A top music industry source, who has worked with superstars like Adele, Madonna and Rihanna, laid bare the costs of ensuring maximum safety during the sell-out tour, to The U.S. Sun .
The U.S. Sun has spoken to an external consultant for the Eras tour about the costs of securityCredit: Getty
Taylor and boyfriend Travis Kelce want to live a normal life, but know security is keyCredit: BackGrid
Taylor Swift fans are increasing in number as the spotlight continues to shine on herCredit: EPA
The insider, who is also an external consultant for the Eras shows, broke down the staggering costs for keeping Taylor safe and preserving her privacy as her football star boyfriend Travis Kelce jets back out to meet her this week.
“She is the biggest superstar on the planet,” said the insider who’s been at the top of the game for over 20 years.
“So security has to be perfect for her and the entourage.”
It’s not just Taylor, however, who needs protection.
The star’s Kansas City Chiefs boyfriend is now so famous that walking unaccompanied in the street could prove problematic.
The couple have been spending lots of time together on her European tour after Kelce joined Taylor in Paris earlier this month.
He was seen watching her perform in the French capital, alongside Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, before jetting back for his own music festival Kelce Jam last weekend.
The tight end was set to join her back in Europe this week in Portugal before they attend the Monaco Grand Prix motor racing together at the weekend.
The expert said over 20 people – “the absolute best at their jobs” – have been hired to ensure safety for everyone in her team as they move around Europe for her slated 51 shows, which started in Paris and ends in London later this summer.
Each one, according to the insider, are paid $1,100 day. With the jam-packed European leg, which runs from the start of May for 100 days, that will cost a cool $2 million.
Yet these contracts don’t just include paying a bodyguard a daily rate.
Further costs include renting security cameras and monitors, walkie talkies and even clothing to ensure everyone looks on point.
INSANE NUMBERS
Travel, stays in hotels, food and other expenses for the whole team trusted with keeping Taylor safe can easily add another $2 million onto the bill.
Once the security at the venues, many of which will be welcoming crowds of well over 65,000, is totted up, the final figure will reach $30 million.
Of course, for an artist who is to smash the record for the highest grossing tour of all-time for a second successive year, these numbers aren’t problematic.
Yet there are necessary considering just how popular the 34 year-old has become across the world.
“I worked with others international superstars like Rihanna, Madonna and Adele, but Taylor Swift’s is the most expensive tour to manage,” continued the industry expert.
“But it’s all justified because of the passion and the massive crowds she is attracting.
“No other artist has ever spent that much money for security, her own and the security in venues in European history, that is for sure.”
Timeline of Travis Kelce’s lavish gifts to Taylor Swift
April 2024: Travis sends $27k worth of gifts including 11 flower deliveries in one day to mark release of 11th album.
February 2024: Travis splashes $16k on Valentine’s gifts including an eternity rose sculpture, Hermes scarf and Dior beret. Earlier in month, sends more roses and stunning Bulgari earrings to commemorate her historic Grammys win.
January 2024: Taylor shows her thoughtful side by ordering bespoke Louis Vuitton bags and jackets to celebrate Travis and Kansas City Chiefs pal Patrick Mahomes for breaking a post-season touchdown combination record.
December 2004: Travis brings some festive cheer by splashing out on some $5k Louboutin shoes, matching bag and a $23k Cartier watch. He also books luxury suites at hotels for when Taylor’s Eras tour hits Europe.
The U.S. Sun spoke to security expert Peter Dalton last year, who helped plan the logistics for Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, as well as the 2019 United Kingdom visit of former POTUS Donald Trump.
“Stars like Taylor would have the kind of security similar to a member of the Royal family or government official,” he said before revealing round the clock security for celebrities would be upwards of $3 million.
Taylor’s astonishing 161 shows this year is double the amount she played last year, but with the added exposure, comes added risk – and cost.
“We are making sure she feels safe 24/7, no matter what,” the insider added.
“But the costs are massive.”
The couple enjoy time away from the spotlight whenever possibleCredit: BackGrid
Travis Kelce, Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper lap up Taylor’s recent show in Paris
