Taylor Swift Eras Tour Germany. Entertainment. Gelsenkirchen, historically known for its coal and steel industry in Germany, temporarily changed its name to “Swiftkirchen” in honor of pop star Taylor Swift, who will perform three concerts there this week.
Since early July, Gelsenkirchen has displayed 30 yellow city signs with “Swiftkirchen” to welcome the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend. However, many signs have been vandalized or stolen, leaving blank spaces in their wake.
“Some signs have already gone missing,” said Sandra Falkenauer, head of city marketing, despite efforts to secure them high up. A schoolgirl initiated a successful petition to rename Gelsenkirchen temporarily, especially as the city recently gained attention as a host for Euro 2024. Yet, not everyone welcomed the idea.
Some signs were quickly covered with football stickers shortly after being put up. Social media videos about the “Swiftkirchen” signs sparked heated debates, with some users arguing that Gelsenkirchen should focus on more pressing issues than catering to a pop star’s fans.
Gerne Gelsenkirchen, the city’s marketing agency, urged critics to embrace the positive media attention.
“This is a huge success. Now it’s our chance to present ourselves to the world in a positive light! Let’s stop complaining and be great hosts for our hometown!” the agency posted on Facebook.
Gelsenkirchen anticipates around 200,000 fans for the concerts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This marks Taylor Swift’s first visit to Germany on her Eras Tour, with additional shows planned in Hamburg and Munich.
Who is Taylor Swift?
Taylor Swift is a highly successful American singer-songwriter known for her country and pop music. Born on December 13, 1989, in Pennsylvania, USA, Swift gained fame in the mid-2000s with her debut self-titled album. She quickly rose to prominence with chart-topping singles like “Love Story,” “You Belong with Me,” and “Fearless.”
Swift’s music blends elements of country, pop, and rock, and she is celebrated for her introspective songwriting, often drawing from personal experiences and relationships. Over her career, she has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Red,” “1989,” “Reputation,” and “Lover.”
Beyond her music, Taylor Swift is known for her philanthropy, advocacy for artists’ rights, and her active presence on social media, where she engages with millions of fans worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including Grammys, AMAs, and CMAs. She has also been recognized for her impact on music and popular culture.