Taylor Swift reveals she is ‘blown away’ as she thanks her fans following emotional first UK gigs in Edinburgh – which saw her forced to halt shows

Taylor Swift took to social media for the first time on Monday, after performing three consecutive nights at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

The singer, 34, shared a selection of images from the three nights and wrote that she was ‘blown away’ by the experience.

She also wrote an emotional caption filled with gratitude for her fans, with her declaring her love for all 220,000 of them.

The singer penned: ‘Edinburgh!!! You truly blew me away this weekend. Thank you for breaking the all-time attendance record for a stadium show in Scotland 3 times in a row and for all the ways you made us feel right at home.

‘Love you, all 220,000 of you!!!’

Taylor Swift took to social media on Mondat to address her emotional first UK gigs in Edinburgh on Instagram on Monday after being forced to halt shows three times

Taylor Swift took to social media on Mondat to address her emotional first UK gigs in Edinburgh on Instagram on Monday after being forced to halt shows three times

The singer, 34, took to social media to share a selection of images from the three nights

The singer, 34, took to social media to share a selection of images from the three nights

She also wrote an emotional caption filled with gratitude for her fans, with her declaring her love for all 220,000 of them

She also wrote an emotional caption filled with gratitude for her fans, with her declaring her love for all 220,000 of them

Her words came after she was forced to halt her show over the three days that she performed in the Scottish capital as she made sure that her fans were OK

Her words came after she was forced to halt her show over the three days that she performed in the Scottish capital as she made sure that her fans were OK

Over the course of 46 songs, Taylor shook off a cramp in her hand, witnessed a live proposal, gifted a fan her hat and in between those events found time for an almost insurmountable 12 costume changes

Over the course of 46 songs, Taylor shook off a cramp in her hand, witnessed a live proposal, gifted a fan her hat and in between those events found time for an almost insurmountable 12 costume changes

Her words came after she was forced to halt her show over the three days that she performed in the Scottish capital.

During night two, Taylor looked out for her fans throughout the show – asking stadium staff to help out.

She noticed fans needed help during a performance of her song All Too Well.

‘We need some help over there please,’ she said pointing to the crowd.

Then during her song Betty, Taylor stopped mid-word to point again to the crowd and say: ‘We need some help right there.’

The third  time of the night was when Taylor was singing The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.

Taylor kicked off the UK leg of her sellout Eras Tour in style in Edinburgh with a flawless three-and-a-half-hour showstopper of a performance in which she told screaming fans: ‘What a way to welcome a lass to Scotland.’

The megastar drove fans wild on Friday night as she emerged at Murrayfield Stadium in her signature blue and gold sequined leotard following a riotous warm-up from American pop-punk band Paramore.

Taylor began the first show of the UK leg of her Eras Tour in a stunning sequined blue and yellow bodysuit

Taylor began the first show of the UK leg of her Eras Tour in a stunning sequined blue and yellow bodysuit

The singer took to the stage at Murrayfield in Edinburgh for the first show of her UK Eras Tour (left). She later changed into a red bodysuit (right) as she continued the look back over her career to date

She later changed into a red bodysuit as she continued the look back over her career to date
The singer took to the stage at Murrayfield in Edinburgh for the first show of her UK Eras Tour (left). She later changed into a red bodysuit (right) as she continued the look back over her career to date

The epic show ran for three-and-a-half hours - giving Swifties more than their money's worth after forking over up to £600 for tickets

The epic show ran for three-and-a-half hours – giving Swifties more than their money’s worth after forking over up to £600 for tickets

The elaborate show set-up featured a dozen costume changes - including this elegant lavender ball gown for power ballad Enchanted

The elaborate show set-up featured a dozen costume changes – including this elegant lavender ball gown for power ballad Enchanted

Over the course of 46 songs, Taylor shook off a cramp in her hand, witnessed a live proposal, gifted a fan her hat and in between those events found time for an almost insurmountable 12 costume changes.

Among the outfits were including a double-breasted black and gold pinstripe blazer dress, a white Vivienne Westwood dress and a stunning lilac gown complete with train.

Fans queued for hours – some as early as 3am – in order to be the first inside for the gig, which kicked off following Paramore’s set at exactly 7.18pm.

