Taylor Swift's recent concerts in Scotland have not only set new records but also caused seismic activity, with the overall economic impact expected to be equally momentous.
What Happened: Swift's three sold-out shows in Edinburgh, Scotland, caused earthquake readings nearly four miles from the venue, according to the British Geological Survey.
The BGS attributed the seismic activity to fans' enthusiastic dancing, particularly during songs like "Ready For It?" "Cruel Summer," and "Champagne Problems."
"The activity was mainly generated by fans dancing in time to the music and reached its peak at 160 beats per minute (bpm) during '...Ready For It?', where the crowd was transmitting approximately 80 kW of power," BGS wrote in a report, adding that that was "equivalent to around 10-16 car batteries."
The concerts, which took place at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium, drew record-breaking crowds and are expected to contribute approximately £1 billion ($1.27 billion) to the British economy, as estimated by Barclays.
Despite the chilly weather, fans turned up in droves, with the first night alone breaking the record for the most highly attended concert in Scottish history. The subsequent nights then surpassed this record, culminating in a new all-time high attendance for Scotland on Sunday.
"These sell-out shows brought huge and wide-ranging benefits to the city - reflected both in terms of the estimated up to £77m ($98 million) it contributed to the local economy, but also as a further boost to our global reputation as a great place to live, work and visit," Cammy Day, Edinburgh City Council Leader wrote in a post on official government website on Wednesday.
Local authorities and businesses were well-prepared for the influx of tens of thousands of tourists, setting up an official online Taylor Swift Fan Hub and promoting a "Taylored Taste Trail" featuring Swift-themed cocktails, pastries, deals, and activities.
Why It Matters: Swift's 'Eras Tour' has been a significant economic driver, with the U.K. economy expected to receive a substantial boost. Barclays had earlier projected that the tour would inject $1.2 billion into the U.K. economy.
Swift's ability to draw in large crowds and boost local economies has been noted before. Billionaire investor Ray Dalio had jokingly suggested that Swift could be a unifying force for the U.S. after attending one of her concerts during the 'Eras Tour.'
Swift's influence extends beyond the music industry. At the SEC's 90th anniversary celebration, Chairman Gary Gensler highlighted the "eras" the SEC has gone through, drawing comparisons to the various stages of Swift's latest record-breaking "Eras Tour," which showcases different parts of her career.
