The wave started in the left corner of the buzzing pit, and, after a few failed attempts, rose from the pit to the stadium seats and cascaded across the 15,000 people in the arena. As each section waited their turn to stand, the entire arena laughed together. Later in the night, the lead singer of Paramore, Hayley Williams, remarked, “It’s horrible outside, but this is the most beautiful world I want to be a part of” — and it was.
The “Paramore in North America” tour began on May 23 in Charlotte, N.C. It followed the release of Paramore’s sixth studio album, “This Is Why,” on Feb. 10. The band played in Atlanta on May 25 at State Farm Arena.
The first opener, Genesis Owusu, caught the crowd’s attention as three cloaked men carried him onto the stage, providing the illusion of a giant approaching the mic. The Ghanaian-Australian singer soon ruptured the facade and emerged in a red tailored suit with a fishnet shirt underneath. His grand entrance set the tempo for his hip-hop rap setlist.
Owusu jumped about and sang his more popular songs, such as “GTFO” and “Get Inspired.” While most of the crowd didn’t sing along, many clapped, jumped and even completed chants following Owusu’s direction. His background dancers wore ski masks and shredded black shirts as they followed the artist across the stage, barking like rabid dogs. Although I don’t believe any song of his warranted that behavior, his energy was captivating, and he readied the crowd for more.
The second opener was Bloc Party, an English rock band that released their first album in 2004. Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Justin Harris and Louise Bartle composed the band. Even without the theatrics deployed by Owusu, Bloc Party inspired the crowd, including me. They dedicated their hit song “This Modern Love” to Paramore and ended with their self-proclaimed “banger,” “Ratchet.”
When Paramore hit the stage at 9 p.m., the energy in the arena skyrocketed. Williams skipped onto the stage in a tiny blue suit, silver boots and brightly-dyed hair, setting the stadium on fire. Accompanying her on stage was Paramore guitarist Taylor York, drummer Zac Farro, Brian Robert Jones, Logan MacKenzie, Joey Mullen and Joey Howard. From the beginning of the show, Williams demonstrated her astounding vocal ability, her charisma and her chemistry with the band. I witnessed my first-ever collective headbang during the third song, “That’s What You Get.”
However, it wasn’t until Williams addressed the crowd that I realized what makes Paramore special. It isn’t their insane talent, their discernable adoration for one another or even Williams’ stunning eye makeup — it is their relationship with the fans.
The band formed in 2004 in Franklin, Tenn. Through a tumultuous 20 years, Paramore has gained and lost members, dated one another and broken up, won a Grammy Award in 2015 and even took a hiatus in 2017. However, their fanbase has stayed and even grown.
“You are the longest, most beautiful relationship we have collectively had,” Williams said.
Growing up is painful enough as it is, but imagine if the whole world saw your every misstep, every failed relationship and every awkward phase, as it was for Paramore.
“We have spent so much time trying to figure out who we are with people watching, which is a strange thing,” Williams told the crowd. “And you have lived your life with us.”
To cement their connection with the fans, Paramore has kept a one-of-a-kind tradition going. At each show, they selected one fan to join them on stage to sing the final verse of their most popular song, “Misery Business.” When the selection began at the May 25 show, fans’ signs flashed across the big screens, including one saying “17 years and I’m still into you.” The selected fan, Tilly, was lifted from behind the metal barricade; she sprinted across the stage to Williams, who embraced her like family. After the song finished, Williams bowed to Tilly and took a selfie with the whole crowd.
The concert was awe-inspiring. Paramore is talented beyond words. William’s voice is strong and sultry, while her stage presence is bubbly and sporadic. Paramore’s energy, kindness and the diversity of their audience reflected their 20-year-long musical journey. Before the encore, a montage of the band through the years played on the screen. Paramore has excelled in the music industry, but above all has forged an unwavering connection with their fans.
“This is your place, and we are your family,” Williams said to the crowd.
I was privileged to join them that night.
