handed out the first ’22 hat’ of her Australian tour to one lucky fan, who appeared completely overwhelmed with emotion
She brought her usual level of energy to the show as she dazzled in her recognisable leotard
Taylor put on a high-energy display as she performed on her pink stage in her usual style
Taylor pulled out all the stops as she sported her very glitzy ensemble for the epic night
Taylor thrust her guitar in the air as she put on a very glamorous display in a sequinned lilac gown
The 96,000-strong-crowd appeared to be having the time of their life as they joined Taylor for the biggest show of her career
As well as the massive crowds inside the venue, huge numbers also stood outside the grounds, despite not having secured tickets, in a bid to hear the epic setlist
Taylor also handed out the first ’22 hat’ of her Australian tour to one lucky fan, who appeared completely overwhelmed with emotion.
The sweet encounter saw Taylor take off her black bowler hat – as she normally does during her shows – and place it on a young girl’s head.
The youngster beamed from ear-to-ear as she was overwhelmed by the encounter as she leaned up on stage and held hands with Taylor while getting the rare hat.
Huge numbers of fans without tickets also descended on the MCG after tour organisers admitted they were concerned about the 15,000 ticketless fans who were estimated to arrive at the sold-out shows.
Ahead of the Sydney gigs next week, Venues NSW warned ticketless fanatics to stay away from Accor Stadium to prevent crowd management issues, The Daily Telegraph reported.
A spokesperson said fans who missed out on tickets should not try to ‘soak up the atmosphere’ outside, as they likely won’t hear any songs anyway.
Taylor belted out a whole string of her best loved hits as she left the crowds very impressed with her performance
She showed off her toned legs in her incredible ensemble as she stormed the stage for the concert
Taylor styled her golden tresses in her normal fringed style and sported her signature eyeliner
She first came out on stage in a grey blazer before her glitzy outfit underneath was revealed in a sequence with backing dancers
Her fans were seen eagerly surrounding the stage and filming the epic concert on their phones
Taylor brought her normal high level of energy to the incredible concert
She strutted her stuff down the stage as huge projections of her were on a screen behind her, allowing the huge crowds to see the show
Taylor looked over the moon as she flashed a huge smile while putting on an epic performance
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Taylor to take to the stage in her first Australian tour since 2018 , and flocked to the venue early amid the Swiftie mania
Taylor stood on a huge podium in the middle of the stage as she pulled out all the stops with her epic concert
She looked animated as she made sure to put on the show of her life as she marked the biggest show of her career
‘We are not encouraging ticketless fans to attend, but part of our contingency plan is allowing for extra people who may be travelling who haven’t got tickets,’ they said.
However, on the first night in Melbourne, fans were said to have been stamping their feet in time to the music outside the MCG and dancing on the grass as Swiftie mania swept Australia.
Ahead of Taylor’s epic arrival on stage, Sabrina Carpenter put on a high-energy performance as she warmed the crowds up.
The American singer, 24, kicked off the hotly-anticipated tour at 6.30pm with her epic support act performance, and she pulled out all the stops for the occasion.
Sabrina put on a very leggy display in a figure-hugging pink dazzling gown as she belted out her best loved hits and covers including Olivia Newton John‘s Hopelessly Devoted To You.
She teamed her fashionable ensemble with a pair of knee-high white boots and styled her fringed golden tresses loosely across her shoulders.
She showed off her toned legs in the statement ensemble as she put on the show of her life
At one point in the show, Taylor got out her iconic bright pink guitar as she serenaded the crowds
Taylor dazzled in her layered yellow gown as she melodically belted out her top hits
Taylor dazzled in a red gown while playing the guitar and showing off her musical talents
She later stripped down to a glittering leotard as she energetically danced around the stage
Taylor appeared thrilled to be in Melbourne as she grinned from ear-to-ear while putting on a fantastic show
Taylor looked incredible in a blue beaded bodysuit as she danced on a chair during one epic number
She appeared completely overwhelmed by the huge crowds as she flashed a huge smile on the record-breaking night
Taylor showed off her incredible vocal talents as she belted out her best-known hits, following each of her album Eras
Known for her very energetic performances, Taylor did not fail to disappoint with her latest show
She was joined by a whole host of backing dancers as the carefully organised show got underway
She sweetly made a love heart with her hands during one number as she performed with a sparkling silver guitar
Taylor was joined on stage by a massive string of dancers as they all held hands and bowed at the end of the show
Thousands of the popstar’s fans swarmed the arena two hours before the show’s start time of 6.30pm in an attempt to avoid the long lines to get in
Sabrina played hits including Read Your Mind, Feather, Vicious, Tornado Warnings and Nonsense as Swifties flocked in their thousands into the venue to watch.
