On Saturday night (June 13), Taylor Swift put on another winning performance at Lincoln Financial Field for the back half of a two-night stay in Philadelphia, dazzling 50,000 attendees with her 1989 songs and a handful of older hits. Openers Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes were also impressive in the stadium setting, but the pre-show music that played over the PA system in between sets was also entertaining in its stylistic diversity.
Watch Taylor Swift Bring Out Rachel Platten for ‘Fight Song’ in Philadelphia
Swift’s pre-show music at her most recent show included a few ubiquitous pop hits, some late-80’s throwbacks and a handful of you-oughta-know newcomers. Here is a sampling of the (awesome) music that is being played leading up to Taylor Swift’s 1989 show:
Kanye West, “All Day”
Remember how hard Taylor rocked out to “All Day” when Yeezy debuted the track at the BRIT Awards? Swift wants her fans to feel that same rush (with an edited version, natch).
Miguel, “Use Me”
A standout from Miguel’s Kaleidoscope Dream album is played in between a video of Taylor explaining the various stickers on her phone exterior and a “Blank Space” behind-the-scenes music video breakdown.
Lorde, “Tennis Court”
Lorde is in Taylor’s BFF Club, of course, and gets a seconds-long shout-out here.
Elliphant, “Down On Life”
The Swedish singer-producer’s 2012 single is delightfully played in full. It’s official: aggressive, intoxicating Euro-pop is fun to hear playing in a stadium.
Ezra Vine, “Celeste”
The dreamy indie-pop track is the debut single from singer-songwriter Ezra Vine, who hails from Auckland, New Zealand (the same city as Lorde). The lead song on Vine’s Celeste EP from last September, “Celeste” is now being discovered by a much larger U.S. population thanks to Taylor Swift.
Fine Young Cannibals, “She Drives Me Crazy”
A pop classic that hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in the year… wait for it… 1989! Swift is obviously a big fan, as was documented in this Instagram video from her Detroit performance:
Calvin Harris, “Feel So Close”
Hmmm. An uptempo Calvin Harris love song featuring the EDM superstar on vocals, that plays immediately before Swift takes the stage. It’s a way to pump up the crowd and let Taylor wink at her new beau!
And after the show ends…
Billy Joel, “We Didn’t Start The Fire”
Another chart-topper from the year 1989! And a fitting throwback to hear as kids file out and meet their parents at the stadium gates.