Excitement built to fever pitch with a two-minute countdown on the big screen before Taylor finally emerged from a stage, which rose dramatically into the air in the middle of the stadium to hysterical screams from fans.

Taylor started out with 2019 tune Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince. And as she took in the adoration of thousands of fans she had in the palm of her hand, she almost seemed overwhelmed by the response.

Between songs, she paused to tell them: ‘What a way to welcome a lass to Scotland… you’ve gone and made me feel so amazing… You’ve got me feeling really, really powerful.’ Towards the end, she vowed: ‘We have to do this again.’

One outfit change saw her don a t-shirt reading 'this is not Taylor's version' - thought to be a reference to a dispute that saw her lose the rights to early works, which she later re-recorded as 'Taylor's Version' editions

One outfit change saw her don a t-shirt reading ‘this is not Taylor’s version’ – thought to be a reference to a dispute that saw her lose the rights to early works, which she later re-recorded as ‘Taylor’s Version’ editions

She embraced a young fan during her performance - and gifted her the fedora, as is custom at each show

She embraced a young fan during her performance – and gifted her the fedora, as is custom at each show

Taylor told fans the show was the biggest stadium performance in Scottish history - pictured here in a green dress she donned for her Folklore 'era'

Taylor told fans the show was the biggest stadium performance in Scottish history – pictured here in a green dress she donned for her Folklore ‘era’

Taylor had 73,000 fans in the palm of her hand as she belted out hit after hit over the epic performance

Taylor had 73,000 fans in the palm of her hand as she belted out hit after hit over the epic performance

The multi-talented performer broke out a number of acoustic guitars over the course of the set

They included including sky blue and glittery Gibsons (the latter pictured above)

The multi-talented performer broke out a number of acoustic guitars over the course of the set, including sky blue and glittery Gibsons (left and right)

And as she rounded out the monster three-and-a-half-hour set with Karma, fireworks shot out from the top of the stage, lighting fixtures within the grounds and the roof of the stadium itself, prompting an avalanche of cheers from fans.

The sell-out show saw her run through a cavalcade of hits including Cruel Summer, Lover, You Belong With Me, Love Story and 22 – which saw her hand a fedora hat to a young fan in the audience, as is tradition at each show – within the first hour alone, before moving onto later ‘eras’ in her illustrious career.

Taylor also said she had made history, with the last night’s Murrayfield gig having the highest attendance of any stadium show the country has ever seen.

She told the crowd: ‘I have not been in Scotland for almost a decade now. And I was wondering what it was going to be like when we go back to visit there, how are they going to be as a crowd and, do you know what, you kind of answered me before I even got on stage.

‘I had someone pull me aside and say, “Hey, we’ve checked this 20 times and we swear… tonight’s concert is the most highly attended stadium show in Scottish history.”‘

And in a nod to her Scottish audience, she gave backing dancer Kameron Saunders the opportunity to say ‘Nae chance!’ as she performed We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.

She later drove the native fans wild after telling them lockdown-era album Folklore was inspired by their home country.

In remarks reported by BBC News, she said: ‘There was so much TV, so much white wine, covered in cat hair. That was my reality. So I thought, ‘I’m going to create an imaginary world and escape into it’.

‘That was Folklore, and it was probably based online of videos I’ve seen of Scotland.’

She also told the adoring crowd earlier in the show: ‘My biggest regret is that I should have played in Scotland more. I should have brought every tour to Scotland. I can’t stop looking at the crowd…it’s captivating.’

Taylor began her Edinburgh show in a trademark shimmering blue and gold bodysuit last night (pictured kicking the show off at Murrayfield)

Taylor began her Edinburgh show in a trademark shimmering blue and gold bodysuit last night

The show saw her change into 12 different costumes throughout as she explored her career (above, Taylor performing in Edinburgh)

The show saw her change into 12 different costumes throughout as she explored her career (above, Taylor performing in Edinburgh)

Taylor launching the UK leg of the Eras Tour in style in Edinburgh on Friday night, opening the show with Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince

Taylor launching the UK leg of the Eras Tour in style in Edinburgh on Friday night, opening the show with Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince

The tightly coordinated show featured numerous costume changes

The three-and-a-half hour show boasted a 40-plus song setlist covering every era of Swift's career to date

The tightly coordinated show featured numerous costume changes across the 40-plus song setlist covering every era of Swift’s career to date

Taylor began the show with Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince and ran through a selection of her biggest hits including Lover and 22

Taylor began the show with Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince and ran through a selection of her biggest hits including Lover and 22

The show was packed with epic moments, not least when one romantic took the opportunity to write their own Love Story by proposing to their partner at the show, catching the singer’s eye.

