Paramore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paramore
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Paramore performing in London in 2023. From left to right: Zac Farro, Taylor York and Hayley Williams.
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2004–present |
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Paramore is a popular American rock band that started in Franklin, Tennessee, in 2004. Since 2017, the band has three main members: Hayley Williams (lead singer), Taylor York (lead guitarist), and Zac Farro (drummer). Hayley and Zac were part of the band from the very beginning. Taylor, who was a friend of the original members, joined in 2007. Paramore has had some changes in its members over the years, but Hayley Williams has always been there.
The band signed with Fueled by Ramen, which is part of Atlantic Records. Hayley Williams was first noticed by Atlantic Records as a teenager. They were the only record company that allowed her to stay with her band instead of becoming a solo artist. However, Atlantic Records said the rest of the band had to sign with Fueled by Ramen. Paramore's first album, All We Know Is Falling (released in 2005), became popular on music charts.
Their second album, Riot! (released in 2007), became a big success. Songs like "Misery Business", "Crushcrushcrush", and "That's What You Get" helped it become very well-known. This album was certified Platinum in the US, meaning it sold over a million copies. Paramore was even nominated for "Best New Artist" at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Their album Brand New Eyes, released in 2009, reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. It included the hit song "The Only Exception" and also sold very well in Ireland and the UK.
After some members left in 2010, the band released their self-titled fourth album in 2013. This album was a huge success, becoming number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. It also topped the charts in many other countries like the UK, Australia, and Mexico. The album featured popular songs like "Still Into You" and "Ain't It Fun". "Ain't It Fun" even won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song for Hayley Williams and Taylor York, which was Paramore's first Grammy win! The band's lineup changed again after this album, with bassist Jeremy Davis leaving in 2015. Former drummer Zac Farro rejoined the band in 2017. Their albums After Laughter (2017) and This Is Why (2023) were also very popular and received great reviews.
Contents
Band's Journey
How Paramore Started (2002–2004)
In 2002, when she was 13, Hayley Williams moved to Franklin, Tennessee. There, she met brothers Josh and Zac Farro. Before Paramore, Hayley and Jeremy Davis were in a band called The Factory. Josh and Zac also played music together. The other band members were a bit unsure about having a girl singer at first. But because they were good friends, Hayley started writing songs for them. Hayley said they were the first people she met who loved music as much as she did.
Hayley was first offered a solo music deal in 2003. The record company wanted her to be a pop singer, but Hayley wanted to play alternative rock music with a band. The label decided to support her wish. The band was officially formed in 2004 with Josh Farro (guitar, backing vocals), Zac Farro (drums), Jeremy Davis (bass), and Hayley Williams (lead vocals). Later, Jason Bynum (rhythm guitar) joined. Jeremy Davis was surprised to find out Zac was only 14, but he quickly saw how talented they were. Hayley said the name "Paramore" came from the maiden name of one of their first bass players' mothers. When they learned that "paramour" meant "secret lover," they decided to use the name, spelling it "Paramore."
Paramore was originally going to release music through Atlantic Records. However, the company decided it would be better for the band's image to be with a smaller, rock-focused label called Fueled by Ramen. This label was a perfect fit for Paramore. In April 2005, after a small private show, the band officially signed with both Atlantic Records and Fueled By Ramen. Their first song written together was "Conspiracy," which appeared on their first album. At this time, they often toured the Southeast, with Hayley's parents driving them. Hayley said, "It was what we loved to do for fun, and still do! I don't think any of us really knew this would turn out to be what it's become."
First Album: All We Know Is Falling (2005–2006)
Paramore went to Orlando, Florida, to record their first album. Shortly after arriving, Jeremy Davis left the band for personal reasons. The remaining four members continued making the album. They wrote the song "All We Know" about his departure. The album's cover art also showed their feelings, with a couch and a shadow walking away, representing Jeremy leaving.
