This Wednesday evening, Margot learned the news like a stone. By connecting to A little earlier in the evening, the police announced the arrest in Austria of two people, including a 19-year-old young man, who harbored plans for Islamist attacks in connection with the American's concerts. Austrian tour company Barracuda Music has decided to cancel its dates this evening. The three sold-out evenings were expected to welcome 170,000 people.
A choice that Margot, who was soon to leave for Vienna with her best friend to attend the concert, understands. “I feel a great sadness. But safety above all, I prefer to stay alive and not take any risks,” the young woman confided to Le Figaro. The two friends, aged 32 and 28, still plan to go to the Austrian capital. A trip that they have been planning for “more than a year,” breathes Margot. In total, between the ticket, the round trip by plane and a place to stay, the two friends had each spent more than 500 euros.
Like Margot, many fans express their disappointment on the social network concert ticket and accommodation in the Austrian capital. Currently there, the singer's fan says she is “disgusted.” “It’s been a dream since I was a teenager to see her even though I understand because it’s better to be 'safe' than to suffer an attack.”
With her return ticket scheduled for Sunday, the young woman tries not to let herself get discouraged. “According to the official Taylor Nation page, normally our tickets will be refunded,” explains Candice. And then I'm going to visit the city instead. Again, I understand this decision.”
Céline, another “swiftie” (the name given to Taylor Swift fans, editor’s note) also shared her sadness in a tweet. 'I know it's better this way, to keep everyone safe, but we planned our vacation around this concert and it was the only time we could see her.' That same morning, the young woman was looking forward to going to Vienna with her boyfriend to attend her idol's show. “It’s sure it’s difficult, it’s the second time in her entire career that she’s canceled a concert and she had no choice,” reacts Margot, when we mention the numerous messages similar to his.
Among these fans, now in their twenties, most are, like Margot, Candice or Céline, relieved despite their disappointment. Many still remember the attack which took place in 2017, after the concert of another great American pop star, Ariana Grande. That year, an attack took place at the end of the singer's performance at the Manchester Arena. Nearly twenty-three people (including the terrorist) were killed. Among the victims, many teenagers. 237 others were injured, 28 of them seriously.
In shock, the American gave another concert ten days later in tribute to the victims. Several stars were present such as the group Coldplay, the singer Justin Bieber or even Liam Gallagher, the singer of the group Oasis. Nearly 11 million people attended the broadcast of the concert, including teenage girls who were Taylor Swift fans at the time. “What happened in the last few hours made me think of this event but fortunately for us, there was nothing because they were arrested in time,” Candice testifies, relieved.
On the social network TikTok, other fans film themselves, admitting on camera that they were nervous at the idea of going to concerts and that an attack would occur. “At the time it struck me, especially given the age of the victims,” also recognizes Margot. “We shouldn’t risk our lives by going to a concert,” concludes the young woman, still overcome with emotion.