She told the crowd: ‘I’m pretty sure someone just got engaged right now. They did! That’s amazing. That’s huge!’

All those crammed inside the stadium raised their arms into the air and activated special wristbands which sparkled whenever Taylor began singing.

The show charted Swift’s 20-year professional music career, from aspiring country singer to pop star and now global cultural juggernaut with a fandom unrivalled by almost any other musical act on the planet – and a reported net worth of $1.3billion (£1.02billion).

It features countless costume changes, with Swift moving from bodysuits to sequined suit jackets, a t-shirt reading ‘this is not Taylor’s version’ and even a flowing lavender gown she wore to sing Enchanted – blowing kisses to fans as she re-emerged on stage.

She then donned yet another outfit – a snake patterned ensemble – to sing Reputation and Bad Blood.

Later, her backing dancers were boxed inside transparent cases as she launched into Look What You Made Me Do – her polarising hit that riffs on Right Said Fred’s 90s hit Sexy.

And no expense was spared as she took to the roof of a treehouse, backlit by a gigantic moon on the screen behind her, to sing mellow track Cardigan, the lead single from lockdown album Folklore.

As she sang in a forest-inspired green dress, the 73,000-strong crowd sang every word back.

Later, Murrayfield lit up with a sea of torches as she launched into slow-burning Evermore hit Marjorie, inspired by her late grandmother, and Willow – fans waving their phones back and forth, bright LEDs alight across the entire stadium.

Taylor Swift atop a plinth at Murrayfield as she kicked off the UK leg of the Eras Tour, which has been rejigged to include material from her latest album

Taylor Swift atop a plinth at Murrayfield as she kicked off the UK leg of the Eras Tour, which has been rejigged to include material from her latest album

Taylor came out clutching a sky blue guitar as she hailed the Edinburgh crowd early in the show - telling them the concerts are the biggest in Scottish history

Taylor came out clutching a sky blue guitar as she hailed the Edinburgh crowd early in the show – telling them the concerts are the biggest in Scottish history

An estimated 73,000 people packed out Murrayfield Stadium as was the case for the two nights which followed

Taylor was in her element on the night

An estimated 73,000 people packed out Murrayfield Stadium as was the case for the two nights which followed

Swift is commandeering three-figure sums for tickets to the Eras Tour shows - and they've all sold out in the UK

Swift is commandeering three-figure sums for tickets to the Eras Tour shows – and they’ve all sold out in the UK

Taylor Swift climbs atop tree house while performing Cardigan

The stadium's seating and standing areas were fully sold out - with a reported 73,000 fans descending on the rugby stadium and events venue each night

The stadium’s seating and standing areas were fully sold out – with a reported 73,000 fans descending on the rugby stadium and events venue each night

Fans raised their phones in unison as Taylor appeared on stage - capturing the three-and-a-half hour era-spanning show from every angle

Fans raised their phones in unison as Taylor appeared on stage – capturing the three-and-a-half hour era-spanning show from every angle

Swifties fill stadium as the mega show is just about to begin

Thousands of fans will be capturing memories of the show on their phones - though some are also streaming it on social media, a breach of copyright

Thousands of fans will be capturing memories of the show on their phones – though some are also streaming it on social media, a breach of copyright

Experts have dubbed the Eras Tour the first 'billion dollar tour' with no expense spared on its elaborate production and staging

The second half of the show featured several tracks from her most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department – itself a two-part album that was released in halves just hours apart in April.

Among the new tracks introduced since the tour was tweaked for the European leg were So High School, Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me? and Fortnight – performed in a white ball gown dress decorated with lyrics from the most recent album.

