Paramore

A particularly trying night on London’s public transport system transpired to be no match for Paramore’s die hard following this Saturday at the O2 Arena. Not closed-tube-lines, fire scare closures nor even replacement boat services could stop the venue from being packed to the rafters for tonight’s sold-out show. Oh how our efforts were rewarded. It’s been almost a year since Paramore was last in the UK, and judging by the crowd’s reaction to the first note of opening song ‘Ignorance’, their return comes not a moment too soon. The band, silhouetted behind a black curtain for their intro, were deafened by a reception fit for heroes and filled with expectation from the 20,000 or so attendees.

Tonight, not one would be disappointed. Paramore got it absolutely right. Ploughing through hits across all 3 albums Hayley Williams and co-whipped the crowd into a frenzy of pop/rock ecstasy, flowing through the entirety of their hour and a half long set. The band played hits such as ‘That’s What You Get’ and second ever single ‘Emergency’ within the first half hour, before reeling the energy in a little in the middle for a leather sofa acoustic session. This stripped down format provided a perfect platform for the band to show their maturity and musicality, perhaps sometimes overlooked amidst the lights and the smoke.

Guitarist Josh Farro’s intricate guitar parts ring crisp and true through the arena, perfectly backing Hayley’s soaring vocals. Williams addresses the crowd with such warmth that every onlooker must feel she is talking directly to them. This attitude is another refreshing triumph of the night. She talks of the band’s journey and of their endless appreciation for the fans who accompany them on it. I believe her. She adds that “there will never be a time when music isn’t there to support you, so please continue to support music”, a statement delivered with sincerity and eloquence. ‘Misguided Ghosts’ brings the acoustic session to a close, the haunting guitar parts and soft vocals showcasing the band’s unique versatility.

A lengthy build up precedes the final third of Paramore’s set, during which Hayley encourages everyone to their feet and marvels at the “biggest show we’ve ever played”. ‘CrushCrushCrush’ launches the show back into party mode and as the spotlight pans the arena, there mustn’t be one person who doesn’t know the words, or perhaps if they don’t, they are far too busy jumping to care. The show winds up with ‘The Only Exception’, sparking anything that glows to be held aloft like stars, a thoroughly mesmerising effect in a venue this size. The encore of ‘Brick by Boring Brick’ and ‘Misery Business’ ices the cake beautifully and leaves the crowd in full voice, the younger of whom relish the appearance of You Me At Six’s Josh Franceschi contributing to vocals.

There are few words of praise that haven’t been already been said about Paramore or their charismatic front-woman Hayley Williams, so on behalf of myself and my 20,000 piers tonight, thank you Paramore. Thank you for churning out 3 albums worth of winning-formula songs. Thank you for appreciating your fans, whether there are 200 of us 5 years ago or 20,000 of us tonight. And thank you for yet again, bringing your energy, charisma and dynamite live show back to the UK’s capital. Come back soon.