Gathering of Swifty's in Vienna, a year post-terror incident
In Vienna, Austria, hundreds of Taylor Swift fans, known as "Swifties," gathered in the heart of the city on a significant day. The gathering took place on the same street named after a Swift song, Corneliusgasse, where fans had gathered during the concerts a year ago, even after the terror-related cancellations[1].
The event, organised by fan club organiser Lex Dimitrijevic, was a poignant reminder of the canceled concerts at the Wiener Ernst-Happel-Stadion, which were scheduled for August 8, 9, and 10, 2024[1]. The memorial plaque unveiled during the gathering served as a symbol of friendship and against hate, reminding everyone that joy in music and life should not be taken away by terror[2].
A year prior, a thwarted ISIS-related terror plot had led to the cancellation of the concerts[1]. The main suspect, a 20-year-old individual, was arrested just before the first concert[1]. The investigation revealed that the suspect had planned to use explosives and melee weapons, with the assistance of a Syrian who had helped by translating a bomb-making manual and establishing contact with a member of the Islamic State terrorist organization[1].
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, the fans' shared love for Taylor Swift and the hope that she will still perform in Vienna took center stage on Friday[6]. For many Swifties, the gathering was a chance to come together, sing, and exchange friendship bracelets, reaffirming their bond as a community[3].
In response to the threat, the Vienna parliament decided to allow Austrian investigators to monitor online communications[7]. The event was covered by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, shedding light on the gathering and the fans' resilience in the face of adversity[8].
As of August 2025, no rescheduled or upcoming Vienna concerts have been announced[1]. However, the Swifties have not let the cancellation dampen their spirits. In remembrance and to honor the canceled Vienna shows, they have organised memorial gatherings, such as the Swienna Revival Festival, reflecting the continued fan community's support and remembrance[2][3][4][5].
A trial against a 15-year-old alleged helper of the suspected attack began in Berlin, providing further insight into the events leading up to the attempted attack[9]. As the investigation continues, the memory of the canceled Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to bring people together, even in the face of adversity.
References:
- BBC News
- NME
- Billboard
- The Guardian
- Rolling Stone
- CNN
- Reuters
- Deutsche Presse-Agentur
- The Local
- Despite the terror alarm and the canceled Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Swifties commemorate their shared love for her music by organizing entertainment events, such as the Swienna Revival Festival, to honor the canceled Vienna shows.
- The annual get-together of Swifties in Vienna, known as the Swienna Revival Festival, serves as a symbol of entertainment and unity against hate, reminding everyone that joy in music and life should not be taken away, even in the face of crime-and-justice or general-news incidents.
