Paramore took to the stage at Dublin’s 3Arena last night, delivering a high-energy performance that left fans raving. However, frontwoman Hayley Williams’ quirky comments had many wondering about the band’s geographical location. As she explained to the packed arena, sometimes when you’re on stage, things can get a little confusing. But one thing was for sure – the band’s music was on point and their passion for their craft was impossible to ignore. Here’s our review of Paramore’s unforgettable show in Dublin.
Paramore is back and better than ever. This American rock band, formed in 2004, has had its fair share of drama over the years as members have left and returned and the remaining band members took a hiatus in 2018. However, the current iteration of the band is back on tour and kicking it off in Dublin’s 3Arena where it felt like the crowd had been transported back in time.
In the early 2010s, revellers at a Paramore gig would have been seen with brightly coloured hair, heavy eyeliner, Dr Marten boots and fishnet tights. That attire made a return at the gig, which provided an opportunity for the crowd to relive the pop-punk heyday of their teenage years. Opening the show, lead singer Hayley Williams, with her signature bright orange hair, was jumping and headbanging to ‘You First’ amid blinding lights. “Man, I love it here. Thank you for having us,” she said to the crowd. “Jumping across the pond, it feels like home.”
Paramore is a band defined by their acerbic lyrics, catchy beats and heavy bass, but what pulls it all together is a fantastic vocalist, with a far-reaching range. The phenomenal opening sequence of tracks came to an abrupt halt during the sixth song, ‘Caught in the Middle’, as Williams’s microphone began to cut out. When everything was back up and running, Williams laughed: “The best part about technological problems like that is that it means all bets are off. The bar doesn’t even matter. First night of tour? Let’s just have fun.”
For a band that has been around as long as Paramore, trying to balance latest releases with fan favourites is always a difficult line to walk. However, that wasn’t the case at the concert. The band’s setlist was a carefully curated mix that showed their full evolution, including early heavy-hitters and Twilight soundtrack contribution ‘Decode’ to their more radio-friendly pop hits such as ‘Hard Times’.
The setlist also featured an acoustic cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Dreams’, the introduction to which resulted in a faux pas in which the frontwoman intimated Ireland was part of the UK. Following an outraged response from the crowd, she quickly clarified that’s not what she meant. “And by the way I know you’re not in the UK. Sometimes when you’re on stage in front of people, you start saying sh*t and you don’t know what you’re saying,” she added.
The band’s breakout hit ‘Misery Business’ is a firm fan favourite, but there had been plans for the band to stop playing it due to misogynistic lyrics. Williams said she normally gives a “big spiel” explaining that times have moved on, but she wasn’t going to do that this time. “You all have good heads on your shoulders.”
At the end of it all, the concert was simply a show in which musicians enjoyed being able to share the music they love. Those who observed the spectacle on stage couldn’t help but acknowledge that this is Why Paramore have had continued success.
Wine and cheese are the most commonly cited examples of things getting better with age, but Paramore proves that bands can also get better over time. Despite the drama and personnel changes, the band continues to create music that resonates with fans and takes them on a journey of evolution. The show at the 3Arena proved that the band is still relevant and loved by its fans. It was a chance for the crowd to relive their teenage years and sing along to the old favourites while enjoying the newer hits. The performance showcased the band’s versatility and gave fans a glimpse into the different eras of Paramore’s career.
The frontwoman, Hayley Williams, is a force to be reckoned with. Her incredible range and ability to connect with her audience make her one of the best vocalists in the industry. She knows how to put on a show, and her energy is infectious. The technical difficulties with the microphone didn’t faze her, and she continued to sing and interact with the crowd as if nothing had happened.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old and new songs that demonstrated the band’s growth and evolution over the years. ‘Decode’, featured on the Twilight soundtrack, was a reminder of the band’s early success, while songs like ‘Hard Times’ showcased their new and more radio-friendly sound. The band even threw in an acoustic cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Dreams’, which was a nice surprise for the crowd.
The concert wasn’t without its awkward moments, however. Williams made a mistake by implying that Ireland was part of the UK, which earned her an outraged response from the crowd. She quickly corrected herself and made light of the situation, showing that she is human and can make mistakes just like everyone else.
Despite its flaws, the concert was a testament to Paramore’s continued success and relevance in the music industry. The band’s ability to connect with its fans and keep creating music that is both catchy and meaningful is what sets it apart from other bands. It was a night of nostalgia, energy, and pure joy that left fans wanting more. It’s clear that wine and cheese aren’t the only things that get better with age. Paramore proves that bands can also continue to grow and evolve over time, producing music that resonates with fans of all ages.
In conclusion, the Paramore gig at 3Arena was a raw, energetic and unforgettable experience. From the moment the band hit the stage, they had the crowd hooked with a perfect blend of old and new material. Hayley Williams’ dynamic vocals and engaging stage presence shone throughout the performance, demonstrating why Paramore are one of the most beloved bands of their generation. Although Williams admitted to the occasional lapse in geography during her stage banter, it only added to the charm and authenticity of the show. Overall, it was a night to remember and one that will undoubtedly stay with fans for a long time to come.
