Marcus Chen was 34 years old, worked in tech, and had been a Swifty since 2008. When the era’s tour was announced in October 2022, Marcus made a decision that most people would call insane. He would attend every single show. Not just a few, not just the ones near him, every single one. From March 2023 to December 2024 to 152 shows total across five continents.

Marcus attended 97 of them. He quit his job. He liquidated his savings. He traveled to 47 cities in 19 countries. He spent over $180,000 on tickets, flights, hotels. At every show, Marcus stood in the same spot, front center, five rows back, and held the same sign. Show hash number. I’ve been to them all.

 Show number one in Arizona. Taylor didn’t notice. Show number 23 in Philadelphia. Taylor glanced at him. Show number 50 in London. Taylor stopped midong, squinted at his sign, and said, “Wait, I’ve seen you before. Are you at all of these shows?” Marcus nodded. Taylor’s jaw dropped. From that point on, Taylor looked for him at every show.

 By show number 80, crew members knew him by name. And at show number 97 in Vancouver, the second to last show of the entire tour, Taylor brought him on stage. You’ve been to 97 of my shows. You’ve traveled the world following this tour. You’ve spent I don’t even want to know how much you’ve spent. This is the most dedicated thing I’ve ever seen.

Marcus crying. It’s been worth every dollar, every flight, every sleepless night. Thank you for letting me be part of this. Viral 510 million views. People calling him the ultimate Swifty. Marcus Chen was 34 years old, living in San Francisco, working as a software engineer at a tech startup, making $180,000 a year.

 He’d been a Swifty since 2008, 16 years. He’d seen Taylor live 11 times before the Aerys tour across Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, Reputation, and Lover Tours. Taylor’s music had been a constant in his life through breakups, career changes, cross-country moves, and the pandemic. Marcus was single, no kids, no mortgage. His life was stable, comfortable, and if he was honest with himself, a little boring.

 In October 2022, when Taylor announced the ARS tour, Marcus had been excited like any fan. He’d immediately bought tickets for the San Francisco shows. But then, as the tour dates were released, 152 shows across five continents spanning nearly 2 years, Marcus had a thought that most people would dismiss as absurd. What if I went to all of them? Not just the ones in California, not just the US shows, all of them.

 Every single era tour show, Marcus had done the math. 152 shows, tickets averaging $300 minus 500 each, some more, some less depending on location and availability, flights, hotels, transportation, food. Conservatively, attending all 152 shows would cost around $250,000, $300,000. Marcus had savings about $120,000 from years of working in tech, living frugally, investing wisely.

 He owned no property, rented his San Francisco apartment. He had no dependence. His job was stable but unfulfilling. The more Marcus thought about it, the more the idea consumed him. This is the Arys tour, the biggest tour in history. When would an opportunity like this ever come again? If not now, when? If not this, what? In November 2022, Marcus had made a decision that would change his life.

 He was going to attempt to attend every single era tour show. He’d quit his job, giving 3 months notice, leaving on good terms. He’d liquidated his savings, his investments, his retirement accounts. He’d committed to spending two years of his life, and most of his net worth following Taylor Swift around the world.

 His friends thought he was insane. His parents were horrified. “You’re throwing away your career for a concert tour?” His mother had said nearly in tears. But Marcus was resolute. “This is what I want to do. This is what matters to me. I’ll figure out the rest later.” The era’s tour had begun on March 17th, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona.

 Marcus had been there. front section, five rows back, center view, the same spot he’d try to secure at every show. He’d made a sign for that first show, show number one, I’ve been to them all. At that point, all was just one show, but it was a promise of what was to come. Taylor hadn’t noticed him that night. She’d been focused on the performance, on the massive production, on the 70,000 people screaming.

But Marcus didn’t care. He’d been there and he’d be at the next one and the next one and the next one. From March 2023 to December 2024, Marcus attended 97 Aerys tour shows. Not all 152. That would have required even more money and logistical impossibilities. Some shows were on consecutive nights in cities thousands of miles apart.

 But 97 out of 152 was 64% of the entire tour, more than any other fan in the world. Marcus travel to 47 different cities, 19 different countries. USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Australia, France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Canada. five continents. He flew over 300,000 miles.

