Efficient staging and setup

One of the standout features of the tour is its focus on scalability and efficiency. The stage design relies on ground-stacked trussing configurations, which allow for quick advance setups by multiple crew teams while ensuring consistent near-300° sound and screen coverage in venues of all sizes. The compact stage centres on a folding LED platform on the B-stage, which, though minimalistic, is used creatively to enhance Swift’s performance by changing shapes and movements. For instance, during her performance of Look What You Made Me Do, the floor moves perfectly in synch with the melody, amplifying the song’s intensity.

The tour also utilises energy-efficient, high-resolution LED video walls and floors. These scalable screens deliver clear visuals to any seat in the venue, greatly enhancing the concert’s visual immersion and storytelling. The screens can be customised for different venues.

Lighting, staging and projection mapping

Lighting plays a key role in the tour’s visual impact, with a mixture of wash lights and beams that amplify the drama of Swift’s three-hour-plus performances. Fog and intense lighting effects, such as turning the stage ablaze with orange hues, further enhance the storytelling.

Excitement is increased by creative integration of staging technology, which produced spectacular effects such as Swift’s now-famous ‘diving’ sequence that led up to the finale section of the concert. The singer dived into a hole in the floor with a loud splash, was shown on video swimming under the stage, then emerged in a new costume (in reality, she had been transported under the stage on a high-speed sledge-like device).

In addition, projection mapping technology is featured prominently to display video content on irregular surfaces, creating dynamic environments that transform the stage and add to the spectacle.

Interactive wearables

Fans are given LED wristbands upon entry – supplied by ISE exhibitor Pixmob – which glow and pulse in sync with the music. These wristbands create a unified visual experience, turning the audience into an active part of the show. For example, during Swift’s performances, the wristbands formed a stunning rainbow display, adding to the concert's immersive feel.

Punchy sound system

On the tour’s US dates, the sound was controlled with SD7 Quantum consoles from ISE exhibitor DiGiCo. Digital signal processing (DSP) enabled the sound to be balanced and fine-tuned to suit the acoustics of each individual venue.  

The system featured KSL line arrays manufactured by ISE exhibitor d&b audiotechnik. The wide 80-degree direct dispersion loudspeakers were supplemented by subwoofers from the same brand. The system was so powerful during Swift’s Seattle concert that it reportedly generated seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake.

The Eras Tour highlights how AV technology can be used at scale to bring creative ideas to life and deliver unforgettable live experiences. Eras’ focus on audience immersion, as well as efficiency and scalability, sets a new standard for future tours.

Stay informed! 

ISE is the world-renowned annual tech show for the AV and systems integration industry, taking place in Barcelona, 4-7 February 2025. It will spotlight the latest live events solutions from leading manufacturers, including audio equipment, lighting fixtures, lighting control, LED displays, show control systems, trussing and more.

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(Photo by Michael Hicks -  licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licence.)