And a saucy routine saw her change into high-waisted sequinned shorts and a matching crop top – with a spangly jacket to match. Later in the show, she performed two ‘surprise songs’ that change night to night.

In this case the two songs were in fact four, spliced across two mashups: Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve and I Know Places on guitar, followed by a piano medley of ‘Tis the Damn Season and ballad Daylight.

Opening the unpredictable segment in a blue dress, Taylor told the crowd: ‘This has been the most insane thing. We have to do this again!’

But she had to briefly halt the first song – first to draw attention to fans who needed help in the crowd- and after developing a rare cramp in her hand, which she compared to ‘performing with a claw’.

The star was clearly freezing on stage as a cold wind hit. At one point she had to stop playing her guitar because her hand had ‘frozen’.

She told the crowd: ‘I’m so sorry everyone, this has never happened before but my hand is frozen, I’m just going to warm it. I’m so embarrassed.’

Following the surprise segment – intimately performed on acoustic guitar and piano – she moved into her final, most recent era, of 2022 hit album Midnights, with songs such as Lavender Haze, Anti-Hero and Vigilante S***, performed to a racy chair dance routine in a purple sequin bodysuit with tassels.

And she rounded out the show with Karma – illuminated by cascades of fireworks sent skyward towards the hugely emotional climax, livestreamed by tearful fans for thousands to watch online.

Fans gushed about the epic show to MailOnline as it wrapped up.

Sara Johnson, 40, said: ‘She was beyond amazing, absolutely incredible. She was the epitome of fine and divine and proved why she is one of the world’s biggest selling artists.

‘Tonight was simply incredible. I won’t ever forget it.’

The three and a half hour show features multiple costume changes, elaborate ever-changing stage set-ups and an army of backing dancers

The three and a half hour show features multiple costume changes, elaborate ever-changing stage set-ups and an army of backing dancers

Hail to the queen: Taylor Swift commands thousands of fans as she performs during the Eras Tour at Murrayfield Stadium

Hail to the queen: Taylor Swift commands thousands of fans as she performs during the Eras Tour at Murrayfield Stadium

Among the numerous costume changes was this sequined black and gold pinstripe jacket. And like Taylor, the backing dancers also had a full wardrobe of outfits to change into during the show

Among the numerous costume changes was this sequined black and gold pinstripe jacket. And like Taylor, the backing dancers also had a full wardrobe of outfits to change into during the show

Taylor is now arguably the world's biggest musical artist

Taylor is now arguably the world’s biggest musical artist – estimated to be worth around $1.3billion (£1.02billion)

The singer was surrounded by fans in the dedicated VIP area as she performs on the Eras Tour in Edinburgh on Friday night

The singer was surrounded by fans in the dedicated VIP area as she performs on the Eras Tour in Edinburgh on Friday night

Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium was completely packed out for the show - one of three fully sold-out Scottish shows on the Eras Tour and the first of Taylor's UK shows in the coming weeks

Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium was completely packed out for the show – one of three fully sold-out Scottish shows on the Eras Tour and the first of Taylor’s UK shows in the coming weeks

Smitten Swifties wave phone torches in Eras tour in Scotland

Mother and daughter Laura and Rosa Wilson from Glasgow said they had a ‘brilliant time’.

Laura, 44, said: ‘We’ve never seen her live before and it was everything we’d hoped for, absolutely sensational in every way.

‘She is an incredible performer. And the crowd were so receptive of that. I think Taylor Swift herself was bowled over by it.’

Rosa, 13 added: ‘It was one of the best things I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe I got to see her live. I loved it when the sparks began flying during Bad Blood. It was unbelievable.’

Meanwhile, Alison Roberts, 41, from Leicestershire said: ‘I got married three years ago and walked down the aisle to Lover so when she played that I was an emotional wreck.

‘She was unreal, she blew me away in every way possible. The music was amazing, the crowd were amazing. It was such a wonderful night.’

Taylor’s first Scottish show in over a decade began just hours after the multi-Grammy-winning global megastar touched down at Edinburgh Airport – hidden beneath a series of umbrellas as she was whisked into a car and driven to the stadium in a police convoy.

