Taylor Swift’s “1989” Tour Sells Out 2nd Night At Bridgestone

Taylor Swift sold out Bridgestone Arena for the second straight night on Saturday. The entire venue, inside and out, felt like a huge middle school with thousands of giddy adolescents roaming about. Teenage girls, with reluctant moms and dads in tow, lined up for what seemed like miles to get the chance to see the world's number one pop star.

I've never seen so many flashing light gizmos and accoutrements at a concert.  Bright lights, or "amazing shiny things," as opener Vance Joy called them, flashed from electric signs all over Bridgestone.

Some fans even wrapped themselves in flashing lights similar to a Christmas tree. Adults got into the act as well; there was even a middle-aged man in a Taylor Swift tour T-shirt and a black tutu. I can only assume that he probably lost some sort of bet at home.

Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy took the stage first in the three-artist lineup. He has risen in the ranks considerably since his most recent stops in the Music City. I have to get on my soapbox for a moment just to point out that most folks seemed oblivious to the fact there was a performer on stage. Vance Joy did an excellent job with his thirty minute set. The crowd finally came alive for the chorus of "Rip Tide." Any mention of the words "Taylor" or "Swift" also elicited piercing screams from the audience.

Everything above probably doesn't surprise you. After all, we're talking about a pop concert. But would you expect some quality guitar solos and pounding rock? I know I didn't, but I wasn't counting on Haim to be playing.

The three-sister act rocked, each taking turns on vocals and playing their own instruments. For half an hour I would've sworn I was at a rock show. The group even made use of the extra long catwalk to get closer to fans and show off their guitar chops. Then they shared a three person drum solo that electrified the crowd. These ladies can play, no doubt about it.

And finally the moment everyone was waiting for - Taylor Swift's grand entrance. Swift appeared from a staircase under the stage, followed by a large group of flashily dressed male backup dancers.

"Welcome to New York" got the party started. Huge NYC street signs hung from the ceiling and a massive big screen running the width of the stage broadcasted more New York street signs and motifs. 

Taylor Swift concerts are well known to have special surprise guests. In fact, it’s pretty much an expected segment of her shows. Nashville was no exception. Truthfully, the Music City probably even had greater expectations, especially since this is, in many ways, her de facto hometown.

During Friday's show she brought out Steven Tyler and Allison Krauss. From the beginning of the concert Taylor really built up the expectation for the surprises that would be in store. About halfway through the setlist the first guest came out on stage. Leona Lewis performed her hit "Bleeding Love," with Swift jumping in on a verse as well. The second surprise was held out until about the closing of the show. The wait and suspense was certainly worth it, because fans got to see a special rendition of "Satisfaction" with Taylor Swift and rock legend Mick Jagger.

The knighted rocker brought a whole new feel into the arena. While a lot of the younger fans probably knew very little of Jagger, except for his name recognition, the parents in the crowd certainly knew the significance of having the Rolling Stones front man perform.

Swift’s performance was a huge production through and through. The stage, catwalk, screen, and backup dancers were all elaborate, giving the concert the feel of a Broadway show. Swift took a break from the lights and pre-recorded backing chorus for an intimate performance of “Fifteen.” She dedicated the song to her best friend, who attended nearby Hendersonville High School with her. Taylor took her acoustic for a special rendition of the song at the end of the catwalk that elevated twenty or so feet above the ground, while also rotating on its axis, transporting the starlet to all corners of the arena. 

The last night of the tour for Nashville was full of fun and surprises – a show fit for arguably the world’s leading pop star.