He stayed in 97 different hotels, ranging from budget motel to mid-range chains. Marcus was careful with money where he could be. He learned basic phrases in eight languages. He ate street food and Buenosides, ramen in Tokyo, fish and chips in London. And at every show, Marcus stood in the same spot.

 Front center section, five rows back if possible, and held the same sign, updating the number. Show number five, I’ve been to them all. Show number 12, I’ve been to them all. Show number 28, I’ve been to them all. For the first 22 shows, Taylor never noticed him. Marcus was just one face in a crowd of 70,000. But at show number 23 in Philadelphia, May 2023, Taylor had been running along the front of the stage during Shake It Off, and her eyes had briefly landed on Marcus’ sign.

 She’d squinted slightly, but the song kept going, and the moment passed. At show number 31 in Denver, Taylor had glanced at him again. This time, she’d done a slight double take, like she’d seen him before, but couldn’t place where. At show number 44 in Sa Paulo, Brazil, November 2023, Taylor had seen the sign Midong, paused for half a second, and mouthed to herself, “Wait.

” But it wasn’t until show number 50 in London, June 2024, that Taylor fully registered what was happening. During You Belong With Me, Taylor had been engaging with the audience, and she’d seen Marcus, same spot, five rows back, center, holding a sign that read, “Show number 50. I’ve been to them all.” Taylor had stopped singing. “Not completely.

” The backing track continued, but she’d slowed down significantly, walked toward Marcus’ section, and squinted at the sign. Then she’d grabbed the microphone and said, “Wait, wait, hold on. you with the sign. Show 50. I’ve been to them all. I’ve seen you before. Are you serious? Are you at all of these shows? Marcus, stunned that Taylor was talking directly to him, had nodded frantically.

“Yes!” he’d shouted. Taylor’s jaw had dropped. “Oh my god, security, is this true? Has he been at multiple shows?” Security had nodded, clearly also aware of Marcus by this point. Taylor had laughed in disbelief. This is insane. You’re coming to every show. As many as I can, Marcus had shouted back.

 That’s I don’t even know what to say. That’s incredible. Thank you. Seriously, thank you. And from that point forward, Taylor had looked for Marcus at every show. By show number 60, Taylor’s crew members knew Marcus by name. Security guards would see him arrive and say, “Hey, Marcus, usual spot.” Stage managers would point him out to Taylor before the show.

Marcus is here again. Section 104, row five. Taylor started acknowledging him from the stage. small waves pointing at him, mouthing, “You’re here.” during songs. Other fans started recognizing Marcus, too. He’d become somewhat famous in Swifty circles. The guy who’s been to every show.

 People would ask for photos with him. Some thought he was cool. Others thought he was obsessive. Marcus didn’t care. He was living his dream. By show number 80, Marcus had spent over $180,000. His savings were nearly gone. He was staying in cheaper hotels, eating budget meals, taking redeye flights to save money, but he kept going.

 At show number 89 in Toronto, November 2024, Taylor had brought him a guitar pick midshow, tossing it to him from the stage. At show number 92 in Chicago, Taylor had signed his sign during a pause between songs. And at show number 97 in Vancouver, Canada, December 8th, 2024, the second to last show of the entire tour, Taylor brought Marcus on stage.

 It was during Long Live, a song about remembering moments of triumph and community. Taylor had stopped the song entirely. The band cut the music. Before we continue, Taylor had said into the microphone, “I need to bring someone up here. Marcus, where are you?” The spotlight had found Marcus, five rows back, center, holding his sign.

 Show number 97. “I’ve been to the mall.” “Get up here,” Taylor had said. “Right now.” Security had escorted Marcus onto the stage. He’d been shaking, crying, unable to process what was happening. Taylor had walked over to him, looked at the sign, and addressed the crowd. This is Marcus. He’s been to 97 of my shows.

 Not 97 total in his life, 97 era tour shows. He’s traveled to 47 cities, 19 countries, five continents. He quit his job to do this. He spent Marcus, how much have you spent, Marcus? Voice shaking. Over $180,000. The crowd had gasped. Taylor had put her hand over her heart. $180,000. Marcus, that’s I don’t even have words.

 Why? Why did you do this? Marcus crying had answered, “Because your music saved my life. Because this tour is once in a lifetime. Because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. and because I knew I’d regret it forever if I didn’t. Taylor’s eyes had filled with tears. You’re the most dedicated fan I’ve ever met, and I’ve met a lot of dedicated fans.

