Rock Hall hosts Taylor Swift Fan Day to celebrate new album 'The Tortured Poets Department'

On Friday, Swifties had the opportunity to enjoy a Taylor Swift Fan Day hosted by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Fans ranged in age from children to almost 60. They came to listen and embrace Swift for her double-album release, “The Tortured Poets Department,” which came out Friday.

“It was powerful” said Anna Gracon, who stayed up all night to listen to the complete album, which was released at 2 a.m., according to Swift's Twitter. Gracon had crocheted Taylor’s iconic 2020 cardigan and drove 30 minutes to Cleveland to participate in all the festivities.

At check-in, fans had the opportunity to get a free hoodie just by posting a picture on Instagram and tagging the Rock Hall. People also had the chance to make friendship bracelets – a known trend at Swift's concerts. The venue also held a trivia game to see who knew Swift the best.

Rachel Hunt, known by stage name DJ Guilty Pleasures, had everyone on their feet channeling their inner Swift.

A mother-and-daughter duo, Lisa and Jennifer Fritz, had been fans of Swift since her early days collaborating with Brad Paisley. They saw Swift up close and personal at her Cincinnati concert last year. “It was an out-of-body experience," Jennifer Fritz said.

Megan and Aubree Woods, another mom-and-daughter duo, drove up from Akron while playing the new album in the car. Aubree, who is 9 years old, was excited to see all the vinyl records and even a children's illustrated book about Swift at the gift shop.

Aiden Abruzzino said he started driving from New York as soon as he saw a Facebook post about the event. He went to Norwalk, Ohio, first to grab his other two friends, Elliot Smith and Alex Lavell, before coming to Cleveland. They also stayed up for the anticipated album.

Dressed in pink with sparkles, Debbie Faye of Youngstown said she recently became a Swift fan. She was sitting down, vibing to the song “22” while making a bracelet with her friend Lucia Martuccio, who is also from Youngstown.

Camryn Evans and Alex Lozon, a couple from Avon, were soaking in the moment together before Evans leaves for college. Evans was wearing a replica of Swift's cardigan to celebrate.

Swift had a look-alike in attendance named Paislee Weaver. The 10-year-old had blonde hair with bangs, rocking sparkling boots with a yellow fringe dress. She said the new album is “just so iconic.”

Many Swifties describe the newest album release as Swift's "most authentic self,” stating it was “raw,” “insane,” “extravagant” and “treacherous.”

Toward the end of the event, everyone in attendance was encouraged to gather at the Long Live Rock letters outside the Rock Hall for a group photo that would be sent to Swift’s staff to show love from Cleveland.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Taylor Swift Fan Day at Rock Hall celebrates new album release