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Bassist Amos Heller, with whom he toured Taylor Swift has been on her record-breaking Eras tour for almost two yearsbid farewell to the “ride of a lifetime” in an emotional tribute.
Heller, 47, who has performed with Swift for more than 15 years, offered a rare insight into the demanding tour in a lengthy ode he shared on Instagram on Tuesday (December 10).
Alongside several photos of him on stage with Swift and other bandmates, he began: “It’s done. No more early lobby calls. There are no more airports. No more lugging suitcases and Mono bags up the escalators, through the line, without baggage claim. No more heating, no more cooling. No more looking at the clock 20 times to make sure I don’t miss a call. No more saying goodbye to my family, no more “how long does he sleep?” No more jet lag.”
He singled out specific memories, including snow in Tokyo, visiting watch factories in Switzerland, getting a tattoo in Ireland and running in Germany.
“It’s over. No more walking around the stadium feeling like a gladiator. No more screaming texts with a perfect stranger who is now your best friend,” he continued. “No more obstructed on the right stage (my people). No more staring in awe at my family/friends who just moments ago were sharing a funny joke, suddenly transformed into legendary titans, rising and thriving in blinding lights. I no longer call myself to dig as deep as I can, demanding the best I am capable of.
“The record books are closed with fresh ink on many pages,” Heller wrote, going on to reflect on how he has “changed” as a “player, performer, person, partner.”
He recalled after the final curtain call, I allowed myself to “sink a little to my knees, before laying on the floor gently reminiscing @teetime23.”
“I feel so much love and gratitude to be a part of this community, which I’ve had the privilege of watching grow into so much more than a collective of people who love the same songs. “Shooting stars with whom I shared the stage, lifelong association,” he said.
Addressing Swift directly, he added: “You command so much respect and admiration from everyone who is lucky enough to add their efforts to yours. Your blend of focus, heart, endurance and joy brings out the best in everyone around you.
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“Thank you for entrusting me with my part of your vision. It was the ride of a lifetime. I love you.”
After 149 shows, five continents and more than 10 million fans, Swift wrapped up her career-spanning tour in Vancouver on December 8th.
During her last performance, she spoke to the audience, telling them that these shows were “the most exciting, the most powerful, the most electrifying, the most intense, the most challenging” experience of her life.
The tour, which began in March 2023, was reported to have grossed $2,077,618,725 in ticket sales and an additional $400 million in merchandise.
According to Peoplethe The “Karma” singer gave away $197 million in bonuses everyone who worked on the tour, including truck drivers, caterers, instrument technicians, merchandising team, lighting, sound, production staff and assistants, carpenters, dancers, band, security, choreographers, pyrotechnics, riggers, hair, make-up, wardrobe, physiotherapists and video team.