This one is for all the Swifties today.
The ones on their way to Vienna.
The ones already there.
The ones that weren’t going but still tear up hearing the news yesterday.
The ones that had been waiting for such a long time and had their dream snatched away.
The ones that were already anxious to attend such a big event but chose to face their fears.
The ones that will hear everyone close to them in the coming days say it’s just music – it’s not worth it – it’s not safe – it’s for the best.
The ones whose tears won’t stop flowing down their cheeks today.
The ones who are heartbroken.
I see you. I hear you. I get you.
And I just wanted to tell you – it gets better.
We all had gigs canceled last minute. Shit happens. That’s the way it is. But never have I felt it be more unreal and unfair than being canceled because of terror. Because of hate. Because of the very real possibility of having your life stolen away.
It should never have happened. It should never happen again. That’s the words I kept saying to myself 9 years ago when I got caught up in the terrorist attacks in Paris, which resulted in the cancellation of the U2 gigs I was in town to attend.
And my heart broke for all of you last night. All the fans. All the crew. For Taylor and Paramore. Because I know how it feels and those memories are still sore. Similar situation, worst outcome. It could have been way worse for you at Eras, and I’m glad it wasn’t but still – I remember those feelings.
But again. It gets better. I know it does for a fact.
Be gentle to yourself in the next few days and once the heartbreak of the cancellation passes, don’t dwell for too long on the ‘what if’ – those are dark places to be in.
Don’t let fear win. Don’t let hate win.
Don’t let this prevent you from going to shows in the future.
In fact, if you can still make it to another one – go for it. Make it happen no matter what. Even if you don’t want to, you need it. Yes it’s crazy, yes it’s unreasonable, yes your banker will probably hate you forever. But trust me, make it happen because it will bring you so much healing. It’s a leap of faith you’ll be glad you took in years to come. And good memories to replace that heartbreak.
And if you can’t, hold onto those songs until next time. They can never steal that from you.
Don’t let them win.
They stole your show but don’t let them steal your dreams.
Your hopes.
Your joy.
Your safe place.
Because if music is anything it’s all of that. And that’s why it’s such a tempting target for those people – a crowd singing along as one just out of love for others is the best humanity can be.
Let that win instead – Love.
Keep sharing it.
Keep singing it.
Keep dreaming it.
It might take time. It might be hard. But it gets better guys.
Music is forever whether they want it or not – and so is that love.
Take care y’all.
