Fall should be deemed Taylor Swift season. With the annual defrosting of “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) (10 Minute Version),” 1989 (Taylor’s Version) just around the corner, and now the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film coming out on Oct. 13, Swifties are booked and busy for October.
ICYMI, the singer’s Eras Tour dominated the summer. The stadium tour kicked off on March 17 and the Swiftieverse hasn’t been the same since. From trading friendship bracelets to wearing incredibly niche concert outfits, Swift’s shows were an experience that left fans wanting more. And thanks to the great Ticketmaster debacle, some fans never even got the chance to see their favorite blondie perform during the North American leg. But Swift is always one step ahead and created the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film to bring that experience to the big screen for fans having post-concert depression or Swifites who have yet to see her live.
On Aug. 31, Swift announced on her Instagram that fans will get the chance to immerse themselves in the magical and history-making world of the Eras Tour in theaters starting Oct. 13. In the post, she wrote, “Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged. 1, 2, 3 LGB!!!! (iykyk).” Swift’s advice begs the question: How should fans act when seeing the movie? Are they ditching theater etiquette and singing and dancing to their favorite songs? Or are they staying in their seats to keep their eyes locked on the journey that is the Eras Tour? Swifties and the internet weighed in with their opinions on the much-anticipated concert film.
The Eras Tour was an interactive experience — will the movie be the same?
If you were one of the few chosen ones who got to see Swift live during her North American leg, then you understand how the Eras Tour is more than just a concert — it’s an experience. In her Instagram announcement for the concert film, Swift teased this with her reference to the friendship bracelets, concert outfits, and chants that often accompany the Eras Tour shows.
The concert is one big happy family, who have inside jokes of their own. For “Delicate,” Swifties chant in unison, “1, 2, 3, Let’s go b*tch!” Or when “Bejeweled” comes on, they do the TikTok viral shimmer dance to the chorus. It’s also normal to scream at the top of your lungs the bridge of “Cruel Summer” as it’s the first bridge of the concert. With so much fan involvement in the show, onlookers are comparing the vibe of the Eras Tour to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where fans are often shouting and dancing.
The Eras Tour has also been a social experience. It’s like a networking event, but for Swifties. The trading of friendship bracelets that often have lyrics or Swiftie slogans (or if you’re Travis Kelce, your phone number) is a rite of passage at the shows. The Eras Tour ditches the normal concert attire and opts for dressing up in glittery dresses or Swift-inspired bedazzled bodysuits. AMC Theatres, the official distributor of the concert film, even encouraged fans to wear Eras attire and friendship bracelets.
With both Swift and the theaters encouraging Eras Tour-like behavior, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok to share their thoughts.
Since Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film is a concert experience rather than a documentary film like Swift’s Miss Americana, will fans be emulating the same vibes of the tour? Swifties have mixed emotions.
Swifties are weighing in on the proper theater etiquette for the concert film.
Though the North American leg grossed $2.2 billion in ticket sales, many fans didn’t get to experience the three-hour-long setlist filled with 44 songs, outfit changes, surprise tracks, and special guests. The concert film will finally give them a chance to experience the show for themselves. However, movie theaters are also nothing like a stadium, which limits the loudness and room available for dancing. Because of this, Swifties are urging moviegoers to respect first-time Eras Tour watchers and adhere to proper move etiquette (but of course, singing is encouraged).
“I think singing along (as long as you aren’t screeching the lyrics) and cheering is fine and will be so fun. Dressing up and trading friendship bracelets would also be amazing for everyone who didn’t get to go to the Eras Tour. I would draw the line at screaming. It’s not like an actual concert and it’s a much smaller space. I also think we should stay sitting because a lot of people have conditions that keep them from standing for almost three hours. If everyone is standing in front of them they won’t be able to enjoy the experience.” — Cayla, 20
“Sing, not scream, and remain seated.” — Sarah*, 21, Florida State University
“I feel like fans should act in a manner that is appropriate when it comes to viewing the movie. Meaning that anything that isn’t considered good shouldn’t be committed at all. For the major Swifties, we should expect chanting of song lyrics and dressing up like they’re about to be in the ‘Anti-Hero’ music video.” — Makalah, 19, University of West Georgia
“People need to respect this is still a movie theater. It’s a concert experience, not a concert.” — Olivia*, 21, Florida State University
Other fans think dancing is acceptable as long as you’re not the only one.
“I think it definitely depends on the theater and Swifties should gauge the vibes of the room when they see the movie. Of course, the most important thing is being respectful to other moviegoers, so the noise level should never be louder than the movie itself, but if the rest of the theater is dancing and singing respectfully there’s nothing wrong with joining in!” — Jordyn, 22, University of Colorado Boulder
Meanwhile, fans who have seen the Eras Tour in person are tired, so they just want to sit back, relax, and relive the magical experience.
“Sing/dance in your seat. I already stood for three hours at the concert, I don’t want to do it again.” — Emma*, 23, Florida State University.
It seems the consensus is to sing — and occasionally dance — along to your favorite Swift songs, but be respectful of those around you. Of course, there will be scattered scream singing here and there. I mean, is it even possible to listen to “Illicit Affairs” without screaming “Don’t call me ‘kid,’ don’t call me ‘baby’”? Whether you’re dancing in your seat or chanting your favorite lyrics, the Eras Tour concert film will be an experience of its own.
*Names have been changed.