Excitement had been building ahead of the British leg of Taylor’s sell-out Eras Tour, and devoted fans, who call themselves Swifties, had queued since 3am, braving the miserable Scottish weather as they did so.

In true Scottish fashion, fans covered their sparkling outfits with waterproof coats and resorted to wearing plastic bags over their shoes to stay dry ahead of the show beginning.

Hair sequins, glittered face paint, homemade T-shirts, cowboy hats and boots could be seen on almost every fan who made their way through the turnstiles.

Ellie Simmonds was spotted in the queue wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘I Love Taylor’ written across it.

The British Paralympian swimmer was seen with a film crew speaking to fans who had been waiting for hours in line.

Some Swifties pitched up tents to make an impromptu camp outside the home of Scottish rugby overnight.

At least 12 tents were set up close to the stadium gates as fans travelled from all over the country to be among the first in line to see the Anti-Hero star.

First into the stadium last night was Amber Small, 19, from Aberdeen, who was at the front of the VIP section queue.

She said: ‘I can’t wait. I got here for 3am to be first in queue. I didn’t go to bed last night because I was so excited.

‘It was quite cold and dark but I’ve got my poncho on and I’m from North-East Scotland so I’m made of stern stuff.

‘I stayed the night at my friend’s aunt’s house as she lives in Edinburgh and sneaked out quietly about 2am.

‘Nothing was going to stop me from getting here early, she’s incredible, the best artist in the world. I’ve seen her twice, in London and Glasgow a few years ago.

‘A few other fans came after me. We got chatting and we’ve all marked our hands with marker pen to show our place in the queue.

‘I’m thrilled I’m number one! That feeling of being the first in the stadium this afternoon when the gates open at 3pm will be indescribable. And it’s only going to get better.’

As Swifties queued, they could belt out their favourite hits thanks to local nightclub Boho, which set up a karaoke machine with which to entertain themselves.

The show began with a riotous opening performance from pop-punk outfit Paramore, led by Hayley Williams (pictured)

The show began with a riotous opening performance from pop-punk outfit Paramore, led by Hayley Williams (pictured)

Paramore on stage at Murrayfield Stadium as they open for Taylor Swift on the first night of the Eras Tour in Edinburgh

Paramore on stage at Murrayfield Stadium as they open for Taylor Swift on the first night of the Eras Tour in Edinburgh

Taylor Swift in blacked-out vehicle with police escort in Edinburgh

Ellie Simmonds has been spotted in the queue wearing a t-shirt with the words I Love Taylor written across it

Ellie Simmonds has been spotted in the queue wearing a t-shirt with the words I Love Taylor written across it

The British Paralympian swimmer was spotted with a film crew speaking to fans who have been waiting for hours in line

The British Paralympian swimmer was spotted with a film crew speaking to fans who have been waiting for hours in line

Zoe Blair and Sophie Anderson, both 21 and from Stirling, took to the mic. Zoe said: ‘I can’t wait, Taylor is amazing.

‘We managed to get last minute tickets last week and wouldn’t miss this for the world. My favourite songs are Illicit Affairs and Better Than Revenge.

‘It’s going to be an incredible night. That’s not the only singing we’ll be doing tonight, we’ll be singing along to every song.’

Natalie Patience, Vicki Farish, Ella Farish and Emma Patience turned out in style to celebrate Vicki turning 44 yesterday.

The birthday girl said: ‘It’s been an amazing birthday so far and this is just incredible being here.

‘We got the train from Carlisle earlier today and cannot wait for Taylor to come out on stage. The excitement is building.

‘My daughter and niece are huge Swift fans. This concert is the cherry on top of my birthday cake.’

Friends Aidan Nicholson, 27, Zoe Wick, 22, and Alana Johnstone, 22, travelled from Orkney to attend the concert.

Mr Nicholson said: ‘We got a boat and drove for about six hours to get here. We’re also flying out to Denmark tomorrow on holiday.’

Asked what he is most excited about, he said: ‘I’m looking forward to her playing You Belong With Me, because it’s vintage Taylor, the best Taylor, and that’s the way to go.’

Ms Wick said: ‘I’m excited to hear Love Story because it’s a classic and everybody grew up listening to it.’

And Ms Johnstone said she is looking forward to the song All Too Well, adding: ‘I can’t wait to hear it.’

