(Originally written for Student Direct newspaper)
Support: FUN, B.O.B
B.O.B gets a better reception than you would have thought tonight, the audience are possibly surprised to see him playing his own instruments, and supported by a classic three piece backing vocal band. Although the two girls dancing in trackies at the sides of the stage are slightly bewildering. Of course he ends with crowd pleaser ‘Airplanes’ and of course Hayley Williams appears for their monster duet.
The fact that the doors open at six, and half of the bars are closed at the MEN tonight is definitely saying something about the age range of Paramore’s audience. There are also some males here that are obviously thoroughly embarrassed and don’t even take their coats off.
Paramore themselves rip through a quick paced set like they have somewhere better to be. Williams definitely sets yet another trend with her bubblegum pink hair, how long it will take the multiple carrot topped girls in the audience to get their hands on a replica colour is anyone’s guess.
Surprisingly, they shy away from playing their last single ‘Careful’ and instead go back to their first album, even playing the less obvious choice of ‘Never Let This Go.’
Williams’ voice is a perfect replica of the records, especially on the acoustic section of the show, which is a nice break from the constant bounce of pop punk.
The rest of the band pogo around the stage; it’s been said once before and it will be said again, it is very much a ‘Hayley Williams and backing band’ set up – and it doesn’t seem to be an issue.
The set ends on a brilliant sing along of ‘The Only Exception’ and of course ‘Misery Business.’ Red and orange confetti bursts into the crowd and Paramore leave the stage proving they can have the material to hold their own in an arena. Roll on album number four.
GrrlzOnFilm 