Taylor Swift has taken her fans on a magical journey during her Eras Tour, floating across the stage on a moving platform affectionately dubbed the “TayRoomba.” Since its debut in France back in May, this innovative apparatus has captivated audiences during performances of two songs, but a recent revelation from Swift has left fans both amused and surprised.
In her newly released Eras Tour Book, published on November 29, Swift, 34, disclosed an unexpected detail about the TayRoomba: a crew member operates it from inside. “The ‘rover’ platform I travel on is actually operated by a crew member, who lays inside the platform and drives it from inside,” she explained on page 159 of her tour book. This revelation sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with one fan humorously commenting on X (formerly known as Twitter), “omg i’m craaacking up at this revelation. what do you MEAN someone’s in tayroomba driving it around like a video game?”
The TayRoomba made its first appearance on May 9 in Paris, coinciding with Swift’s decision to revamp her setlist to include songs from The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD), her 11th studio album released during a break in the tour. Since then, this unique platform has become a staple at every concert, rising from the stage during “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” to create the illusion of levitation as she sings lyrics that resonate with empowerment and defiance.
During her performance of “Down Bad,” Swift kneels on the rover while stage effects simulate her return to Earth after an alien abduction—an artistic metaphor for being love-bombed and then abandoned. “I wanted to create the illusion of an alien abduction, a battle scene, a religious institution, a mental institution, a haunted house, and a showgirl’s dressing room routine,” she detailed in her tour book, describing the ambitious visuals accompanying TTPD songs within her extensive 45-song setlist.
Reflecting on this segment of the show, Swift noted, “It was ambitious as hell but we pulled it off, creating what I think is the most dramatic, cathartic, female-rage driven part of the night.” With the new knowledge that a crew member lies inside the rover controlling its movements, fans revisited Swift’s music video for “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.” To their surprise, they spotted two feet sticking out from beneath the rover at the 37-second mark—a subtle hint that had gone unnoticed until now.
In her tour book, Swift elaborated on how the TTPD visuals came to fruition. “We conceptualized and rehearsed it secretly and surprised the Paris crowd with it when we started our European leg of the tour,” she explained. “I wanted it to be minimalist, white, stark, and bold.” She expressed her excitement about pushing creative boundaries and improving upon an already beloved show.
As Taylor Swift continues to enchant audiences with her innovative performances and heartfelt storytelling, fans eagerly anticipate what other surprises she may have in store. The TayRoomba is just one example of how she blends artistry with technology to create unforgettable experiences for her audience.
With each concert stop, Swift not only delivers powerful performances but also invites fans into her creative process—making them feel like part of an extraordinary journey. As she navigates through different musical eras and themes during her tour, one thing remains clear: Taylor Swift is committed to delivering magic both onstage and off.
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