Live Review - Paramore, The O2 - 23rd April 2023
I got to see Paramore! And WOW! It was amazing. It was their final night performing at the O2 arena. If I had to sum up this show, and the tour (as I’ve seen a lot of it online from fans and other media outlets), I would say the overall theme was Reclaiming and Defining a new era of Paramore.
Taken by: Cydnee Brook
Hayley mentioned, on several occasions, about how the band wanted to bring some of their older songs into Paramore’s future. Songs that, when originally written, might not have resonated with the band, but as they have grown over time the songs are now being reclaimed and used to define this new era of Paramore. For example, Last Hope, The Only Exception and Misery Business were very successful songs, loved by fans and a huge part of Paramore's history but if the band wrote them again today, they might be different - but isn’t that really what growing up is about? Paramore have been around for nearly 2 decades...no-one can escape the amount of growing up that happens in almost 20 years!
Taken By: Cydnee Brook
Paramore is known for their high-energy performances, charismatic stage presence, and powerful vocals. Their live shows are often described as electrifying and captivating, with frontwoman Hayley Williams commanding the stage with her dynamic voice and impressive range. Hayley ended the night with ‘All I wanted was you’, which she sang live for the first time as an opener at the When We Were Young Fest. When asked about it in their most recent Zane Lowe interview for Apple Music, Hayley jokes about “there is a reason I had only sung it once”. But it’s seems not to be a problem anymore as it’s been their closing song every night on their tour!
Taken By: Cydnee Brook
The band's performances are also known for their incredible visuals, with striking stage designs, elaborate lighting set-up’s and engaging video projections adding to the overall experience. In addition to their popular hits, Paramore also incorporated a lot of older songs and fan favourites into their set lists, keeping fans on their toes and engaged throughout the show.
Taken By: Cydnee Brook
Their final show at the O2 on Sunday was no exception - they played 20 songs in just over 2 hours. Fan favourite ‘Decode’ was played and the lighting used throughout the song gave off very strong Twilight vibes! The millennial in me loved it and the song certainly scratched that nostalgic itch.
Take by: Cydnee Brook
Overall, Paramore's live show had an infectious energy, impeccable musicianship, and amazing sheer entertainment value. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to their music, this Paramore concert was an unforgettable experience.