Home » Album Eras » THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT Era

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT Era

2024-2025

Transitions have always been a cornerstone of Taylor’s career, each era not just ending, but transforming into something new. That shift had never been more obvious than on February 4, 2024: the night she won both “Album of the Year” for Midnights and announced her next project. “I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret I’ve been keeping for the last two years,” she said during her acceptance speech. “My brand-new album comes out April 19. It’s called THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT.” With that single statement, she closed the door on one era and flung open the next. Over the months that followed, Taylor would travel the globe on “The Eras Tour,” celebrated like never before—yet also at the center of more scrutiny and debate than at any point in her career.

After Taylor’s surprise, the internet reacted instantly. Fans were thrilled, theories exploded, and anticipation for the new era soared. Inside the Grammy auditorium, however, the atmosphere was noticeably more restrained. Taylor, undeniably the most dominant force in music, had just dropped a bombshell at the industry’s most prestigious event. Some critics argued her timing eclipsed the achievements of others in the room; fans called it iconic. Regardless of perspective, the moment ignited debate—and in hindsight, it was the perfect opening note for the TORTURED POETS era: audacious, divisive, and impossible to ignore.

From Tokyo to Touchdown: The Super Bowl Saga

After the Grammys, Taylor flew directly to Japan to kick off the Asian leg of “The Eras Tour”—four sold-out shows at the Tokyo Dome that brought her record-breaking spectacle to a region where fan devotion had long bordered on reverence. But as she dazzled onstage, the internet fixated on a different question entirely: Would Taylor make it to the Super Bowl in time?

With the Kansas City Chiefs (and her partner Travis Kelce) headed to Las Vegas for the NFL championship, Taylor was slated to perform in Tokyo the night before the big game. The timeline seemed impossibly tight. Her final concert in Japan ended the evening of February 10, while the Super Bowl kickoff was scheduled for the afternoon of February 11 in the US. Fans and media outlets tracked flight paths, calculated time zone differences, and even followed her private jet’s movements online. Hashtags like #IsTaylorOnThePlane and #TokyoToVegas trended globally. The Japanese Embassy in Washington even issued a charming statement confirming that yes, the logistics were feasible—if anyone could pull it off, it was Taylor Swift.

And she did. Taylor left the Tokyo Dome straight after her final bow and boarded a private jet for the US. The moment she arrived at Allegiant Stadium, radiant as ever, social media went into meltdown. Cameras captured her cheering from a suite with his family and teammates. The image of her kissing Travis Kelce after the Chiefs won is one that will go down in pop-culture history. Videos from the post-game festivities captured the couple dancing and singing along to remixes of two of Taylor’s hits, “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me.” “It’s a love story, baby just say yes,” Taylor mouthed to Travis before kissing him on the dance floor.

Her appearance that evening transformed an already massive sporting event into a cultural touchstone. News outlets across the world covered the saga in real time; memes and tributes flooded every corner of the internet. The Tokyo-to-Vegas dash became the apex of Taylormania: a real-life romantic comedy playing out on the world stage. The pop star and the football hero, sealed with a Super Bowl kiss, felt like fiction—except it wasn’t.

From Stadiums to Secrets: A Global Prelude to TTPD

Fresh off the whirlwind of the Super Bowl, Taylor wasted no time returning to the stage. Just days after celebrating with Travis on the field in Las Vegas, she resumed “The Eras Tour” with a monumental run in Australia, a country where her popularity had reached record highs. In Melbourne, she played to over 96,000 fans each night for three consecutive dates—the largest audiences of her entire career. Sydney followed, equally electric. Despite the jet lag and marathon schedule, Taylor’s performances were as sharp as ever, infused with a kind of euphoric energy that only comes from personal and professional triumph colliding:

«This is the biggest show that we have done on this tour or any tour I have ever done! The version you get of me tonight is the version that's completely starstruck by the fact that so many of you wanted to hang out with us on a Friday night in Melbourne.»

Taylor Swift

Travis briefly joined Taylor in Sydney, touching down for just under 48 hours in what became a whirlwind, headline-dominating visit. Their reunion, including a fun trip to the zoo, was trailed by paparazzi and breathlessly covered by global media. From there, Taylor continued on to Singapore for a six-night stadium run. These shows weren’t just musically triumphant; they were geopolitically notable. The Singaporean government reportedly secured an exclusivity agreement, making it the sole Southeast Asian stop on the tour—a move that sparked international discussion. In countries like the Philippines, where Taylor holds near-mythic status, the decision sparked widespread public debate and even motivated plans to construct a stadium large enough to host her in the future.

