I don't go to many live concerts for a variety of reasons.  One being I don't understand sound engineers at all and how they just don't seem to know excellent sound does not have to be too loud of sound and for this venue, the level was way too high (even with foam earplugs). Secondly, there is always some asshole around you that does the non-stop yelling at the most idiotic of times where it really does not fit.  Frankly, I think idiots do this out of an overwhelming view of self-importance rather than sincere excitement. 

Now, I have to add this - believe it or not, I do not know of one Taylor Swift song.  The only singing part of her I am familiar with is the jingle about being too loud (ironic, eh?). My two youngest (17 and 20) are swifties and we ventured to Chicago (which I am not a fan of) from Central Illinois. Got that - C-e-n-t-r-a-l Illinois, not the goddamned Chicago suburbs. 

What I can add is, the woman can put on a show.  She played for 3 hrs and 15 minutes straight through with the only downtime being a very short time for her to change outfits - no intermission or break.  She had a fascinating huge stage and a background that was fabulous.

Also, Swifties, wow. They are obviously the most loyal of fans.  Stadium-wise, these people stood and danced for the entire show.  I got such a thrill out of being in a stadium full of young, massively ebullient fans - though it was infectious, while I did stand, I did not dance. 

For those that aren't aware, Swift is a huge supporter of LGBTQ and for the crowd, I can't adequately describe it, but you could feel how all these mostly young people felt and exuded a feeling of being "safe" knowing they were allowed to openly be themselves with no feelings of judgment.  Being a father of four daughters, it was such an experience to be in a stadium of people that felt that way, especially young women.  I mean, think of it - being a woman, present in a huge stadium in a huge city where the fear of victimization did not exist. 

After attending this concert, I feel comfortable suggesting that social conservatives and Republicans better get off the anti-LGBTQ junk because that shit is going to start haunting them soon because most young people think entirely differently about these issues and they are seeing this attacking hate - and it is hate-driven - and it is going to haunt them in the future and big time.  It might take another five or ten years, but it is going to bite them in the ass.

Lastly, on a humorous note - Female Swifties commandeered ALL the bathrooms and I mean ALL.  Erroneously believing it would be a fine night for using the Men's bathroom with no lines was learned to be false when I ventured to do so right after the second opening act.  However, all it took was one brave male - yes, me - to venture on in there and use a urinal to lead the way for other men to start doing the same. 

One slightly inebriated nice woman seeing my confusion on where to go said to me how this event was not catered to men and that the only men present were fathers and gays.  I imagine that may be somewhat offensive to some, but it was still humorous.

On a side note - for the longest time it has always irked me when it comes to women being forced to wait in line to use a bathroom - they should have just as many stalls as men have urinals and more of the Swifty Commandeering needs to go on so venues and other places take that into consideration.

So, the final word is - if you have daughters or Swifty fans, get them to one of her shows if you can, even if not a fan.  I will cherish this night for the rest of my life.