Taylor Swift’s three scheduled concerts in Vienna this week have been canceled after Austrian authorities confirmed a planned terror attack at the venue. The decision was announced late Wednesday, with organizers citing safety concerns.
Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated, “A tragedy was prevented thanks to the extensive cooperation between our police and the newly established Directorate for Security and Intelligence (DSN) with international agencies.” Nehammer praised the early identification and neutralization of the threat.
Barracuda.music, the event organizer, confirmed the cancellation on Instagram, stating, “With confirmation from government officials about a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” They added that all tickets would be automatically refunded.
On Wednesday, Austrian police detained two individuals suspected of plotting attacks, including a 19-year-old Austrian citizen who had focused on Swift’s Vienna concerts and pledged allegiance to ISIS. The second suspect was arrested later in Vienna. Police also conducted a search at a suspect’s home in Ternitz, Lower Austria, and found items under investigation. Local media reported that three additional suspects remain at large.
Prior to the cancellation, police had planned to enhance security with increased entry checks and the deployment of anti-terror and bomb disposal units, advising attendees to arrive early.
The concerts were part of Swift’s Eras Tour, which began in March 2023 and will run until December 2024. The Vienna shows were expected to attract around 65,000 attendees each, with additional crowds outside the stadium, raising security concerns.
Swift has not yet commented on the cancellation. After Vienna, her tour is set to continue with six concerts in London at Wembley Stadium starting August 15.