Before touring, John Hembree joined as the new bassist. That summer, Paramore played on the 2005 Warped Tour. After being asked by the band, Jeremy Davis returned to Paramore after five months, replacing John Hembree. All We Know Is Falling was released on July 26, 2005. It reached number 30 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart. "Pressure" was their first single, but it didn't make it onto the main music charts. The video showed the band playing in a warehouse. "Emergency" was the second single, and its video featured the band with bloody costumes. The third single, "All We Know," had a video with live performances. Later, after the band became more famous, All We Know Is Falling and "Pressure" were certified Gold.
In January 2006, the band went on the Winter Go West tour. In February, Hayley Williams sang on a song by October Fall. In spring 2006, Paramore opened for other bands like Bayside. They also covered the Foo Fighters song "My Hero" for the Sound of Superman movie soundtrack.
During summer 2006, Paramore played more dates on the Warped Tour. They released The Summer Tic EP during this tour. Paramore's first headlining tour in the US started on August 2, 2006, and sold out. That year, they were voted "Best New Band" by Kerrang! magazine readers.
In 2007, Hunter Lamb left the band to get married, and Paramore continued as a four-person group. NME magazine named Paramore one of ten bands to watch out for in 2007. Hayley Williams felt a Kerrang! article focused too much on her, and she wrote online that it wasn't a true picture of the band. In April, Hayley Williams sang on a song by The Chariot. They headlined a tour from April to May 2007.
Breakthrough with Riot! (2007–2008)
Before working on their next album, Jeremy Davis was briefly out of the band again. After an agreement, he rejoined, and Taylor York became the band's new guitarist. Taylor had played in a band with the Farro brothers before they met Hayley.
Paramore chose to record their new album with producer David Bendeth in New Jersey. The album, called Riot!, was released on June 12, 2007. It entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 20. The name Riot! was chosen because it meant "a sudden outburst of uncontrolled emotion," which summed up their feelings. "Misery Business" was the first single from the album. Hayley Williams said the song was about a past relationship. In summer 2007, Paramore played their third Warped Tour.
On October 11, 2007, the music video for "Crushcrushcrush" was released. The video showed the band playing in a desert. Hayley Williams also sang on two songs for the Say Anything album In Defense of the Genre. On December 31, 2007, Paramore performed on the MTV New Year's Eve show.
Paramore was on the cover of Alternative Press magazine in February 2008 and was voted "Best Band Of 2007" by readers. The band was nominated for "Best New Artist" at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. In early 2008, Paramore toured the United Kingdom. In February 2008, the band canceled some shows due to personal issues. Hayley Williams wrote that the break would help the band "work out our personal issues." Fans wondered about the band's future, especially after Josh Farro expressed frustration about the media focusing only on Hayley. However, the band returned to record the music video for their fourth single, "That's What You Get," which was released on March 24, 2008.
The band toured with Jimmy Eat World in the US in April and May 2008. They also headlined the Give it a Name festival in the UK. Paramore played their first show in Ireland on June 2, 2008, and then joined the 2008 Vans Warped Tour. Starting July 28, Paramore began a tour called "The Final Riot!" They released a live album with the same name on November 25, 2008. The album included a DVD of a concert in Chicago. By April 2009, The Final Riot! was certified gold in the United States.
New Music and Member Changes (2009–2011)
In September 2008, Hayley Williams announced that the band planned to release their third album in summer 2009. By November 2008, they were writing new songs.
Paramore spent six weeks preparing their new music in their hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. This was the first time they did this without a producer guiding them. Record producer Rob Cavallo visited them and said they were doing great. The band felt their new songs could be even more successful than their previous work. They ended up recording in California with Cavallo in March 2009. The first single from the album was "Ignorance," released on July 7, 2009. Paramore was a special guest on the No Doubt Summer Tour 2009. The music video for "Ignorance" was shown on MTV on August 13, 2009. Paramore toured to support Brand New Eyes in fall 2009. Some tour dates were postponed because Hayley Williams got laryngitis. Other singles from the album included "Brick By Boring Brick", "The Only Exception", "Careful", and "Playing God". To promote the album, the band recorded a performance for MTV Unplugged.
