When you’re on a record-breaking world tour, cancelling shows simply isn’t an option—even if you’re feeling under the weather. Taylor Swift recently exemplified true professionalism during her Edinburgh concert by performing despite clearly dealing with a cold.
The unusually chilly conditions at the stadium undoubtedly didn’t help the singer, despite the calendar suggesting that summer was already in full swing. With temperatures dropping to 46.4°F during the performance, Swift was spotted struggling with a runny nose while delivering her hit song “Don’t Blame Me.” A video capturing the moment shows her briefly wiping her nose with her hands, then subtly cleaning them on her skirt, leaving some fans quite uncomfortable.
Reactions from Swift’s fanbase have been mixed. While many expressed empathy and understanding, others openly criticized her actions on social media, with one user bluntly stating, “Taylor Swift literally wiped her nose with her skirt on stage!” Another surprised fan remarked, “Could someone please get Taylor some tissues? I’ve seen her wipe her nose multiple times recently. Surely there’s a better solution.”
However, plenty of supporters stood firmly behind Taylor, with one commenter pointing out, “I’m not even a Swiftie, but why are people so upset about this? She’s performing live; it’s not like she deliberately wanted to do it. At least she didn’t leave it all over her face.”
Swift’s three-night run in Edinburgh kicked off her highly anticipated UK leg. Next up are eight performances at London’s Wembley Stadium, followed by dates in Cardiff and Liverpool, drawing approximately 720,000 fans in London alone. After completing the European segment of her tour, she’ll return to the United States for nine additional concerts, including appearances in Miami, New Orleans, and Indianapolis. She has already completed 53 dates across America and is scheduled to perform in around fifty European cities.
Swift’s presence has already generated tremendous excitement, with fans in Edinburgh lining up nearly two days ahead of her arrival. Over 220,000 eager attendees flooded the city, creating high demand and causing a severe shortage of hotel rooms. Accommodations became expensive rapidly, with prices tripling during her concerts held from June 7 to June 9.
Economically, Swift’s UK concerts are projected to inject approximately £1 billion into the British economy. Aside from ticket purchases, fans spend significantly on accommodations, transportation, dining before shows, and official merchandise. Many attendees have even opted for vintage or secondhand clothing for this historic experience. On average, Swifties attending a UK concert can expect to spend around £848.
UK-based fans, meanwhile, have expressed frustration regarding ticket availability, blaming an influx of American attendees who seized the opportunity due to more affordable European prices fueled by a favorable exchange rate. Conversely, American fans argued that securing tickets domestically has been challenging, driving many to look abroad.
Due to overwhelming demand, with approximately 4.35 million tickets sold globally, Swift’s fans worldwide have faced significant hurdles in obtaining concert access. Despite these challenges, enthusiasm remains remarkably high, proving Taylor Swift’s unstoppable appeal.