Over the recent years, we used to follow Paramore many places worldwide. In November 2010, after gigs in London O2 Area, we felt kinda satiated or even like we overdosed. Decision was, we need to take a little break. That’s exactly why annoucement of gig in Poland didn’t meet with our excitement. Tell you what, not even with batting of an eyelid. Show in our own country? There is no fun without travelling, without taking a journey to foreign land. Not to mention Farro brothers trouble, which undoubtedly weakened some music core of the band. Overall, our interest was, let’s just say, moderate.
It wasn’t for so long, when the Rock for People gig in Hradec Králové was announced. City is located close enough, feels almost like our own backyard. It would be a shame not to use such opportunity. Thing is, we decided to vary that journey by shooting a video-interview with band.
July the 3rd was unusually rainy day. For almost whole way the rain was pouring down, which gave us rather pessimistic prospects of awaiting in cold and mud. Regardless, we were in good mood, as it’s nice to leave the borders of our contry for a while. We arrived without any obstacles, early enough to have an adequate amount of time for an interview. Band was late, which is why we weren’t certain about this whole situation, turn of events, but finally it didn’t take so long and the van took us to the backstage. We were brought to the enormous tent just behind of T-Music scene, which was the change-room of band. We noticed the schedule on the wall, which turned out to be pretty much enjoyable lecture. Hardly managed we to set up our equipment, when Hayley showed up, recognizing me and greeting us like old friends. Taylor was the next one and I spontaneously jumped at him as well, to decide after few minutes, that it might have been a little over-the-top towards him. At the end, Jeremy came, neat and cheerful as usual.
Interview went smooth, the effects of our activity can be seen on youtube and our mainpage. Then, we had a little chat, took some photos (this time individually, hell yeah!) and unfortunately had to say goodbye, which was due to the lack of time (meeting rescheduled by an hour). Still, it was truly nice, for both us and band, judging it on how much fun we have with taking photos – something which isn’t unusual for Paramore.
After the meeting, we packed the equipment up and got to be transported by bus once more. It was really comfortable and pleasant, back-up facilities were spacious after all, it wasn’t hard to get lost, plus it was a long way. Luckily, the weather got better, it stopped raining.
Our equipment landed in the car and we came back to the festival’s area, but this time from another side, which means of course, frontally. It wasn’t until Sum 41 kicked off their performance, when we joined the crowd in the last row. I’ve never been Deryck’s fan – well, I’ve been jealous of him because of his wife for years, and then he started to irritate me by copycating Billy Joe. Even so, I found their concert fascinating, after all they’re Canadians, right? Their performance turned out to be very cool, the audience had a lot of fun, which is how after a few intensive jostles we almost reached the scene. Fight was harsh, but worth struggling.
Sum’s tracks were even nice at times. Something like melodic pop-punk with an undertone thrash pacing in some parts. Metallica’s inspiration was obvious. I was even waiting for some quotations and didn’t miscalculate – at certain moment Derck asked about metal music fans presence. A lot of people raised their hands and then chanting started… Deryck presented us detailed “Master of Puppets” (along with a quick solo played by the solo guitarist!) and “Sandman” quotes. For the last few days my absence on Metallica’s this-year gig was real pain and well, I got a little compensation. I had a marvellous time and definitely Whibley won my recognition because of that.
After Sum, the amount of people was diminished a little, but a few rows behind us people were defending their positions, so we still had to fight for ours. It was a long time since I’ve been on Paramore’s gig, where I could focus in 100% on having fun instead of watching myself. I could afford such luxury only two times – in Berlin and Cologne in 2009. The third time has just came.
But let’s keep the right order. Actually it was the first gig on this mini-european-tour, so we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We were among the first ones who could have seen new scene’s decoration – the skulls reminded us of Metallica or Pushead’s iconography, but flowers, on the other hand… Avril Lavigne or Goodbye Lullaby. To simplify, Paramore is like a combination of Metallica and Avril, so it makes sense : ) The band came with their new drummer, so we were curious how the things are gonna turn out.
Performance started on time: Lights fade out, short intro in the form of simple riff rings out. Then drums come, a little bit irregularly. We can hear the main riff of That’s What You Get, but the band’s formation is still a little deficient – not everyone enters in the right moment. Despite, positive energy is clearly reflected on the stage from the very beginning – Hayley, as usual, hops; Jeremy attacks on the left flank without pausing for breath, recognizing us instantly and fooling around with us and then shifts position with Taylor, so everyone can be easily visible. The track is lively and joyful, so fun is there from the very first moment. Furthermore, we are not under the pressure of other people, a lot of space for airdrumming and so on, we are close to stage, there is a lot of air, luxury, which made forcing through crowd during Deryck’s performance worthy.
