Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour has been out for a week on Disney+, and there’s no doubt some dedicated fans have watched it 13+ times. The three-and-a-half-hour phenomenon is a bedazzled force that moves through 49 songs from Swift’s 10 eras. The movie was shot over three nights in Los Angeles and included helicopter, drone and onstage camera angles. By now everyone knows the ringleader of The Eras Tour, but what about the cast and crew who shine alongside her?
Here’s a look at Swift’s six bandmates, four backup vocalists and 15 dancers featured in the film with the time stamps for when they appear on screen.
‘Strike the band up, 1… 2… 3…’
The Eras Tour band is led by Mike Meadows and Max Bernstein. Meadows has been with Swift for more than 15 years, starting on her “Fearless” tour. The guitarist also sings and plays keyboards, cello, harmonica and mandolin.
In a cute TikTok, his wife shared a compilation video from Nissan Stadium about how proud she is. Swift places her arm on Meadows during “Love Story” at 33:12.
Max Bernstein rocks out on the guitar, keyboards and pedal steel, which is a steel guitar with pedals and knee levers. He shared a post on Instagram with the caption, “So incredibly grateful to be a little part of the biggest and best show.” He joined Swift for the “Reputation Stadium Tour” in 2018. His parents are journalists Nora Ephron and Carl Bernstein, and his brother Jacob is a reporter for The New York Times. Bernstein is to the right of Swift and her “Fearless” heart hands at 26:12
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Paul Sidoti may be the most well known band member. His distinct rocker hair is almost as big as his stage presence. Sidoti has been a vocalist and guitarist with the singer since 2007. He is approachable on the tour and has taken photos with fans in the audience. Sidoti’s website also says he’s available for “online guitar, bass, and piano lessons via Zoom.” Swift touches Sidoti’s face during “You Belong With Me” while singing “you’ve got a smile that can light up this whole town” at 28:15
Amos Heller is the bassist. Like many of Swift’s bandmates, the husband and father of three has been with her since 2007. Heller picked up his first electric bass at 13. His cover of Metallica’s “Blackened” shows he’s a master thrasher. Swift struts with Heller during “You Belong With Me” at 27:58.
Ooomph! Matthew Billingslea is the drummer crashing the cymbals, beating the toms and pedaling the bass. In 2023, he was nominated for pop drummer of the year at the Drumeo Awards. Billingslea joined Swift’s band in 2013 for the Red Tour. Billingslea pops up during “Fearless” at 25:38
Rounding out the bandmates is Karina DePiano. The classically trained pianist gets a shoutout from the singer following Swift’s performance of “Champagne Problems.” DePiano performs an interlude at 50:35 while Swift sets a table before singing “Tolerate It.” DePiano started 2024 with a Pianote nomination for pop pianist of the year.
‘We sing it proudly’
The fearless ladies who make up Swift’s choir are “The Starlights.”
Up first is Melanie Nyema, the section leader. The vocal virtuoso has backed many artists including Gladys Knight, Sara Bareilles, Solange Knowles, Florence + The Machine and Imagine Dragons. She’s been with Swift since 2012 when she performed “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at the VMAs. Check out her spiritual version of “Gotta Have You.” Nyema is left of Swift at 30:33 when she hugs “The Starlights.”
Kamilah Marshall is the vocalist dance captain. Marshall came into the fold during the Red Tour. Her song “Canyon” showcases her writing and singing in an outpouring of gratitude. The Broadway actress has credits including “Hairspray” and “Lion King.” In 2021, she told the Academic Magnet High School newspaper in South Carolina, “I know I’m supposed to be doing what I do.” You can also see her in the dinner scene of “All Too Well: The Short Film.” Marshall is the “cheer captain” on the left at 28:52 during the “Fearless” era