Meanwhile, as the Eras shows dazzled night after night, Taylor subtly began ushering in TTPD. She revealed artwork, teased song titles, and wove lyrical Easter eggs into her acoustic sets, gradually transforming the tour into a bridge between eras. Thanking the fans in a post after finishing the last show in Singapore, Taylor wrote: “Just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who traveled and put so much effort into being at our shows. What an unforgettable way to end this leg of the tour!! See you in May when we get back to ‘The Eras Tour’!! In the meantime I’ve got an album to release…”

Spring Hiatus and Secret Preparations

After wrapping the Asian leg of “The Eras Tour,” Taylor entered an intentional period of quiet. From March to May, she stepped back from the public eye, retreating into a slower rhythm of life alongside Travis. The couple spent time living together in both Los Angeles, where he pursued off-season projects, including work on a reality show and television series, and Kansas City, where they embraced a more grounded, domestic routine.

To the outside world, it seemed like Taylor was finally resting. There were few paparazzi sightings and barely any online activity. But behind the scenes, she was far from idle. Quietly, she had already begun rehearsals for a revamped version of “The Eras Tour”—one that would include a massive new addition: a 20-minute section dedicated entirely to THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT, which, at that point, had yet to be released. Publicly, it seemed like a break. Privately, it was a reset. And the calm before Taylor’s personal life would once again be dissected in the wake of her new music.

The Creative Catharsis of TTPD

The online discourse surrounding Taylor shifted dramatically in April 2024 with the release of THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. Though she appeared to be on top of the world—in love, on the most successful tour of all time, and creatively thriving—it was clear from the very first track that she had scores to settle. TTPD bristles with razor-sharp lyrics and emotional reckoning. It peeles back the curtain on the image of a woman who seems untouchable, revealing the stark truth: behind the glittering façade, Taylor had been quietly unraveling.

Just a year earlier, Taylor’s personal life had onnce again become a lightning rod for public opinion. While dazzling crowds night after night on “The Eras Tour,” she was privately enduring one of the most painful periods of her life. Under the weight of constant scrutiny, even some of her most loyal fans began to question her choices—especially in love. As the criticism mounted and speculation spiraled, Taylor remained silent. Instead, she turned inward and wrote. TORTURED POETS is not a tale of resilience wrapped in a neat pop package. It’s a raw, unsparing document of a woman trying to stay grounded while her world tilted. It takes aim at former lovers, subtly rebukes the media, and even includes moments of tension with her own fanbase. But upon release, Taylor also made it clear that she had moved on and was now in a better place:

«THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. An anthology of new works that reflect events, opinions and sentiments from a fleeting and fatalistic moment in time—one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure. This period of the author’s life is now over, the chapter closed and boarded up. There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed. And upon further reflection, a good number of them turned out to be self-inflicted. This writer is of the firm belief that our tears become holy in the form of ink on a page. Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it. And then all that’s left behind is the tortured poetry.»

Taylor Swift

The tension between outward triumph and inner turmoil gives the album its emotional charge. And makes it a challenging, often jarring listen. We want to believe that fame, fortune, and adoration can insulate someone from despair. But here was the most successful pop star on the planet, writing about being too depressed to get out of bed. And she didn’t stop at one album. Just two hours after the standard version dropped, Taylor released THE ANTHOLOGY— an extended companion project with 15 more songs that are even quieter, sadder, and more introspective. In total: 31 new tracks, tracing the collapse of her private world across 2022 to 2024. For many fans, listening to it all on release day felt overwhelming—but so were the emotions she poured into it.

Taylor’s unflinching vulnerability on TTPD—her willingness to present herself in a state of emotional disarray—seemed to embolden her critics. To them, it was finally open season again. How dare she write a heartbreak album about a brief, controversial relationship with a man who ghosted her, instead of dedicating her pain to the six-year relationship with Joe Alwyn? (For the record, Midnights already did the mourning.)

