Taylor Swift Vienna Concert Cancelled Following Possible Security Threat

Taylor Swift's three concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to a security threat

Taylor Swift performing in Vienna, Austria, in August.

by Nikki Peach |
Updated on

Ahead of her return to London for five more nights of her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift was set to perform three nights in Vienna, Austria. However, all three have been cancelled due to a potential security threat.

On Wednesday, two people were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in the Austrian capital. A statement from the organisers said: 'Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone's safety.'

The statement added: 'All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.'

This, of course, is disappointing news to fans who were excited to watch Taylor Swift perform, but their safety is the main priority.

Have Taylor Swift's London shows been cancelled?

As for Taylor's London tour dates between 15-20 August, they are currently scheduled to go on as planned. She will be supported by Paramore again, along with Sofia Isella, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters and RAYE.

In recent weeks, the singer has performed in Warsaw, Munich, Hamburg, Gelsenkirchen, Milan, Zurich, Amsterdam and Dublin.

What happened in Vienna?

Austria's General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, said a 19-year-old Austrian citizen had been arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz in the province of Lower Austria. He confirmed that a second arrest took place in Vienna in the afternoon, but gave no further details about the suspect.

'According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet,' Mr Ruf said. He added that the 19-year-old suspect made an 'oath of allegiance' to the Islamic State at the beginning of July.

In Ternitz, where the suspect lived, a large police operation was carried out and a number of nearby houses were evacuated while his home was searched. Mr Ruf said chemical substances had been found and were being examined.

Has the Era's Tour in Vienna been cancelled?

In a post on X, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer acknowledged that the Eras Tour cancellations would be a 'bitter disappointment for all fans' but that the situation had been 'very serious'.

'Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and [security agencies] with foreign services, the threat was recognised early, combated and a tragedy prevented.'

The news is likely to shock Taylor Swift and her fan base, especially in light of the recent Southport attacks where three young girls were killed while attending a Taylor Swift dance class. Responding to the news Taylor shared a post on Instagram saying, 'The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class.

'I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.'

Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, covering TV, celebrity interviews, news and features.

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