Richard Hogan: Taylor Swift allows her fans to feel connected to her in a way I haven't seen before

"Swift’s fans... feel empowered by her and her message. Their love for each other is another part of the phenomenon. Her fans are a community"

Lizzy Hogan, aged 10, at the Taylor Swift concert

The summer of 1988 was a glorious time, worthy of a Brian Adams tune. Not only had Ray Houghton stuck the ball in the English net, sending the country into delirium, but the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, touched down on Cork soil. 

My idol was in my hometown, moon walking and hee-heeing his way into the balmy Cork evening. 

Michael Jackson was the first real global phenomenon I had witnessed. He was a universally recognisable figure, like Coca Cola, the McDonalds golden arches, or the Nike swish. He was a phenomenon. 

That once-in-a-while white whale that generates incomprehensible wealth for anyone in its orbit.

Elvis and The Beatles are probably the only other similar musical phenomena. I have watched videos of Beatlemania — the madness of the crowd, the insanity of adoration — and wondered how the band clung on to any semblance of normality. 

Paul McCartney always strikes me as a down-to-earth guy, having experienced a lifetime of worship and reverence; I’m often left wondering how he managed that.

But some people just radiate positivity, and appreciate what they have achieved. They take that responsibility seriously and leave their fans feeling a little better for having been in their company, albeit from a distance.

Ireland has recently experienced the latest pop sensation to sweep this planet: Taylor Swift. She is another phenomenon. 

A global act, like The Beatles, she is a happening. That once-in-a-while stratospheric icon, who impacts a country’s GDP by simply turning up and singing a few songs.

It’s incredible what she has achieved. Whether you like her music or not, you have to admire the success she has, as a solo female artist. 

Even Donald Trump was worried that she might endorse US president Joe Biden, such is her influence and reach. 

Being the father of three girls, I’m delighted that the latest phenomenon to rock this planet is a female.

It’s a great message for girls: Dream big, your gender will not hold you back from becoming a musical juggernaut.

I am writing this article as I hurtle over the Himalayas, heading back to Ireland, having spent 10 days in the Philippines working with the beautiful children of the Badjao tribe. There were plenty of Swifties in the tribe. Her songs linked us.

The children assuring me, screaming into the humid evening, that they were never ever getting back together with whoever broke their hearts! 

They love her. Our students connected with the children through her songs. Swift’s audience is united to each other through their love for her and her music.

I have been to plenty of concerts in my time: I have even seen a Beatle play a couple of times. Bruce Springsteen can be quite a spiritual experience. U2 can connect an audience and make them feel something resembling a collective consciousness. 

But I have been more impressed by the spirit Swift brings to her performances. I was watching, from Davao, all the commotion about Swift’s arrival in Ireland, where she was staying and who would be with her on stage. 

The escort through the Dublin streets was like something from a Beatles movie. She was all over the news. I watched as Instagram became a hive of celebrities posting their outfits and videos from the concert. The buzz was brilliant.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the country to go with my daughters. But I stayed up to Facetime them while they were at the concert, and I was immediately taken by the vibe I witnessed down the phone. 

The utter joy of my 10-year-old Swiftie, excitedly telling me how people loved all the friendship bracelets she had made and how some people even exchanged bracelets with her. 

My wife described the atmosphere as like nothing she had ever experienced before. The positivity was remarkable. I sensed that through the pixels on my phone. It seemed like something unique was taking place.

There is something inexplicable about Swift and her fans. They seem connected in a way I have never witnessed before. The video of young Clara O’Sullivan receiving the special ‘22 hat’ was a particularly lovely moment in the concert. 

That’s what I find myself reacting to. Connection is such a vital part of a child’s development.

Feeling connected to others helps develop a sense of self. True resilience is found in a child’s sense of place in their community. 

Children need to feel they are valued and have something valuable to contribute to their community.

I think Taylor Swift allows her fans to feel connected to her in a way that has rarely been achieved by other artists. They feel empowered by her and her message.

Their love for each other is another remarkable part of the Swift phenomenon. Her fans are a community, connected to each other through her lyrics and her positive interactions with them. 

I have been a long-time music snob, but I really enjoy some of her songs; she can write a catchy chorus. And her impact on young girls in particular is nothing short of therapeutic

My own daughter loved every minute in her presence. It was one of those moments that will stay long in the memory.

What a positive gift to give young people.