Photo by: Zachary Gray
“I front the best band that there is,” Hayley Williams exclaimed as Paramore played San Diego’s Viejas Arena on July 16th as part of their North American This Is Why Tour – named after their latest album released earlier this year. After five years without new music or shows, both Paramore and the fans didn’t miss a beat.
From the moment the gates opened, the fans were buzzing with energy and rushing in line to get their merch before going to their seats. The night started off with openers The Linda Lindas and Foals, with the energy in the arena already going off the charts.
The lights turned down as Paramore took the stage starting with songs “You First” and “The News.” All of the fans were on their feet from the pit to the nosebleeds, screaming and dancing along to every song old and new. Frontwoman Hayley Williams’ voice, strong and smooth, spread through the arena. “How many of you are attending a Paramore show for the first time?” Williams asked in between songs as a wave of hand flung to the air. “Well welcome to the family,” Hayley tells the crowd before making the crowd raise their pinkies for a pinky promise to hit the polls and vote. This then led into the song “Big Man, Little Dignity.” Drummer Zac Farro then made his way to the front of the stage to do lead vocals for a performance of his band HalfNoise’s “Baby.” It was then time for some more classic Paramore songs including “Misery Business,” where she brought up two fans on stage to sing with them. This was followed by “Ain’t It Fun,” and an encore of “Still Into You” and “This is Why” – which included red white and black confetti with the song title printed on them.
Whether you’re a Paramore superfan or have never heard a Paramore song in your life, the show the band puts on is one you do not want to miss. From the energy of the crowd to the band members running and jumping around, you will leave the venue a fan with unforgettable memories.