Fans had been eagerly waiting for Taylor to take to the stage in her first Australian tour since 2018, and flocked to the venue hours early amid the Swiftie mania.
Thousands of the popstar’s fans swarmed the arena two hours before the show’s start time of 6.30pm in an attempt to avoid the long lines to get in.
For the night, several excited attendees were dressed in the theme of each of Taylor’s ‘Eras’ as they pulled out all the stops for the occasion.
Fans typically pick their favourite album and dress according to that ‘era’ and colour – be it with the classic Fearless cowboy boots or the Folklore cottage core dresses.
Despite warnings not to head to the MCG without tickets, fans pressed themselves up against the doors in a bid to get a glimpse at the show
Ahead of her epic debut, Sabrina Carpenter had put on a high-energy performance as she warmed the crowds up
American singer Sabrina, 24, kicked off the hotly-anticipated tour at 6.30pm with her epic support act performance, and she pulled out all the stops for the occasion
Sabrina put on a very leggy display in a figure-hugging pink dazzling gown as she belted out her best loved hits and covers including Olivia Newton John’s Hopelessly Devoted To You
She teamed her fashionable ensemble with a pair of knee-high white boots and styled her fringed golden tresses loosely across her shoulders
She put on a high-energy performance as she got the crowds excited ahead of global megastar Taylor, 34, taking to the stage
Huge numbers of fans gathered outside the venue, despite not having any tickets, as they eagerly wanted to hear the show
Some fans nabbed much-sought-after VIP tickets for the epic show, and eagerly flashed their passes on the night
Eager fans hosted their own concert outside the venue as they listened in and got involved in the action, despite not having tickets
The crowds were seen sitting as night fell and sang along as Swiftie mania has taken Australia by storm
Two lucky fans who arrived at the show hours early were incredibly treated to $2,000 VIP wristbands by none other than Taylor’s father Scott.
The heartwarming act of kindness was shared on Instagram by 3AW presenter Jacqui Felgate, who posted a screenshot of a message from an unidentified person detailing the exchange.
The message explained how a mother and daughter had secured last-minute restricted view seats, but were handed VIP wristbands worth $2,000 by Taylor’s father after arriving at the MCG.
Taylor’s doting father Scott was said to have taken to the crowds to hand out the much-sought-after wristbands, with fans gushing over his incredible kindness.
The message detailed: ‘A good news story out of the MCG. My friend and her daughter had the cheap restricted seats from yesterday’s release and rocked up as soon as the gates opened.
‘Sat down and Taylor Swift’s dad went around and handed them wristbands and entry into the VIP section — apparently about $2000 in total value.
‘Seriously lucky and how generous and kind is Papa Swift!!!
And two fans who arrived at the show hours early were incredibly treated to $2,000 VIP wristbands by none other than Taylor’s father Scott
The pair had quite the shock when Taylor’s father Scott Kingsley Swift treated them to VIP bands, a message shared on Instagram by 3AW presenter Jacqui Felgate revealed
Elsewhere, huge crowds were seen lining up outside the venue as Swiftie mania kicked off
Crowds were seen queuing up outside the venue as the mania began ahead of the show
Crowds were seen excitedly heading towards the MCG for the epic show
Meanwhile, thousands of the popstar’s fans swarmed the arena two hours before the show’s start time of 6.30pm in an attempt to avoid the long lines to get in
Several women were dressed in the theme of each of Taylor’s ‘Eras’
‘I asked if I could at least get her cheap seats since she got upgraded because I’ve almost sold my soul to get tix,’ the person added.
Ahead of the show, Taylor was seen being chauffeured FBI-style to the stadium on Friday afternoon, just hours before taking to the stage.
A cavalcade of blacked out Land Rovers were seen driving down Brunton Ave and into the underground carpark of the venue, with one carrying the Shake It Off star.
Taylor mania began when she touched down in Melbourne early Thursday morning at approximately 12.40am and was greeted by a legion of die-hard Swifties.
The Cruel Summer singer travelled in style on board a Bombardier Global 6000, a luxurious private jet that can carry up to 17 passengers.
Taylor’s flight (VJT993) from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Melbourne became the globe’s most-tracked flight with almost 1,500 of her eager fans watching its trek across the Pacific.
After fans were told they couldn’t bring extra friendship bracelets on d-rings into the venues, they wore them stacked up their arms in tradition
Fans pulled out all the stops with their incredible outfits as they marked the tour’s start in style
Fans eagerly posed for snaps as they watched to watch the global superstar on stage
Fans flocked into the venue early in a bid to avoid any long lines, despite organisers asking them not to arrive too early in the day
Taylor – who is dating Kansas Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce – completely missed out on Valentine’s Day due to her travels, being airborne for the entire romantic day.
