Taylor Swift’s monumental Eras Tour has captivated audiences worldwide, not just with its extensive setlist spanning her illustrious career, but also with a unique and highly anticipated segment: the surprise songs. Each night of this spectacular tour, Taylor treats her fans to a mini acoustic set, featuring two songs that are different from the main setlist and, in theory, never repeated. This element of surprise has become a major talking point among fans, adding an extra layer of excitement and exclusivity to each concert.
At the tour’s kickoff in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, 2023, Swift herself explained the concept to the roaring crowd. Perched at the end of the stage’s runway with her guitar, she revealed her intention to perform unique acoustic tracks each night. Her goal, as she articulated, was to ensure that each surprise song performance remained a singular, unrepeatable moment for the fans present. With a touch of humor, she added a caveat about potentially needing to redo a song if she drastically faltered, but the underlying message was clear: the surprise song segment is designed to be special and unpredictable.
Taylor Swift performing surprise songs on the Eras Tour, captivating fans with an acoustic guitar.
This tour marks Taylor Swift’s grand return to touring after five years, and it’s the first time she’s performing tracks from a collection of albums – Lover, Folklore, Evermore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department – to massive, sold-out stadium crowds. The Eras Tour debuted with an incredible 44-song setlist, a three-hour-plus journey through her discography, showcasing her evolution as an artist. From each of her ten studio albums, she performs a selection of songs, ranging from one to eight tracks, creating a comprehensive and nostalgic experience for her devoted fanbase.
However, it’s the nightly surprise songs that truly keep fans on the edge of their seats. The anticipation of what acoustic gem Taylor will unveil has become a central element of the Eras Tour experience. Swifties eagerly speculate and share their wish lists online, hoping to witness their personal favorites performed live in this intimate setting. This surprise element not only distinguishes each concert but also fuels social media buzz and keeps the tour conversation alive and dynamic.
Notably, Vienna, Austria, was unfortunately slated to miss out on this surprise set, as the scheduled shows from August 8 to 10 were canceled due to a credible terror threat. Concert promoters Barracuda Music announced on August 7, 2024, that government officials had confirmed a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, leaving them with no option but to cancel the shows for safety reasons and issue automatic refunds to ticket holders.
For fans attending future Eras Tour dates and for those reminiscing about past shows, the surprise songs remain a cherished and unforgettable part of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour legacy. The ever-changing acoustic set ensures that each night holds a unique magic, solidifying the Eras Tour as a truly special and memorable experience for every attendee.