Hayley’s ‘mane’ floats in the air, drummer introduces fresh style by diversifying the tracks with cool drums fills. Everyone’s happy, in good mood and excellent condition. After the first dose of energy comes a little break, Hayley says “hi” to the fans of Czech Republic and after famous “We are PARAAAMOOORE!”, familiar “Misery Business” riff kicks in. It’s kinda odd without Josh, but after all remaining trio is here, so the atmosphere is wonderful. People jump merrily. After chorus Hayley decides to ‘crawl’ on the “box” on the edge of the scene by our side and can’t really come down. Very amusing moment : ) Drummer adds a lot of his tricks and ideas, which makes it really fresh. He doesn’t try to imitate Zac and that’s very good!
Subsequently band doesn’t slow down and we can hear another fast Riot!’s song – “For A Pessimist”. “Ignorance”, next one on the setlist, brings down the house. What can I say, this song turns out to be a great choice for live performances. And yet, we can’t ignore other band members. There is a lot more elements we remember from album version, like for instance peculiar keyboard’s melodies during verses. That’s really good one. I have a mixed feelings about surprising vocalizations “HEY!” and those with chorus. In album version it’s one of the best things because of Hayley’s voice layers overlaping. When the same is being performed by a man, it sounds differently. Or maybe that’s the matter of habit. Or simply it was implemented a little bit too loud and that’s why it smites.
After “Ignorance” comes more peaceful song of BNE, “Playing God”. But first, Hayley says, that it’s their first concert after solid break and she was nervous, but everyone is having fun and it’s generally cool. During “Playing God” we can hear new awesome drums fills. Song sounds truly marvelous on live, especially how bass works here.
Later on, band slowers the pacing even more and they introduce romantic “The Only Exception”. Now, everyone waves their hands, some lighters are visible. Nice moment, like actually every one. Plus, we have an opportunity to ‘howl’ like Arkapa in choruses. “Youuu.. Aaaaree…” Unfortunately Hayley had slight problems with her voice – she was incapable of high voice range in the second verse. Folks down here helped her out by beautifully singing out loud part just before last chorus. Of course we may not forget about typical pyrotechnic effects during that one. What’s interesting, sparks fell down on reflectors support frame, which made me wonder about causing a fire likelihood : )
After that smashing hit, Hayley announces, that they are about to perform a new song, which they haven’t even practised before. Boys trained alone, and Hayley couldn’t attend all rehearsals because of mentioned problems. Her worries turned out to be baseless – track is pure greatness! Worldwide premiere of the new single, after all. We were among people who heard it as the first ones. HA! Singing choruses with Hayley is fun. Background voices were performed by some guy.
Now, Hayley encourages us to dance and we already know, what’s coming up next – “Crushcrushcrush”. Concert-killer, it’s hard to imagine Paramore’s setlist without it. Before starting with this track, Hayley acts a little like Billy Joe and screams vocalizations to make people repeat. Her voice-related problems were clearly audible here.
“Pressure” is the next one. Jeremy, in spite of earlier doubts (about scene being wet and potential fall) made a flip, but there was a moment when I though he won’t make it. But he did and his circus-like feat brought down the house again.
“Brick By Boring Brick” was the last one on the setlist. That’s when, as usual, colorful pieces of paper (confetti alike) fell out from blowers. Climate of total havoc at the end of show passed on everyone. And that’s how the first Paramore’s performance in Czech Republic has finished!
So, let’s sum up. It was my second Paramore’s open-air gig and 8th generally. Luckily not-really-cool vibe after London’s gig was wiped out. Simply, that silly over-produced Honda Civic Tour show ruins general impression. Paramore is at its best while focusing at playing and communicating with its audience – when their behavior is spontaneous, not “tied” by some choreography, which quickly becomes tedious. I also liked more the outfit of Hayley. Show was rather short (one hour for every band, even Bullet for My Valentine which performed later), but it reminded of everlasting fun in Munich’s club. Nice shot of energy and you don’t know what were you up to. Setlist consisted only of the most solid songs, no fatigue. Communication was excellent, especially with Jeremy, who stood directly in front of us and colored it constantly with fooling around. Besides, sounds was good (even close to the stage, which isn’t so frequent) and rash fun in the first rows without concerns like being crushed in a crowd or some moronic fighting for survival – it was great!
It turned out, that among few recent shows in Europe this one had unique setlist, because it started with tandem of “That’s What You Get/Misery Business”, when the rest had theirs beginning at “Ignorance/Feeling Sorry”. Also, it included first live performance of “Monster”, so to conclude, this gig was absolutely special and that’s how it’s gonna remain in our memory.
– Kot
source: Kot On Tour
(translation: Galadh)
