Artem, a 22-year-old IT student in Moscow, doesn’t regret spending over $3,000 to see his favorite singer, Taylor Swift, live in concert. While fans around the world are used to paying high prices to see the pop icon perform, Russian “Swifties” face unique obstacles. Since 2022, many Western artists have avoided performing in Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and traveling to Western countries has become increasingly difficult. Yet, determined Russian fans have found creative ways to attend Swift’s sold-out Eras tour this summer, enduring complex visa processes and intricate flight itineraries.
Elizaveta, a 20-year-old medical student, joined Artem on a journey to see Swift perform in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in July. “When your dream finally comes true, you feel immense happiness and gratitude,” she said. Elizaveta and Artem are part of a close-knit community of Swift fans in Moscow, which began as a fan group on the Russian social platform VKontakte three years ago. The group organizes events like singalongs and bracelet-making workshops, offering fans a chance to connect and share their love for the singer.
“We aim to create a cozy community, a space for people to meet and bond,” explained Diana, a 20-year-old international relations student and member of the fan group. Despite the enjoyment of these local gatherings, for many fans, nothing compares to the experience of seeing Taylor Swift live in concert. Artem and Elizaveta were determined to make that happen this summer, despite the challenges.
To attend the concert in Germany, Elizaveta flew via a third country, using a visa she had obtained for Greece. Artem, on the other hand, applied for an Italian visa through an agency six months in advance. He combined his concert trip with a broader European tour. “If I had just gone for the concert, it would have been cheaper,” he noted, adding that the entire trip cost him around 300,000 roubles ($3,200).
The current geopolitical climate has forced these fans to adapt in other ways as well. Elizaveta’s Apple Music account is registered in Turkey, while Artem and others have found workarounds to access Spotify, which ceased operations in Russia in 2022. Apple also suspended its product sales in the country the same year, making access to Western music services more challenging.
Another fan, Dmitry, highlights that despite these challenges, Russian Swifties remain connected with the global fan community. “We’re not really isolated from the rest of the world. We watch TikTok videos, engage in discussions, and stay up-to-date with what’s happening globally,” he said. “We have everything we need here. Our lives are full and vibrant.”
Despite the hurdles, Russian fans of Taylor Swift continue to find ways to connect with her music and the global fan community, proving that their dedication knows no bounds.
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