Taylor Swift Honours Stevie Nicks With 'Clara Bow' Performance at Dublin

Taylor Swift, delivered a heartfelt dedication to Stevie Nicks, during the surprise songs segment of the final Dublin show on her Eras Tour. Swift chose to perform ‘Clara Bow’ from her album 'The Tortured Poets Department,' a song that references Nicks as an iconic figure from the 1970s, likening her to the legendary actress Clara Bow of the 1920s. 

Singing at Aviva Stadium, Swift's lyrics celebrated Nicks's enduring influence: "You look like Stevie Nicks, in ’75, the hair and lips," capturing the crowd's enthusiasm with her poignant lyrics and nostalgic melodies. Before launching into ‘Clara Bow’, Swift expressed her admiration for Nicks, describing her as a personal hero and confidante. "She's really helped me through so much over the years," Swift shared warmly, emphasising the deep bond they share beyond music.

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During the performance, Swift reflected on her aspirations and fears, singing about the pressures of fame in Los Angeles, paralleling Nicks' own journey when she joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975. Swift seamlessly intertwined ‘Clara Bow’ with ‘The Lucky One’ from her album Red, concluding her surprise set with the poignant track ‘You're On Your Own, Kid’ from Midnights, a song that held special meaning for Nicks after the passing of Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie in November 2022.

The connection between Swift and Nicks extends beyond their musical admiration. Notably, Nicks contributed a poem to the prologue of The Tortured Poets Department album, underscoring their profound artistic collaboration and mutual respect. 

Swift's presence in Dublin was met with enthusiastic anticipation, not only from her devoted fans but also from U2, one of Ireland's most iconic musical acts. The band warmly welcomed Swift back to their hometown, expressing their excitement in a handwritten note documented on Swift's Instagram Stories.

Reflecting on her memorable Dublin performances, Swift also shared lighter moments from her tour, including the playful interaction with dancer Kelce during the ‘I Can Do It With A Broken Heart’ skit. Kelce's debut delighted Swift, who playfully recounted his involvement, showcasing the camaraderie and joy that characterised her Eras Tour experience.

-Sushmita Sarkar