Taylor Swift’s docuseries “The End of an Era,” now streaming on Disney+, offers an intimate look into the development and impact of her record-breaking Eras Tour. Her second tour, it crossed five continents and 149 dates. It broke a multitude of international music records, grossing more than $2 billion in ticket sales, a testament to the ferocious work ethic of Swift’s formidable team.
In the series, Swift candidly shares the challenges her team faced during the tour, remarking that it was “harder than anything I’ve ever done in a live setting.” While she doesn’t shy away from describing the arduous journey, she illustrates just how vital her crew’s steadfast support was every step of the way.
Swift showed her appreciation by awarding $197 million in performance bonuses. She celebrated her tireless dream team, giving recognition to every single person who contributed to making the Eras Tour a reality. Each crew member got their own handwritten, swag-sealed note of thanks from Swift herself. Those heartfelt letters didn’t just show her employees that she was grateful; they moved a significant number of her team’s members deeply.
“So every single person on the crew, I’ve handwritten them a note. It took me a couple weeks, but it’s fun to write the notes,” – Taylor Swift
One of those lucky enough to get a personal note was Swift’s dancer Kameron Saunders. In his emotional letter, Swift remembered all that they endured together and the sacrifices made while on tour.
“Dearest Kam: We’ve traveled the world like we set out to do. We’ve dazzled the crowds, but we’ve missed family too. My full gratitude doesn’t come from a bank, but here’s [bleeped] dollars just to say thanks. Love Taylor,” – Taylor Swift (read by Kameron Saunders)
Scott Swift, Swift’s father, paid tribute to the crew by going on the road himself and delivering checks in person to the drivers from Shomotion Trucking Company. This gesture deepened the important sense of community that formed between us on the tour.
Swift first acknowledged the importance of being seen when it comes to honoring her team’s dedication, especially as they all embarked on the longest tour ever done. She pointed out that the bonus day is crucial. Setting this story with the Eras Tour as a precedent speaks volumes to me,” Taylor shared. The more the tour grosses, the larger the bonus that everyone working on the road receives.
She was privy to the remarkable spirit and resilience of her crew. You all approach this work with just such a sense of wonder and possibility,” she said. Man, that inspires me every single night.
