Taylor Swift brought two memorable outdoor performances to Empower Field this weekend. Unlike memorable shows of the past, Denver fans were mostly content with the craze that was ablaze in Denver.
Swifties prepared for the show in style, with stores like Tecovas, Sheplers, and Steve Madden surely impacted by the numerous outfits Swift inspired amongst her dedicated fans.
Major acts in Denver showcase performances like Taylor Swift’s 2023 blockbuster shows. Image courtesy: The Art Quarterly.
Swift joins music history in Denver and Colorado with her most recent performances. As some may recall, Swift is no stranger to Denver. Her famous $1 settlement against the radio station DJ Dave Mueller permeates her every set. Today, the media remains infected with countless stories of sexual abuse and harassment. Swift’s enlightened vocals rally around coming of age, romance, pain, hope, and the ideal found in pop culture. While Empower field surely was different from the days that gave Mueller a radio show, comparing the cultural changes flows with how Denver has similarly evolved for the better.
Take the Monster of Rock tour in Denver from 1988 as a comparison. Headlined by Van Halen and Metallica along with hairbands including Dokken and the Scorpions, the audience came for the glory found in big hair, sex appeal, rebellion, and the musical talent created by Lars and gang.
Major acts in Denver showcase performances like Taylor Swift’s 2023 blockbuster shows. Swift benefited from the constant improvements found in a more advanced stadium. The new south stands “jumbo tron” visually made a statement. Swift benefited equally from gorgeous Colorado and Denver weather. Stage techniques, the performer, and the audience are greatly “evolved” from Gen Xer concert antics of old.
During the Monster of Rock tour, bands like Metallica faced technical difficulties with their sound systems. Intermittent audio interruptions, distorted sound, and inconsistencies in quality hindered their performances. The frustrations were palpable, both for the band and the disappointed audience.
In contrast, Taylor Swift’s performances are meticulously planned and executed, often featuring state-of-the-art sound technology. Sound engineers, as always, work diligently to ensure a seamless audio experience for the crowd. Even in outdoor venues, Taylor’s team takes weather conditions into account, implementing measures to mitigate potential issues. None were needed in Denver.
While the Monster of Rock tour grappled with stadium limitations, such as inadequate sound distribution and acoustic challenges, Taylor Swift’s team leveraged advanced sound systems tailored to the specific venue. This enables her to deliver consistent and immersive performance, regardless of the set.
Moreover, weather conditions at open-air concerts can pose challenges. The Monster of Rock tour faced uncertainties due to rain, wind, and the nature of the old Mile High Stadium. Conversely, Taylor Swift’s team had the weather gods on their side. There were few needs to implement weather contingency plans, protective measures, or rely beyond the advanced stage setups meant to ensure that the show happened, rain or shine.
Highlighting the advancements in production and performance techniques over the years reflects the demands of the audience. Taylor Swift’s concerts have prioritized delivering an exceptional experience, addressing potential technical issues, considering the stadium’s limitations, and accounting for unpredictable weather factors. For those who knew what made Metalica and Van Halen awesome, they and their team were equally concerned with delivering an exceptional experience. The professionalism found with the crews then and now can only be reflected by the final product experienced. Swift clearly did not disappoint – and her fans clearly demonstrate that.
Taylor Swift’s performances in Denver represent the evolution of concert production and performance techniques. Her team’s meticulous planning and execution, combined with state-of-the-art sound technology, ensures a seamless audio experience for the crowd. This, coupled with Taylor’s own talent and charisma, has resulted in two unforgettable shows in Denver.