Paramore then played a sold-out 15-date European tour. Their stadium tour ended at London's Wembley Arena for 12,500 fans. The band performed at the 2010 Soundwave Festival in Australia. Before that tour, Josh Farro announced he was getting married and stayed home. Justin York, Taylor York's brother, filled in for him. The band, with Josh Farro back, toured the U.S. in late April. They headlined the 2010 Honda Civic Tour. After a short UK tour in November 2010, the band announced a South American tour for February and March 2011. They planned to take a break after this tour to write their fourth album.
On December 18, 2010, Paramore announced that Josh and Zac Farro were leaving the band. They confirmed the South American tour would still happen. Josh Farro later wrote online that he felt the band was "a manufactured product of a major-label." He said Hayley Williams was controlled by her management and treated the band like her solo project. He also claimed she was the only one signed to Atlantic Records. On December 30, 2010, MTV News interviewed Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Jeremy Davis about Josh's statements. They confirmed that Hayley was the only one signed to Atlantic but said Josh's comments were not important.
On January 10, 2011, Hayley Williams told MTV that despite losing two founding members, Paramore would release new music in 2011. She said the band's style might change but would keep its main sound. Paramore later confirmed they were recording new songs for what would be the Singles Club.
On June 3, 2011, Paramore released the song "Monster" for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie soundtrack. This was their first song without the Farro brothers. On June 9, 2011, Hayley Williams said the band had started writing their fourth album. On October 11, 2011, Paramore announced they would release a new song each month for the rest of 2011. They created the Singles Club on their website, where fans could buy these exclusive songs. "Renegade" was released first, followed by "Hello Cold World" and "In the Mourning". In 2011, former member Josh Farro formed a new band called Novel American, and Zac Farro later joined him.
Self-Titled Album and Changes (2012–2015)
On April 18, 2012, Hayley Williams announced that Justin Meldal-Johnsen would produce their fourth album. Ilan Rubin played drums for the album's recording. The album, titled Paramore, was officially released on April 5, 2013. It became number one on the US Billboard 200 albums chart. The first single, "Now," was released on January 22, 2013. The second single, "Still Into You," released on March 14, 2013, became very successful. The third single, "Daydreaming," was released on December 2, 2013. The album's fourth single, "Ain't It Fun," released on February 4, 2014, became the band's highest-charting song in the United States. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. On November 24, 2014, Paramore: Self-Titled Deluxe was released. It included a new version of "Hate to See Your Heart Break" featuring Joy Williams, which was the band's first song collaboration. The band went on a special tour to celebrate the end of the "Self-Titled" album era.
On December 14, 2015, bassist Jeremy Davis left the band. In March 2016, Davis had a legal disagreement with Paramore. He claimed he should be considered a co-owner of the band. This was later settled in May 2017.
During this time, Hayley Williams shared that she struggled with depression and mental health issues after Jeremy Davis left and after her divorce. She described it as "torment" and said she "didn't laugh for a long time." Because of this, Hayley briefly left the band in 2015, leaving Taylor York as the only member for a short time.
Zac Farro Returns and After Laughter (2016–2019)
On January 19, 2016, Hayley Williams announced that the band was writing their fifth album. On June 8, 2016, the band posted a video of themselves in the studio. This video and other pictures showed former drummer Zac Farro and producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen, making fans wonder if Zac was rejoining. On June 17, Zac was shown behind a drum set, confirming he was recording drums for the album. He initially said he was only recording, not fully rejoining. However, on February 2, 2017, the band announced that Zac Farro was officially back as the drummer.
On April 19, 2017, Paramore released "Hard Times" as the first song from their album After Laughter, which was released on May 12, 2017. On May 3, a second song, "Told You So," was released. A music video for "Fake Happy" came out on November 17, 2017. On February 5, 2018, a music video for "Rose-Colored Boy" was released. The music video for "Caught in the Middle" was released on June 26, 2018. On September 7, 2018, Hayley Williams announced during a concert that the band would play "Misery Business" "for the last time for a really long time." This was mainly because of a line in the song that some people thought was unfair. However, this decision was changed in 2022.