Much of the discourse overlooked the obvious: the conversation should have been about the music, not the woman making it. Compared to the critical adoration of folklore, evermore, and even Midnights, TTPD received a more polarized response. But when someone as massive as Taylor releases new work, the discussion rarely stays focused on the songs. Her success becomes the filter through which everything is judged. The “too big to fail” argument is used to undermine both praise and critique alike. Yet in the larger context of her career, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT stands as a daring piece of art—the result of a woman processing a messy breakup and questioning her relevance. Few can distill those themes with the lyrical precision and emotional layering that she can. This album is a siren call, a personal diary, and a legacy manifesto all in one. She’s not asking for pity—just to be heard.

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT April 19, 2024 This article is about the album. For its title track, see The Tortured Poets Department (song).THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT is Taylor’s eleventh studio album, released on April 19, 2024, through Republic Records. Two hours after its release, it

Taylormania Takes Europe

Despite the online pitchforks, TORTURED POETS remarkably became Taylor’s biggest first-week sales achievement to date—a staggering feat considering her already record-breaking career. And proof that the general public doesn’t care about negative viral discourse. The album shattered streaming and sales records across the globe, with particularly historic numbers in the US.

All the while, Taylor was putting the final touches on tour rehearsals. At the beginning of May, the long-anticipated European leg of “The Eras Tour” began in Paris, where she finally got to unveil the TTPD set. She entitled it “Female Rage The Muscial,” a cathartic segment that brought the themes of the album to life. It thrilled both the live audience in France and the hundreds of thousands tuning in via livestreams around the world. Reflecting on this moment at the end of the tour, Taylor wrote:

«We conceptualized and rehearsed it secretly, and surprised the Paris crowd with it when we started our European leg of the tour. I wanted it to be minimalist, white, stark, and bold. There was nothing else in the show like it, and it was such an exciting challenge to try to improve upon a show I already loved. [...] I wanted to create the illusion of an alien abduction, a battle scene, a religious institution, a mental institution, a haunted house, and a showgirl’s dressing room routine. It was ambitious as hell but we pulled it off, creating what I think was the most dramatic, cathartic, female-rage driven part of the night.»

Taylor Swift

For two straight months, Europe was in the grip of a full-blown Taylor fever. She visited multiple countries and cities each week, and everywhere she went, national media scrambled to cover the phenomenon. Thousands of fans traveled across borders—many even flying in from the US., spending thousands of dollars just to witness “The Eras Tour” live. In several countries, Taylor performed there for the very first time, prompting local journalists to try and contextualize her cultural dominance for new audiences (this website’s creator, for instance, received dozens of interview requests).

In some places, Taylor was able to slow down and savor the moment a bit. She returned to London, once her home, spent a romantic getaway in Northern Italy with Travis, enjoyed time with friends in Amsterdam, and took in the serene beauty of Switzerland. Among the standout moments of the European leg were her shows in Munich, where 50,000 fans gathered on the hills of Olympiapark each night just to hear Taylor from outside the stadium, and her triumphant run at Wembley Stadium, which included surprise guest appearances, culminating in a now-iconic moment when Travis himself made a charming cameo during “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.”

A Heavy Shadow Over the Spotlight

As the European leg of “The Eras Tour” reached its final stretch, an unthinkable wave of tragedy cast a heavy shadow over what had otherwise been a triumphant season. In Vienna, authorities foiled a chilling terrorist plot aimed at Taylor’s concerts—a stark reminder of the unimaginable risks tied to her global fame, despite the love shared within the Swiftie community at the concerts themselves. Just days later, the next tragedy took place: three young girls were murdered in a brutal attack while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. The news was devastating, sending ripples through the fanbase and Taylor herself. Though at first she remained silent publicly, the weight of these back-to-back horrors was impossible to ignore. After wrapping up the last European shows in London, she wrote:

«Walking onstage in London was a rollercoaster of emotions. Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating. The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows. But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives. I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together. [...] Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows. In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to. My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that. [...] To the fans who have seen us this summer, you’ll always have the most sparkling place in my memories. You were a dream to perform for, dance with, and share those magical moments with. We’ll see you all again when we resume 'The Eras Tour' in October, but for now we get to take a much needed rest. Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime. May it continue…»

Taylor Swift

From August to October 2024, Taylor retreated from the public eye, stepping into a period of much-needed calm. She settled into a quieter rhythm—one that revolved less around stadium stages and more around stability. Much of that time was spent in Kansas City, where she and Travis enjoyed a relatively private few weeks in his hometown. It marked the first sustained stretch of downtime Taylor had taken in over a year, and the break allowed her to catch her breath.

