The Legacy Paramore Leaves Us With + Live Gallery
By Peyton Mott
“Toronto is always a great show,” is how the frontwoman, Hayley Williams, of Tennessee rock band Paramore greets the vibrating sold out crowd filling Scotiabank arena in Toronto, Canada. The rock singer then pauses in a statue-esque pose, donning a gold suit with matching gold boots, and a grey t shirt reading “stop fucking the planet.” The set consisted of ascending led ceilings and a high platform that the trio mount during the songs Liar and Crystal Clear with hypnotizing graphic visuals (no really, even complete with a black and white spiral). As a long time fan of the band, I have always maintained that Hayley Williams is the vocalist of our generation — and with her improvised face-melting riffs while performing this solidifies that as a fact.
The outspoken band walks the walk and talks the talk within both the music industry and social justice. While introducing Big Man, Little Dignity, a new track from their 2023 album release This Is Why, Hayley Williams screams to the crowd, “this is for all the people in power that are shitty shitty motherfuckers.” Paramore’s message to the world is to treat each other with kindness and love and they exemplify this in even the smallest of ways — Williams refuses not to wave to fans because “cant be rude” she concludes. Not only does the band connect with the adoring crowd, their energy towards each other confirms their close bond since meeting in 2002. Hayleys dynamic stage presence adds a perfect contrast against guitarist Taylor York’s almost mysterious riffing. Many fans know the two are in a private relationship, but their intimacy on stage electrifies the arena when they come together.
Before you see this show there's a few things you might want to brush up on; Petals For Armour, Half Noise, and We. Are. Paramore. That's the battle cry every die hard fan knows to scream in unison with front woman Williams. Though the band has been around for close to 20 years, the new fans are welcomed with open arms as Williams believes in the collective community that is Paramore. This band aged like fine wine, returning to performing in arenas since 2013 as the band has rightfully shot into mainstream popularity, snatching the hearts of new fans. This popularity is NOT a cash grab banking on nostalgia, as their sound has changed over the years their fan base extends the boundaries of genre. While the official line up of Paramore consists of Zac Farro, Hayley Williams, and Taylor York — their support system surrounds them like a blanket, including the co-founder of Williams hair dye company, Brian O’Conner was in attendance.
For the fans disappointed that covid canceled Hayley Williams's tour supporting her 2020 release of Petals For Armour, you will be happy to know the band weaves in her song crystal clear (this one is my personal favorite). This support of the band's separate projects extends to Zac Farro as well, as he replaces the frontwoman for the Half Noise track, Baby.
The classic highlight in a Paramore show is the ritual of Misery Business, where a fan is brought on stage to sing the bridge alongside the band. Toronto caught luck in the wind as not one, but two fans were pulled up not only to sing but play Taylor's guitar solos. While Misery Business was a retired song for the band for a few years prior due to Williams's feelings on its relation to feminism, the band is reclaiming both Misery Business and their love song, Only Exception. Williams monologues to the crowd the irony of a love song sandwiched between multiple songs recounting the history of a cracking band in 2009. “This is a song dedicated to Paramore,” she announces before kicking off the song.
Whether you’re like me, with multiple Paramore shows under your belt, or a first-time attendee, you will leave the spiritual experience that is a Paramore show with a new view on music and the world. Paramore, so that you know, YOU are the only exception.
