Taylor Swift believes in a thing called love, and The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins has the handwritten note to prove it.
After a clip of the 34-year-old pop star and Travis Kelce belting out the rock band’s 2003 hit “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” at the U.S. Open went viral Sunday (Sept. 8), the frontman took to TikTok to share his positive experience at the Eras Tour in Zurich a few weeks prior. “The hospitality they showed us was extraordinary,” Hawkins said in the clip, including photos of him and his family at Swift’s concert. “I have Chris Rock on one side, Roger Federer on the other side.”
Hawkins went on to share a photo of the handwritten letter from Swift that was waiting for him in the VIP tent pre-show. “What a thrill to have you at the show!” the “Karma” singer wrote to the rock star. “I’m a massive fan of yours and think ‘I Believe In a Thing Called Love’ is one of the greatest songs of all time. I hope you and your family have fun at the show! Thanks so much for coming!”
“I was just Dad of the Year, maybe Dad of the Century, because all of that was a big surprise,” Hawkins reflected. “Speaking of big surprises, I woke up this morning, and everybody’s forwarded me some footage of ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ being played at the U.S. Open and Taylor Swift and her partner Travis dancing along to it and really enjoying the music.”
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“It was a really heartwarming moment for me, and my little girl can’t wait to tell her friends at school,” the “Love Is Only a Feeling” singer added. “Really lovely start to the day.”
Swift’s attendance at the U.S. Open was one of the biggest talking points of the tournament over the weekend, with the 14-time Grammy winner tagging along with her boyfriend and Patrick and Brittany Mahomes. Consequently, the internet was ablaze with photos and videos of the two couples cheering on the players and grooving along to the music in Queens, NYC, with one picture in particular — a snap of the pop star and retired soccer player hugging — drawing criticism from some fans due to Brittany Mahomes’ alleged support of Donald Trump.
In 2024, the “Anti-Hero” artist is no stranger to attending sports events — although Kelce is usually the one on the field when she’s there. Most recently, Swift attended the Chiefs’ first game of the 2024-25 NFL season on Thursday (Sept. 5) amid a break in her global Eras Tour, with Kansas City winning against the Baltimore Ravens 27-20.
Watch Hawkins’ TikTok below.