Taylor Swift at Soldier Field on August 10, 2013

I can't actually believe I got the photo below from where I was sitting.  It is pretty great right?

Taylor Swift performed her usual perfect, flawless, mega-extravaganza show for this Red Tour.  It is amazing how well choreographed the entire show is down to her every facial expression, song introduction, costume change, dancers, pyrotechnics, and theatrics.  See previous review from the Speak Now Tour for a detailed description.  Ed Sheeran opened for her and was an amazing performer.  He put 110% of his energy into his singing, linguistic word play, and guitar playing.  He was a sweaty pig by the end to prove it (my daughter pointed this out not less than 5 times).

Here is a video I took of Taylor and Ed Sheeran singing "Everything has changed" from the small rotating stage at the 100 yard line (give or take a few yards):




 As for Soldier Field, I can't swear on a stack of bibles, but I think I have had enough of this venue.  It is a nightmare getting out of the show. Trying to drive yourself home in traffic or by hopping on public transportation adds extra exhaustion and possibly 2 hours or more on to your outing.  This time we were lucky enough to have a friend who gave us a neighborhood parking sticker. Even with great free parking it still took 2 hours  to get home, first requiring us to physically get out of the stadium (while being trapped amongst the masses) and then dealing with excessive traffic on Michigan Ave and even Wabash.  Of course there is also the issue of being outdoors in the rain (should that happen) when buying a high priced ticket for a show at Soldier Field.  Luckily the weather was perfect.

Two girls behind me made this cute "22" sign complete with lights.  It is actually amazing how Swift's fans bring decorations and signs to the show and even dress like her (striped shirts, red bows, cute A-line skirts).

All in all, a great, perfectly orchestrated show.  Taylor aims to please and having the talented Ed Sheeran double billed with her, was great for both older and younger fans.


Set List:

1. State of Grace 
2. Holy Ground 
3. Red 
4. You Belong with Me 
5. The Lucky One 
6. Mean 
7. 22 
8. Fearless 
9. Everything Has Changed 
   (with Ed Sheeran)
10. Begin Again 
11. Sparks Fly 
12. I Knew You Were Trouble 
13. All Too Well 
14. Love Story 
15. Treacherous 
16. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together