Taylor Swift fans shake it off after concert is cancelled due to foiled ISIS terror plot as they gather in Vienna to sing pop star’s hits

Fans of Taylor Swift, devastated by the cancellation of the Austrian leg of the sold-out Eras Tour, gathered in Vienna today to sing the star’s hits together.

Many have been comforting each other after the shocking news emerged last night that police had foiled an Islamic terror attack on the shows. The Austrian Chancellor said today that “a tragedy had been averted.”

Fans have expressed gratitude that they are safe and understanding for the reason the concert was cancelled, but many had travelled from across Europe and were left with thousands of dollars after paying to attend.

Disappointed Swifties have now vowed to ‘shake it off’ – a nod to the American singer’s 2014 song – and proud fans took to the streets of the Austrian capital to make the most of it.

Photos show dozens of fans in their elaborate concert outfits and friendship bracelets meeting and dancing around the city, while Swift events are being held in clubs and other venues to make up for the cancellation.

Fans described themselves as “sad Swifties” and said they were left “heartbroken,” but they also said they understood the authorities’ decision to cancel the shows.

Thousands of people gathered around Stephansplatz, the city’s central square. People were seen playing guitars and singing along to Swift’s music.

Large groups of fans gathered on Cornelius Strasse, around a tree that has become known as the ‘Swiftie tree’.

The tree became a sort of shrine as Swifties tied their friendship bracelets — now a must-have at the star’s concerts — to its branches.

Many still walked around the Austrian capital, smiling and proud in their outfits, which are often linked to Swift’s songs.

Fans are likely relieved after a source close to Swift released a statement saying she hopes to return to Vienna “as soon as possible in the future.”

“She is very aware how disappointed her fans in Austria are,” the insider told The Mirror.

But when news of the cancellation broke last night, the Swifties took to social media to express their dismay and lament the months of preparation for the performance.

Many spent thousands of euros on travel, hotels and food in one of the most expensive European capitals.

One mother said: ‘I am shocked and at the same time happy that they found out. We would have been there tomorrow. My little girl is crying so bitterly.’

Annmarie Timmins, a journalist who traveled from the United States to Thursday’s show, said she and her husband were waiting for the subway after dinner when they heard the news.

“I can’t believe it,” she said. “There was a girl with her mother who looked so sad – sadder than I was. I gave her one of my bracelets. I wanted to hug her.”

For Fredrikke Blekastad, a Swift fan from Norway, it was the second time she tried to attend a concert. The first time it was canceled due to the pandemic.

“We had planned to get up really early, line up and get to the very front to see her,” Blekastad told Norwegian broadcaster NRK, “but that didn’t work out either.”

Other Norwegian fans, Jenny Moltubakk and Marie Hov Aanæs, told NRK about their disappointment.

“We were shocked at first when we saw the news, I didn’t really believe it,” Moltubakk told the broadcaster. “It’s very strange when something you’ve been looking forward to for a whole year is suddenly cancelled.”

“I am honestly very disappointed, but I understand that safety is the most important thing,” she added.

Aanæs said that ‘we have to shake it off’… Actually, we’re just very grateful that the security was so tight that they were able to solve this,’ Aanæs told NRK.

Meanwhile, Viennese club U4 says it is offering free entry to all ticket holders. In a post on Instagram, it reads: “This is really bad for a lot of people, whether they are visitors who have been looking forward to it for years or for everyone who worked for the event.”

The club said it would not make amends for the disappointment, but that anyone with proof of ticket purchase would receive free entry on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Swiftie Nights Vienna, which organised pre- and post-concert parties, said it immediately checked with police to see if it was still safe to hold the planned events after the news broke last night.

A statement on X said local police and security services have advised them that it is safe to go ahead with the planned events and that increased patrols will be carried out in the area.

“We know our community is in shock and looking for ways to be together during this time. We are grateful that we were able to plan this event, which makes that possible,” organizers said, adding, “We will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of all attendees.”