Katie was studying Nursing at King’s in 2008. She also returned to study Midwifery several years later. Although she wouldn’t call herself a ‘Swiftie’, she has fond memories of that night.
‘I was at the gig because I was working for the Students’ Union,’ says Katie. ‘I remember Taylor. She was very polite. I was holding the door open for her and her massive team when they arrived, and Taylor was the only one who said, “Thank you!”’
And, as Katie recalls, she remained a model of consideration throughout the evening.
Katie continues: ‘During all her time in the venue, she was always very polite and courteous to the team working there.’
Bizarre night
Dave Keylock studied Computer Science at King’s from 2006-2009 and now works as a Senior Software Developer. He was also a member of the Students’ Union venue team that evening.
‘At that point, Taylor was pretty unknown in the UK,’ recalls Dave. ‘An American guy I worked with knew who she was and I remember talking to him about her before the gig.
Dave continues: ‘I started off working in the bar at Tutu’s, so I saw her first couple of numbers. The opening track was pretty good and there were a lot of American students in the crowd who gave her a warm reception. She was a vivacious performer.
‘After her first few numbers, I was asked to go backstage to guard her stuff while she and the band were performing. So I had this bizarre night sitting in a dressing room and making sure nobody nicked any of Taylor’s stuff while she was on stage.’
Flowers from Taylor’s mum
When the gig ended, Dave was introduced to Taylor.
‘I met her mum first,’ he laughs. ‘Once she’d worked out what I was doing in the dressing room, she was really friendly. She probably felt a bit sorry that I’d had such an odd night backstage while everyone else had been enjoying the gig out front.
‘She asked me if I had a girlfriend. When I replied I did, she explained how Taylor had been given a huge bouquet of flowers, but she couldn’t take them with her. She asked me if my girlfriend would like them and she gave them to me.’
Meeting Taylor
Taylor’s mum then introduced Dave to Taylor.
‘She was a bit shy but very sweet, despite the fact she was obviously tired after the gig,’ remembers Dave. ‘We exchanged a few pleasantries and I said I hoped she enjoyed the rest of her time in the UK.
‘I left her dressing room carrying this massive bunch of flowers. I got the night bus home as I don’t think I’d have managed transporting this huge floral arrangement home on my bike. And my girlfriend did love them. Even when I told her the surreal story of how I got them.’