She took off in Hawaii at 4.52pm local time on February 13, and didn’t land until the early hours on February 15 AEDT due to the 21-hour time difference, meaning she missed the big day.
But she had just spent a few days with her boyfriend Travis in Los Angeles as she celebrated with him after he won the NFL Super Bowl, before jetting off Down Under.
More than 600,000 tickets have been sold for her performances, and some fans even went to the desperate measure of chartering their own flights to get to her shows, according to travel agency Flight Centre.
Groups of Swifties were seen travelling to the venue on public transport as it became overrun with fans
Huge lines formed outside the venue as 85,000 fans packed in to watch Taylor’s first Australia show on the tour
Groups of friends all arrived in their Eras themed outfits as they watched to watch the superstar
The cricket ground became completely overrun by eager fans who had been counting down until the big day
Taylor mania has swept Australia, as Swifties have been eagerly waiting for the show
Fans were seen decorating their homes with Taylor-themed displays as they marked her arrival
Melbourne went full swing into Swiftie mania amid the star’s arrival in the city
With a venue capacity of 100,000, the masses descended on Melbourne for the first Eras show
Australian fans have been eagerly awaiting Taylor to return to tour since her 2018 Reputation tour
Groups of fans were seen grinning for selfies as they commemorated the occasion
‘Commercial flights and accommodation are at a premium and we’ve even seen some travellers opting for a private charter flight to get to the concert as a result,’ Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh told news.com.au.
‘While it may seem extreme, we’re not surprised to see people opting for private flights through our charter aircraft company AVMIN and we’ve had bookings for both Taylor’s Sydney and Melbourne shows.’
Flight Centre have revealed commercial flights from Brisbane to Melbourne cost approximately $569 for the February 16 show. The following week, the same route drops dramatically to $118.
Fans pulled out all the stops as they dressed to the nines in sequins and flashy outfits for the occasion
Swifties looked overjoyed to be at the hotly-anticipated show as they smiled for the cameras
Swifties dressed in full Eras garb as they channeled the star’s glitzy fashion sense
Fans made the most of the balmy day as they gathered outside in huge crowds outside the venue
Fans dressed in glitzy pink glasses and cowboy hats as they brought their Swiftie game to the show
Families eagerly gathered at the MCG dressed up in their pink glittery outfits for the concert
After fans were told they had to wear their friendship bracelets or pack them in a bag – rather than on D-rings, Swifties were seen with them stacked up their arms
Huge crowds had gathered outside the venue ahead of the hotly-anticipated show
Fans were seen sporting their iconic friendship bracelets as they descended on the MCG
Ahead of the show, Taylor was seen being chauffeured FBI-style to the stadium on Friday afternoon, just hours before taking to the stage
Ahead of the Eras tour coming Down Under, Transport NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins said the city was ‘preparing for the inevitable’.
‘What we found with other popular music venues where people can’t get tickets, people do just turn up to sort of soak up the atmosphere, and you can’t stop them other than to manage crowds,’ he said.
‘We are not encouraging ticketless fans to attend, but part of our contingency plan is allowing for extra people who may be travelling who haven’t got tickets.’
Despite warnings from the NSW government, businesses are said to be rolling out the welcome mat for all of Taylor’s fans regardless of whether they have tickets.
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said: ‘Irrespective of their ticket status, Sydney must put up the welcome sign for the Swifties because they will all make a contribution to our city in some way.’
Taylor mania began when she touched down in Melbourne early Thursday morning at approximately 12.40am and was greeted by a legion of die-hard Swifties
The Cruel Summer singer travelled in style on board a Bombardier Global 6000, a luxurious private jet that can carry up to 17 passengers
Taylor was greeted by Swifties wrapped in blankets
Her flight (VJT993) from Honolulu, Hawaii , to Melbourne became the globe’s most-tracked flight with almost 1,500 of her eager fans watching its trek across the Pacific
Messages about last-minute ticket sales are flooding Twitter. (Twitter)
Scamwatch has warned about ticket scammers. (Twitter)
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Taylor Swift performs Eras Tour show in Melbourne on Feb. 16, 2024.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2545x755:2547x757):format(webp)/taylor-swift-melbourne-021624_1573-9dd0c90e258c40ea851ec1f8f68a8cc6.jpg)
Taylor Swift performs Eras Tour show in Melbourne on Feb. 16, 2024.
Taylor Swift performs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Graham Denholm/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
