Paramore's South Florida Tour at Hard Rock Live - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

It was the last night of the first leg of Paramore’s North American tour, and certainly a night to remember. The stage lit up and the evening began with the animated energy of Ghanaian-Australian singer, Genesis Owusu. He released his first EP in 2017 Cardrive, after making music with older brother, Citizen Kay for a few years. Growing up he snuck into bars to rap on school nights and his fascination with rap and poetry resulted in subsequent Australian success. Owusu’s lyrics have illustrated the struggles of the racial injustices in the world and mental health through his unique blend of funk, hip-hop, and soul. He initiated his set with his latest release “Leaving the Light” and went on to perform groovy and energetic singles like “WUTD” and “Get Inspired.”

Next up, Bloc Party, a post-rock/ post-punk/ indie-rock band from East London that started releasing music in the early 2000s. It was a nostalgic ride as their signature indie-rock sound and heavy guitar tracks filled the theater. Their performance included fan favorites like “Banquet” and “Helicopter” from their 2005 album, Silent Alarm. “Bloc Party was a huge influence on Paramore growing up. We’ve grown up with this band the same that a lot of you have grown up with us” recalled Haley Williams that evening.

And now for Paramore, the moment we were all so anxiously waiting for. Paramore formed in 2004 in Franklin, Tennessee and released their first album in 2005 which laid the foundation for their future success. At the time, Haley was only seventeen. In 2006, they played a part of Warped Tour and went on to headline their first tour with sold out shows. They hadn’t played a show in South Florida since 2017. This was a special evening for everyone. The band walked out and the crowd exploded into screams, and as the stage lights beamed, we knew magic was about to unfold. 

Paramore went on to play a two-hour set and it was the biggest treat and most pleasant surprise. There were playful and heartfelt moments, rawness and vulnerability that all played a part into the band's apparent cohesive nature. The band's tight-knit chemistry was evident as Taylor York's guitar riffs pierced through the air, while Zac Farro's thunderous drumming set the pulse of the night. So much so that Farro broke his snare drum twice. Together, they created a magical soundscape that served as the perfect backdrop for Hayley's magnetic stage presence. The passion was felt through every song, as Haley gave thanks to new fans and old. “We’re all family now” she remarked.

They took us through a musical journey as they played songs like “That’s What You Get”, “Hard Times”, “Crystal Clear” from her own solo project and my personal favorite, “Misery Business”. During “Misery Business” she pulled a fan onto the stage named Kiwi, who was living out her ninth Paramore concert. Hayley recalled having met years ago and actually swapping t-shirt exclaiming “Oh yeah! I still have your shirt!” It was a beautiful fan moment to witness. Paramore has a dedicated fanbase, received Grammy nominations and will always leave a mark for their incredible live performances, raw lyrics and their ability to connect with fans on a deeper emotional level.

It was more than the music that made this two-hour spectacle special–it was their heart and soul that was poured into every moment. The way Hayley took the time to talk to the audience and share personal stories and messages of love and gratitude. A palpable atmosphere of unity and a reminder of music’s power to transcend, heal and bring people together.

Coverage by Viviana Franco // Instagram: @viviana.ttl and Gina Beltran

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