Taylor Swift And Harry Styles Perform Secret Gig At Mercury Lounge Monday Night

Taylor’s welcome to New York Gig, April1st, 2014

As a Facebook friend of Taylor Swift I’ve been privey to many cool Taylor facts long before they’ve become public, as well as having the ego puffing pleasure of the great songwriter thanking me for not one but TWO (count em) reviews.

But compared to what happened Monday night, it is like nothing. Around 830pm I was at Barclay Center for the Black Sabbath gig when I got a private message from Taylor Swift’s Facebook account inviting me to RSVP for a secret gig at Mercury Lounge that night. Be there at midnight, the show would start 1230am.

I said yes, of course, though to be honest I wasn’t too sure it wasn’t a joke. I called Mercury Lounge who were closing for a private party at midnight but I couldn’t get any more info off em. Still, I decided to check it out because:

1. I knew Taylor had moved to Tribeca

and

2. When Ed Sheeran performed a tiny gig a coupla years ago it was here

and

3. If Taylor was playing a secret gig and I was invited and missed it, I’d never forgive myself.

I got there by 1130 and there was no line and no notice of a concert out but inside the joint was jumping and miracle of miracles my name was on the guestlist.

On stage there was a piano, two microphones and a couple of acoustic guitars. That was it and the audience were filled with movers and shakers, I noted Ed Sheeran, Nail Horan, Katy Perry and Lorde to name just those in the immediate vicinity!

There is no backstage at Mercury Lounge and Taylor walked through the audience but who was that by her side? Mr. I knew You Were Trouble Himself Harry Styles!!! They picked up matching acoustic guitars before launching into “Jackson”, “Julie Ocean” and “One Way Or The Other” -all three upbeat duets like Cash and Carter on helium.

The duo broke up laughing after the third song, “We are just relieved we made our way through it” Taylor said and Harry kinda shrugged before Taylor went to the piano and left Harry to sing a handful of 1D songs. Taylor took back centerstage and asked for requests while Harry sat quietly crossed legged on the floor. Taylor asked for requests and sure we got what we expected, “22”, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” but also “Speak Now” and “Mine”.

“I am so excited to be living in New York City and where else can you decide to perform a concert in the late afternoon and play it at night?” she said before leading Harry into another half dozen covers including Kacey Musgraves “Silver Lining”.

And then it was over and the long welcome to Taylor Swift New York City dinezen was over.
Welcome, Taylor. Great set.

Grade: A-