Paramore, more, more

Hayley Williams and her renowned US band Paramore lit up Auckland’s Spark Arena on Tuesday night. After a four-year absence from the country, and following a solid set from support act Bleachers, they were back with a blast.

On the last leg of their tour, Paramore showed no signs of fatigue and entertained Auckland with a stellar performance including many of their old classics as well as their latest songs from their fifth album After Laughter.

Halfway through the show they played That’s what you get, which was probably the best song of the night. The whole audience jumped around and the arena atmosphere was terrific.

At one point, Williams stopped and spoke a few words to her fans. “We love being here in New Zealand” she said. “We tried to get here sooner but ya know, life.” New Zealand also claimed their love for Williams and her band as the crowd shouted for an encore multiple times.

The concert (on the eve of Valentine’s day) comes four days before the eighth anniversary of the release of their popular song The Only Exception, which was written as a Valentine’s song. The music video shows Williams lying in a pile of homemade cards sent into them by their fans.

As Paramore left the stage there was a hint at another New Zealand tour within the next few years. Logan MacKenzie, their touring rhythm guitar and synthesiser player, is from New Zealand which gives them another reason to return soon for another visit. “This is one of our favourite places” said Williams. “I miss you already and we haven’t even left”