This Is Why and Recent News (2020–Present)
On May 11, 2020, Hayley Williams hinted that the band's sixth album might have more guitar-focused music. She said they were listening to a lot of older music that inspired them when they were growing up. In January 2022, it was confirmed that the band was in the studio working on their new album, which they described as "guitar heavy." On January 18, the band was announced as a headliner for the new Las Vegas festival, When We Were Young, on October 22, 2022. This was one of their first live shows since September 2018. On May 10, it was announced that the band would also headline the Austin City Limits Festival in October 2022.
On July 15, 2022, Paramore announced a tour for October and November 2022. On September 28, 2022, the band released the song "This Is Why" as the first single from their album This Is Why, which was released on February 10, 2023. In November 2022, the band changed the album cover for their 2013 self-titled album to a picture of Hayley Williams from behind. On December 8, 2022, the band released the second single, "The News". On January 12, 2023, they released the third single, "C'est Comme Ça." Paramore was nominated for Favorite Music Group at the 2023 Kids' Choice Awards. On February 6, 2023, the band played the song "Running Out of Time" at their album release show in Nashville. On February 16, 2023, a music video for "Running Out of Time" was released. The song "This is Why" was nominated for "Best Alternative" at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
The band started hinting at a remix album, Re: This Is Why, in late September 2023. They posted audio clips on their official Discord server. The album was officially announced on October 2 and released on October 6. Re: This Is Why features new versions of songs from their 2023 album This Is Why, plus an unreleased demo. For the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, This Is Why was nominated for Best Rock Album, and the song "This Is Why" was nominated for Best Alternative Music Performance.
On December 27, 2023, Paramore cleared their social media accounts and their website became unavailable. A week later, they canceled a performance at a festival in January 2024 due to "unforeseen circumstances." It was reported that Paramore's record label contract had ended. On January 10, 2024, A24 announced a tribute album for the Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense, which includes Paramore's cover of "Burning Down The House" as the first song. In January 2024, the band was nominated for Best International Group at the 2024 BRIT Awards. On January 31, their cover of "Burning Down The House" was released as a single. On February 4, 2024, the band won two Grammy awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Their album This Is Why won Best Rock Album, and the title song won Best Alternative Music Performance. On February 10, 2024, Paramore was announced as the ambassador for Record Store Day 2024. They also confirmed they would continue as an independent band after their contract with Atlantic Records ended. On March 1, 2024, a music video for "Thick Skull" was released. In September 2024, Hayley Williams said that Paramore had already started making new music, with demos created before their tour with Taylor Swift. On July 25, 2025, the band released a special digital edition of their first album, All We Know Is Falling, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Paramore's Music Style
Paramore's music style is often described as pop-punk, emo, pop rock, and alternative rock. They also mix in sounds from power pop, new wave, punk rock, pop, grunge, electropop, and synth-pop. One writer noted that the band is not just a "pop-punk girl with red hair." Their music has changed over time, becoming "emo without being whiny." Alternative Press magazine said the band was "young-sounding" but always "honest."
Paramore's first album, All We Know is Falling, had a more typical "pop-punk" sound. Their second album, Riot!, explored different styles but kept their unique sound. Later albums, like Paramore and After Laughter, included more new wave and synth-pop sounds. Their sixth album, This Is Why, moved towards a post-punk and dance-punk style.
Alternative Press and other reviewers have said that the band's live performances helped them become more famous. They noted that Hayley Williams has amazing stage presence. Singer-songwriter John Mayer praised Hayley's voice in 2007, calling her "The great orange hope" because of her hair color. Because Paramore has a female lead singer, they have sometimes been compared to Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne. However, one reviewer said these comparisons were not accurate. Hayley Williams has said that Paramore is not just a "girl-fronted band." She says they make "music for people to enjoy music."