 But this this is beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. She’d hugged Marcus, a long genuine hug, while 65,000 people cheered. Then Taylor had given Marcus the microphone. Do you want to say anything? Marcus had taken a breath, looked out at the crowd, and said, “I’ve been to 97 shows. I’ve seen Taylor perform over 400 times, counting all the songs.

 I’ve traveled 300,000 miles. I’ve slept in airports. I’ve eaten gas station food. I’ve maxed out credit cards. I’ve lost friends who thought I was crazy. And I’d do it all again. Every single moment has been worth it. Thank you, Taylor, for giving me the experience of a lifetime.” The crowd had erupted. Cheers. Applause.

Tears. Taylor had wiped her eyes. Marcus, you’re going to be at the final show tomorrow night, right? Yes. Marcus had confirmed. Good. Taylor had said, “Because I’m dedicating long live to you. This song is about moments we’ll remember forever, and you, Marcus, have created a moment I’ll never forget.” The video of Marcus on stage went viral immediately. New York Times headline.

Superfan attends 97 era’s tour shows, spends $180,000. Rolling Stone, Taylor Swift honors fan who quit job to follow ERA’s tour around the world. The video was viewed 510 million times in the first 3 weeks. Comments flooded in 97 shows, $180,000, quit his job. That’s not fandom. That’s commitment. People saying he’s crazy.

 He made a choice. He chose experience over stability. I respect that. The way Taylor recognized him and honored his dedication. That’s why people do things like this. Marcus did interviews explaining his decision. People ask if I regret spending that much money. The answer is no. I could have kept my job, kept saving, kept living a comfortable but unfulfilling life.

 Instead, I chose to do something extraordinary. I’ll rebuild my savings. I’ll find another job. But I’ll never have another opportunity like this. The ERS tour happened once. I was there and that’s priceless. In January 2025, after the tour ended, Marcus moved back to San Francisco and started job hunting. He was 34 years old with $8,000 left to his name and no regrets.

 He’d seen Taylor Swift perform 97 times. He’d traveled the world. He’d been recognized on stage. He’d lived. And years later, when people asked Marcus about the best decision he’d ever made, he’d say without hesitation, attending 97 era’s tour shows, it cost me everything I had. And it was worth every penny. And there we have it.

 A story that reminds us that some experiences are worth every sacrifice. That crazy is subjective when you’re living your dream. and that Taylor Swift recognizing the fan who attended 97 shows validates every insane decision to chase what matters to you. Marcus Chen was 34, working in tech, making $180,000 a year, living comfortably in San Francisco.

 When Era’s tour was announced, 152 shows across two years, Marcus decided to attend as many as possible. Not five, not 10. He attended 97. Quit his job, liquidated savings, spent $180,000 on tickets, flights, hotels, traveled to 47 cities, 19 countries, five continents. What strikes me most about this story is the calculated insanity.

Marcus wasn’t impulsive. He did the math. Knew it would cost $180,000 plus. Knew he’d drain his savings. Knew his career would be interrupted. And he did it anyway because he believed this experience mattered more than financial security. That’s not reckless. That’s choosing experience over comfort. And Taylor’s recognition.

 Noticing him at show 50, acknowledging him at shows after that, bringing him on stage at show 97, calling him most dedicated fan I’ve ever met. validated that choice. Marcus spent $180,000 in two years of his life. Taylor spent 10 minutes honoring him on stage. Both recognized the moment as significant. The criticism Marcus faced, “You’re throwing away your career for concerts,” reveals how we judge people who prioritize experiences over conventional stability.

 Marcus wasn’t being irresponsible. He was single, no kids, no mortgage. He made an informed choice and now he has 97 memories most people will never have. Thank you for joining us for another story from the Swift Stories where we believe that some experiences are worth everything you have, that choosing passion over comfort is valid, and that Taylor Swift honoring a fan who attended 97 shows is exactly why people make crazy choices.

 Remember, Marcus quit his job, spent $180,000, traveled 300,000 miles, attended 97 shows. Taylor recognized him at show 50, brought him on stage at show 97. He ended with $8,000 left and zero regrets. And when asked if it was worth it, he said yes without hesitation.