mind and muse

Daily writing prompt

What is the best concert you have been to?

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I’ll never forget this day. It was June 2nd 2023, at Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago night 1 for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. I remember the entire weekend all too well. It was my best friend Courtney and I, and our moms driving up to Chicago the day before. I remember laying in the hotel bed the night before felt like Christmas Eve, and I could barely sleep as I was so unbelievably excited. We had been anticipating this day for months, ever since I won the Ticketmaster war. With this came an insane amount of outfit planning, watching blurry live streams, etc. Finally, it was the morning! I remember as soon as the OakBrook Mall opened we went to do some shopping before we had to go back to the hotel room to get ready. We were blasting Taylor while doing our makeup, hair, and finally, the adorable outfits came on. And how could I forget, drawing a purple glittery 13 on my hand. There’s something about scrambling around a small hotel room before a big event that gives you such a rush, it’s unexplainable and so fun. The drive there was thrilling, looking out the window and seeing decorated cars, people walking in knee high boots and custom outfits, and right next to me I had my best friend, about to experience the concert of a lifetime. Unless you live under a rock, I feel like everyone is pretty much aware of the Eras Tour mania, especially when it holds the record of being the highest grossing tour ever. Whether you like Taylor or not, there’s no denying the community, and the monumental pop culture phenomenon she put together. As soon as we arrived we immediately hit up the merch stand, which is where I got my favorite sweatshirt that I still where constantly. After hours of trading friendship bracelets, watching the opener, drinking overpriced Diet Coke, the big countdown had started. From the moment Taylor opened with Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince, I knew Courtney and I were about to make the best memory of our friendship, and maybe even our lives. It was the most euphoric, thrilling, electrifying 3 hours of my life. Our surprise songs were I Wish You Would, and the lakes; it was such a treat. Overall, I’ve been to more than a few concerts in my life, and though I’ve loved them all, nothing compared to this. I hate to say it, but you really did have to be there. When you’ve spent your life since 2016 gushing over your favorite singer, it makes the concert feel like a dream, and that’s exactly what it was.