Taylor Swift has called off three shows in Vienna because of a possible security risk. The concerts were set to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of her Eras tour. This choice came after police caught two people they think were planning to attack big events in Austria’s capital city in the name of Islamic extremism.
Details of the Threat
Arrests and Investigation Austrian police took two people into custody on Wednesday – a 19-year-old Austrian citizen in Ternitz, Lower Austria, and another suspect in Vienna. Franz Ruf, the General Director for Public Security, verified that both individuals had become radicalized on the internet. The 19-year-old had sworn loyalty to ISIS in early July. When officers searched his home, they found chemical substances, which led to further investigation.
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – VIP Packages: Location
Official Statements
Organizers put out a statement: “Government officials confirmed a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium. We have no other option but to cancel the three scheduled shows to keep everyone safe.” The statement added: “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.”
In a post on X, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer described the cancellations as a “bitter disappointment for all fans“, but said the situation had been “very serious“.
The head of police in Vienna said 65,000 people per day had been expected to attend the concerts, as well as 22,000 fans outside the venue.
Taylor Swift Official Statements regarding the Cancellation and Refund
“Bitte beachten Sie folgende Information des Veranstalters: Auf Grund der Bestätigung durch Regierungsbeamte über einen geplanten Terroranschlag im Ernst-Happel-Stadion, haben wir keine andere Wahl, als die drei geplanten Shows zur Sicherheit aller abzusagen. Alle Tickets werden automatisch innerhalb der nächsten 10 Werktage rückvergütet.”
“Translation to English”
“Please note the following information from the organizer: Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for the safety of everyone. All tickets will be automatically canceled within the next 10 Working days refunded.”
Impact on Fans
Fan Reactions Molly Surette, a fan from Leeds UK, expressed her disappointment about missing Saturday’s show. She and her friends had been excited to attend and made friendship bracelets, a special custom of the Eras tour. “This concert and the whole Eras tour experience is something we’ve been looking forward to for ages,” she said.
Safety Concerns Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl stated that they expected 65,000 people each day at the concerts, plus another 22,000 fans outside the venue. While the cancellations upset many, they aimed to keep everyone safe.
Austrian officials acted and to stop a possible disaster keeping people safe. While Taylor Swift’s fans felt let down, the main concern is still how everyone affected is doing.
