Across the globe, fans of Taylor Swift, known as Swifties, are accustomed to traveling far and wide to see their idol perform live. But for Swifties in Russia, the journey to see the American pop star has become significantly more complicated. Since 2022, many Western artists, including Taylor Swift, have ceased performing in Russia due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, traveling to European countries has become increasingly difficult for Russian citizens, presenting yet another layer of challenge for fans eager to see their favorite artist.
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Despite these hurdles, Russian Swifties have refused to give up on their dream. This summer, they began meticulously planning their journeys, aligning flight schedules and visa appointments with the dates of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Europe. Their dedication and determination have turned what would typically be a simple concert trip into an arduous and costly adventure, highlighting the lengths these fans are willing to go for a glimpse of their idol.
Artem’s Journey: A $3,000 Trip to Meet Taylor Swift
Artem, a 22-year-old IT student from Moscow, is one such fan who went above and beyond to see Taylor Swift. Spending around $3,200 on his journey, Artem’s route to Germany was anything but straightforward. He first applied for an Italian visa through a travel agency six months in advance, knowing that Italy was one of the few European countries still granting visas to ordinary Russian tourists at the time.
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“I chose Italy because it was easier to get a visa there compared to other countries,” Artem explained. “We went to see the concert together, but each of us had to find our own way to get there. Lisa had the opportunity to get a Greek visa, so she traveled to Greece with her family. I didn’t have that option, so I researched which country would be easier to obtain a visa from.”
Artem combined his love for Taylor Swift with a broader European adventure, turning the concert into part of a larger travel experience. “I combined the concert with a European tour. If I were only going for the concert, the costs would have been lower,” he said, recounting his journey to see Taylor Swift live.
Elizaveta’s Adventure: A Medical Student’s Journey to Her Idol
Elizaveta, a 20-year-old medical student, joined Artem on his quest to see Taylor Swift perform in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in July. Unlike Artem, Elizaveta took an even more complex route, first traveling through a third country to Greece, where she secured her visa before making her way to Germany.
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“When you realize your long-standing dream is coming true, you feel incredibly happy, joyful, and grateful that everything has gone smoothly,” Elizaveta shared, reflecting on her journey. For many Russian fans, attending a Taylor Swift concert is more than just a night of music—it’s the fulfillment of a deeply cherished dream.
Building a Community of Swifties in Moscow
Elizaveta and Artem are not alone in their passion. The duo, along with other Russian Swifties, founded a Taylor Swift fan group on the Russian social media platform VKontakte three years ago. The group has grown into a tight-knit community, organizing various events, from bracelet-making workshops to sing-alongs in local parks.
“We try to create a cozy community where people can meet and get to know each other,” said Diana, a 20-year-old international relations student and active member of the fan group. Despite the challenges of living in Russia, where access to Western music and media has been restricted, the Swifties have managed to maintain a vibrant fan culture.
Adapting to Geopolitical Changes: The Swifties’ Resilience
The geopolitical landscape has forced Russian Swifties to adapt creatively to continue enjoying Taylor Swift’s music. Elizaveta, for example, has her Apple Music account registered in Turkey, while Artem and others use VPNs to access Spotify, which ceased operations in Russia in 2022. Apple also stopped selling its products in Russia that same year, further complicating access to music and technology for fans.
Dmitry, another dedicated fan, expressed that despite the obstacles, the Russian Swifties still feel connected to the global Taylor Swift community. “We are not isolated from the rest of the world. We watch TikTok, see videos from abroad, and participate in countless discussions,” he said. “Overall, we have everything we need. We live colorful lives.”
The High Costs of Fandom: Swifties’ Commitment and Sacrifice
For Russian Swifties, seeing Taylor Swift live often comes with a hefty price tag. Between visa fees, flights, accommodation, and concert tickets, the cost of attending just one of Swift’s shows can reach thousands of dollars—money that many fans save up for months, if not years.
Artem’s trip to Germany cost around 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,200), a significant sum for a student. However, to him and many others, the experience is worth every penny. “It’s not just about the concert. It’s about the entire experience, the adventure, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself,” Artem said.
Elizaveta echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the emotional significance of the journey. “Going to see Taylor Swift isn’t just about enjoying the music. It’s about the connection, the community, and the sense of belonging that comes with being a Swiftie,” she explained.
Creating a Space for Russian Swifties: Events and Gatherings
Beyond their individual journeys, Russian Swifties have also been building a vibrant community back home. They organize regular meetups in Moscow and surrounding areas, where fans gather to sing Taylor Swift songs, create themed crafts, and share their love for their idol.
These gatherings provide a sense of normalcy and joy for fans living in a country where access to Western entertainment has been increasingly limited. “We’ve managed to create a small world of our own, where we can celebrate Taylor’s music and support each other,” said Diana. “It’s not just about being a fan; it’s about being part of a family.”
The Future of Russian Swifties
Despite the challenges they face, Russian Swifties remain hopeful and determined. Many are already planning future trips to see Taylor Swift, eagerly awaiting announcements of her next tours and performances. For these fans, the obstacles are just part of the journey, and their love for Taylor Swift continues to drive them forward.
Dmitry summed up the spirit of the community best: “No matter where we are, we’re united by our love for Taylor and her music. We’re Swifties—no borders, no barriers, just music and connection.”
The stories of Artem, Elizaveta, and their fellow fans are testaments to the power of music to transcend boundaries, connect people across continents, and inspire unwavering dedication. For Russian Swifties, every journey, every expense, and every obstacle is just a small price to pay for the chance to be part of Taylor Swift’s world, even if only for one magical night.