Two fans covered themselves with waterproof coats as they bore out the bad weather ahead of Friday night's gig

Two fans covered themselves with waterproof coats as they bore out the bad weather ahead of Friday night’s gig

Swifties brace for cold weather ahead of Taylor Swift gig in Edinburgh

Jasmine Griffin-Jones, 19, travelled to Edinburgh from her home in Manchester, joining two friends to camp outside Murrayfield overnight.

She said: ‘We weren’t supposed to camp but a few of us turned up with tents and had nowhere else to go so the authorities didn’t have much choice but to let us stay.

‘There were about 12 tents overnight. It was great, like a little festival. I went to the Sainsbury’s round the corner and bought a cheap duvet and sat up through the night with my friends chatting and playing Taylor Swift songs.

‘We basically went through her setlist. It was fantastic, starting the concert early. This morning we got up early, took the tent down and started queuing – people were already here at 5am.

‘I’m really looking forward to tonight, it’s going to be magical.’

Nawaf Karmustaji, 23, from Newcastle arrived at 4am with friends Sam Best, 22 and Michael Owens, 27. His brother Rashid, 24, flew in from Bahrain to Scotland especially for the gig.

Clutching a cup of coffee Nawaf said: ‘I need this! It’s been an early start. The VIP section go in an hour before everyone else but then it’s us.

‘We’re first in the queue for the standing area left of the stage so hopefully we’ll get a good vantage point. Taylor Swift is unreal, such a fantastic performer and her concerts are off the scale so it’ll be a night to remember.

‘It’s been great being here with everyone, there’s a real buzz starting to build. Everyone is dressed up and happy. Taylor Swift is a genius.’

Sam added: ‘We’ve seen The Eras film at least five times – probably more than that – but we’ve never seen her live so it’s going to be unbelievable. I’m so excited.’

Meanwhile, Rashid, used to Bahrain’s searing heat, huddled from the Edinburgh chill by wrapping himself in a duvet.

He said: ‘I think Taylor Swift is amazing – but not the Scottish weather!’

Swifties brave frigid weather as they queue for Taylor Swift concert

Ellie Poulter, 19, travelled from Oxfordshire to Edinburgh on a ten-hour coach to see the singer perform on Saturday.

She said: ‘I’m waiting 48 hours to get to the front of the crowd. I had a ten -hour coach journey to get here and I slept most of the way so I’m feeling fresh now.

‘I’ve got a hotel but I want to be at the front. So I just dropped my bags there and we’ll have somewhere to sleep after the concert on Saturday.’

Around 220,000 fans have spent hours in line to buy official merchandise which is being sold near the stadium.

Inside the stadium, Swifties could be seen exchanging friendship bracelets – a surefire sign you’re at a Taylor Swift concert – as they sang every word of the 40-plus song setlist back at the American superstar.

And while buckets of chicken nuggets and chips were being sold for an unappealing £14 at a time – in both meaty and vegan forms – the bar was selling wine for a far more palatable £6.70, while a gin and tonic was £7.50.

Tickets fetched as much as £600, with desperate fans taking the view that money was no object when it came to seeing global phenomenon Ms Swift in the flesh.

But such is the draw of a Taylor Swift concert that fans attempted to stream it on TikTok from inside the stadium.

Thousands tuned in on the site and other streams on YouTube in order to watch it, despite such streams being a breach of copyright law.

Other Swifties have packed out hotels in Edinburgh’s historic centre having jetted in from the far corners of the globe – controversially forcing the city to house homeless-presenting people elsewhere. Some Edinburgh hotels were charging as much as £800 per night for a standard room.

It was a struggle to find accommodation in Edinburgh as hotels were quickly booked up despite tripling their rates during the megastar’s three-night residency.

Incredibly, some locals came to the rescue – with one man listing his property on Airbnb for £585 per night.

One fan told MailOnline Swift is rumoured to be staying at the popular Balmoral Hotel. They claimed she has booked out two entire floors after offering an entire wedding party £10,000 to move.

Other local rumours suggest she is a guest of the five-star Caledonian hotel – which boasts stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. A-list guests over the years have included Barack Obama, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.

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