Many Taylor Swift fans are reporting symptoms of “post-concert amnesia” after attending her “Eras” tour. Fans have taken to social media, particularly TikTok, to share their experiences of feeling as though they can’t remember significant portions of the concert, despite the excitement and preparation that went into attending. One user, @champaigeproblems, expressed confusion about not recalling the event despite knowing it was an incredible experience. Others echoed this sentiment, with some fans only able to piece together memories thanks to the footage they recorded during the show.
Psychologists have weighed in on this phenomenon, reassuring fans that this type of memory lapse is not uncommon. Dr. Michelle Phillips, a senior lecturer in music psychology, explained that the overwhelming excitement and sensory overload at such events can make time feel as though it has passed quickly, leading to a feeling of disorientation and fragmented memories. The concept is similar to the saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” where intense enjoyment can make it harder to retain detailed memories.
Dr. Punit Shah, a psychologist from the University of Bath, added that emotional responses can either solidify or weaken memories. For some attendees, the high emotional engagement during the concert creates strong, lasting memories, known as “flashbulb memories.” For others, the same emotional intensity can disrupt the memory formation process, leading to gaps or blurriness. This phenomenon is further compounded by the collective experience of the crowd, which can amplify emotions and blur individual recollections.
Neuroscientist Dr. Dean Burnett compared the experience to that of an “angry mob” where the collective emotional state can cause individuals to lose a sense of self, resulting in blurry memories. The extravagant nature of modern concerts, with their elaborate props, lights, and costume changes, can overwhelm the senses and leave fans struggling to process all the stimuli. Despite these memory lapses, fans are reassured that the concerts are likely to be cherished as unforgettable experiences, even if specific details remain elusive.
