Taylor Swift is continuing her Europe dates after her Vienna concert dates were canceled after two men were arrested over an apparent plot to launch an attack at the event. The “Lover” singer was going to perform at Ernst Happel Stadium on August 8, 9, and 10, 2024, as part of her Eras Tour.
TMZ and Deadline confirmed that Swift’s later dates at Wembley Stadium will go on as planned with added security. UK Policing Minister Diana Johnson said Thursday, “Clearly, the police will be looking at all the intelligence and making decisions, they risk assess every event that happens in this country, and that’s something for the police.”
Vienna concert organizers Barracuda Music issued a statement before the dates, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Vienna Shows cancelled due to government officials confirmation of planned terrorist attack. With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.”
Related: Here’s where to find the cheapest Eras Tour tickets
A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old man who had secured a job at the stadium were arrested after chemical substances were found in the former’s house. “The suspects were focused on the Taylor Swift concerts,” Austrian Director General for Public Safety Franz Ruf said via NY Post. “We discovered that he was taking action to prepare for the attack,” he added. “A clear threat has been averted.”
Taylor Swift has previously expressed her fears over a terrorist attack in an Elle profile in 2019. ““My biggest fear. After the Manchester Arena bombing and the Vegas concert shooting, I was completely terrified to go on tour this time because I didn’t know how we were going to keep 3 million fans safe over seven months,” she said. The 2017 ISIS bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, and the mass shooting at Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Music Festival heightened security at big events.
“There was a tremendous amount of planning, expense, and effort put into keeping my fans safe. My fear of violence has continued into my personal life,” Swift continued. She also noted that she carried QuikClot army grade bandage dressing, which blocks bullets and knife attacks.
“Websites and tabloids have taken it upon themselves to post every home address I’ve ever had online. You get enough stalkers trying to break into your house and you kind of start prepping for bad things.” She said, “Every day I try to remind myself of the good in the world, the love I’ve witnessed and the faith I have in humanity.”
