Swifties gather in Vienna streets after concerts cancelled over apparent attack plot

The cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna over an apparent attack plot didn't stop the U.S. pop star's fans from taking to the city's streets to unite in celebration of her music. 

Massive groups of Swifties gathered Thursday and shared friendship bracelets.

The bracelet trend became popular at Swift's concerts in response to her song You're on Your Own, Kid from her 2022 album Midnights.

The lyrics, "So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it," led to fans creating and sharing bracelets with fellow concertgoers. 

"Taylor Swift is an escape for me," Canadian Ariella Kimmel said in an interview with Canada Tonight. Kimmel was in Vienna to see Swift for a fourth time.

"It doesn't matter where you're from or what you believe ... you're all in this one place and singing the songs together." 

And sing the fans did. In addition to trading bracelets, crowds took to the streets of Vienna to sing their favourite songs with one another. 

Many fans had dropped thousands of euros on travel and lodging in the Austrian capital to attend the Eras Tour shows this week at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which sat empty Thursday morning. 

In posts on the social media platform X, some fans have even tried to sell tickets for upcoming concerts in London to Swifties who missed the Vienna shows. CBC News has not been able to verify if any sales have been made. 

Concert organizer Barracuda Music said all tickets for the Vienna shows would be refunded. The same message was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's official website.

Cancellations come after apparent attack plot foiled

Both suspects in the apparent plot to attack an event in the Vienna area appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda, Austrian authorities said Thursday.

During a raid of the main suspect's home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices that indicated "concrete preparatory acts," said Franz Ruf, director general for public security at the Ministry of the Interior.

Authorities said they also found Islamic State group and al-Qaeda material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the venue for the concerts, and was arrested by special police forces near the stadium.

Swift has not spoken publicly about the plot or cancelled shows.

Swift is still expected to perform in five concerts at London's Wembley stadium between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.