As the NFL season kicked off in early September, Taylor was back in the stands at Arrowhead Stadium, this time not as a new face but as a familiar presence. Her first few appearances of the 2024 season were lower-key than the media frenzy of the previous year. No less photographed, but far more normalized. She cheered on Travis with friends and family, often dressed in subtle nods to the team, and was embraced warmly by the Kansas City crowd, who had by now claimed her as one of their own.

The End of an Era

The second and final stretch of “The Eras Tour” shows in the US and Canada marked an emotional homecoming for Taylor, offering a poignant farewell to a tour that had redefined live performance on an unprecedented scale. After months of performing across continents, it was a triumphant victory lap but also an extended, heartfelt goodbye. To commermorate the moment, Taylor released “The Eras Tour” book on Thanksgiving. It encapsulated not only the magnitude of the tour but also Taylor’s creative journey throughout and allowed fans, both literally and figuratively, to relive the magic of “The Eras Tour” in a timeless way that would last for generations.

Finally, on December 8, 2024, “The Eras Tour” reached its bittersweet conclusion in Vancouver. The atmosphere in Rogers Arena that night was bittersweet, as fans traveled from near and far to witness the historic last performance. While there were numerous sentimental moments throughout the show, perhaps the most emotional came when Taylor took a moment to speak directly to the audience, reflecting on the tour and expressing her deep gratitude for the unwavering support that had carried her through the entire journey:

«Making friends and bringing joy to each other, that is I think the lasting legacy of this tour, is the fact that you have created such a space of joy and togetherness and love. I couldn’t be more proud of you, honestly that is all you. That is what people think about when they think about this tour, is how they felt out in the crowd with you. I just want to say that, you’re why this is so special. And you supporting me for as long as you have is why I get to take these lovely walks down memory every single night because you cared about every era of my entire life that I've been making music. So, thank you.»

Taylor Swift

Our beloved “Eras Tour.” It was rare. We were there. We remember it.

Retreat in 2025

After “The Eras Tour” came to a close, Taylor stepped away from the spotlight for a well-earned break. She returned to Kansas City for the holiday season, settling into a slower rhythm alongside Travis. Away from cameras and headlines, the couple enjoyed a more private routine. However, with the NFL season still in full swing, Taylor also made a few appearances at Chiefs games, continuing to cheer Travis on as the team advanced toward the playoffs and ultimately the Super Bowl.

Taylor’s last public appearance for the TTPD era was at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she was warmly embraced by her peers, though she went home empty-handed for THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. Still, the absence of accolades didn’t dim her public favor—in fact, it only seemed to bolster it. But afterward, Taylor receded fully from public view, entering a self-imposed quiet period much like her reclusive phases in 2017 and early 2022. During those first few months of 2025, she and Travis spent time traveling privately, free from the usual scrutiny. It was a stretch of intentional stillness, a reset after the most ambitious and high-profile chapter of her career to date.

Taylor Swift performing on "The Eras Tour" (2023)

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour 2023-2024 This article is about the tour. For the concert film, see Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (2023). For the book, see Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book (2024).“The Eras Tour” (stylized as “Taylor Swift | The Eras

This Period of the Author's Life Is Now Over

This era stands as something of an anomaly in Taylor’s career. THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT emerged in the middle of a whirlwind—the global supernova of “The Eras Tour,” the lingering glow of Midnights, and the ongoing momentum of her re-recordings. Amid such intensity, there was little room—or perhaps little need—for Taylor to build an elaborate visual universe around her new project. Nor did she seem inclined to explain its origins. TTPD wasn’t accompanied by interviews or behind-the-scenes material. Instead, it stood on its own, powered by the emotional residue of a storm she had already weathered. By the time the album reached listeners, Taylor had already moved through the pain. She didn’t present the songs as a plea for empathy—they were reflections, echoes from a darker time she’d since outgrown. As she would later write in the liner notes of “The Eras Tour” book:

«We do it because life comes in waves, in phases, in brilliant flurries of magical moments, and all of these things come together to create... Eras [...] See you next era...»

Taylor Swift

See you there.