Paramore has said they are inspired by bands like Weezer, No Doubt, Jimmy Eat World, and New Found Glory. Hayley Williams has mentioned her personal inspirations include MewithoutYou, Elvis Presley, Blondie, and Etta James. She also looks up to singers like Debbie Harry and Siouxsie Sioux. Hayley explained that bands like U2, Jimmy Eat World, and No Doubt inspire Paramore's career path. In 2012, Hayley Williams sang on MewithoutYou's album, Ten Stories.
The band members have spoken about their Christian faith in the past. Josh Farro once said, "Our faith is very important to us. It's obviously going to come out in our music." However, he also said they were not trying to preach to kids. In a 2022 interview, Hayley Williams described herself, Taylor York, and Zac Farro as being "at different stages of unravelling their relationship to faith."
Live Shows and Appearances
In 2007, the band played an acoustic show for the opening of a Warped Tour exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The dress Hayley Williams wore in the "Emergency" music video was also put on display there.
In June 2007, Rolling Stone magazine called them "Ones to Watch."
In August 2007, Paramore was featured in TV commercials on MTV. They performed acoustic versions of their songs or acted in short skits. As "MTV Artists of the Week," the band filmed these spots in Queens, New York. For weeks in August 2007, the "Misery Business" video was the most-watched video on MTV.com. On October 8, Paramore played "Misery Business" live on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. In August, Paramore appeared in New Found Glory's music video for their cover of "Kiss Me".
From September 29 to November 1, 2009, the band toured North America to support Brand New Eyes. The tour for their self-titled fourth album, known as The Self-Titled Tour, took place in North America from October 15 to November 27, 2013. From June 19 through August 17, 2014, the band also supported the album with the Monumentour.
Paramore in Games and Movies
In 2005, Paramore's song "Pressure" was featured in the console versions of the video game The Sims 2.
In March 2008, Paramore's song "Crushcrushcrush" became a downloadable song in the Rock Band games. It was later a playable song in Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades. Later that year, Rock Band 2 included "That's What You Get" as a playable track. The video game Guitar Hero World Tour featured "Misery Business". Hayley Williams also participated in motion capture for the game and is an unlockable character. "Misery Business" was also a playable track on Rock Band 3. Other songs like "Pressure," "The Only Exception," "Brick by Boring Brick," and "Ignorance" are available as extra content for the game. In 2015, "Still Into You" was included in Rock Band 4.
Paramore's song "Decode" was the main song for the movie Twilight. Another song called "I Caught Myself" was also on the film's soundtrack. "Decode" was released on October 1, 2008. The music video premiered on November 3. "Misery Business" is also in the game Saints Row 2 and on the soundtrack for EA Sports NHL 08.
The music video for "Decode" was shown in the North American Home Theater of PlayStation Home in December 2008.
Paramore's song "Now" is featured in the game Rocksmith 2014. In March 2024, "Misery Business" was added as a playable song to Fortnite Festival.
Band Members
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Current members
Former members
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Current touring musicians
Former touring musicians
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Timeline of Members
Albums by Paramore
- All We Know Is Falling (2005)
- Riot! (2007)
- Brand New Eyes (2009)
- Paramore (2013)
- After Laughter (2017)
- This Is Why (2023)
Paramore Tours
Headlining tours
- The Final Riot! Tour (2008)
- Brand New Eyes World Tour (2009–2012)
- The Self-Titled Tour (2013–2015)
- After Laughter Tour (2017–2018)
- This Is Why Tour (2022–2023)
Co-headlining tours
- Honda Civic Tour (2010)
- Monumentour (2014)
Opening acts for other artists
- No Doubt – Summer Tour 2009 (2009)
- Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown World Tour (2010)
- Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour (2023–2024)
See also
In Spanish: Paramore para niños
- List of awards and nominations received by Paramore
- List of songs recorded by Paramore
- List of alternative rock artists
