51 Comments
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Rob Smith's avatar

There’s really nothing to dislike about Taylor Swift unless you’re a grumpy old man. Im older, so I’m not really a big fan of her music, though I often like it when I hear it. But the way she treats her fans & gives 100% at every show is awesome. I wish some of the bands I went to see felt the same way as her. Too many would mail it in or act like they were doing you a favor by showing up & playing stuff we didn’t go to hear. There aren’t many like her.

Kurt V's avatar

Was waiting to read this til after I took my 9 year old to the Seattle show. Taylor Swift did not disappoint, what a show and what a memory to share with my kid! And Joe did not disappoint either in expressing all the feelings of a father watching that kid grow up.

David in NYC's avatar

"[U]sed to *still get ridiculed (or worse)*..."

Stuff between the *s I left out -- typing too fast.

David in NYC's avatar

Nice (very) to hear from another "oldster" who GETS Taylor Swift.

I've loved her ever since her 1st album, which is a point of pride cuz I am most definitely NOT in her demographic and used to (still do, to some extent) for saying/writing out loud, "I love Taylor Swift".

Always wonderful to know that are other people like that/me. BTW, I am a 72-year-old white male.

And, yes, I DO STILL LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT!

Thanks, Joe, for an especially marvelous piece of writing. And thank goodness you "get" her, too.

Bill Mc's avatar

A generation ahead of you Joe; my seven grandkids range from age 22 to age 7. Wanted sons all my life and ended up being a Girl Dad. Would not change a thing. Great essay, sir.

David W.'s avatar

Brings back great memories of running 5k's with my daughter when she was a teen.

HankD in CLT's avatar

Ok. This column is a version of “The Swift 100.” Is your next column “Why We Love Taylor”? :=)

Kidding aside, nice column, and you are a Great Dad.

Tommy's avatar

Stay FEARLESS Joe!

Blue Blood's avatar

I probably have never listened to an entire Taylor Swift song but that was beautiful and Swift sounds like she gives a heartfelt concert and loves her fans.

Russell Siminoff's avatar

As a 53 year old dad with kids that don’t care about Taylor Swift, I couldn’t comprehend why she’s so popular. Thank you for filling in the blanks.

John Prince's avatar

From one dad to another - well-done, Joe.

Matt LaWell's avatar

I saw Taylor in concert one time -- Summer 2007, when she was the first of *three* openers for Brad Paisley in Raleigh -- but am not a Swiftie by any definition. I am a Dad, though, and Margot (with a T, sorry) is 11 years back of Katie, and it's so hard not to choke up and push back tears every time you write about your daughters. Thanks, Joe, for showing again and again how this passage of time is only gonna get harder, and how every bit of pain is far outweighed by love and memories.

KrankyBones's avatar

Saved some time today by not reading this.

Ray Charbonneau's avatar

Not as much as you could have.

Mike R's avatar

Well done, Ray.

Jay F's avatar

Joe, if those stairs are wood like mine then tacking on sticky yoga mats like I did for my aging dog might help your dog, too.

nickolai's avatar

Great Dad indeed! Joe, appreciate the recap of the event as I'm taking our daughters to the concert in Denver. Dressing up?! 46 songs?! 3.5 hours?! All good practical intel -- thank you!

Also, kudos on raising what sound like two fantastic daughters!