On this day, 17 years ago, Paramore played at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City.
The day was May 2, 2007, and I was stoked. I was going to be seeing my favorite band again. I was 18 years old, and times were tough at home and school. But I had this band, and that was pulling me through.
I was, uh, enthusiastic, so of course I arrived at 8am to line up at the venue. Which meant I had to have taken a very early train, since I was coming out from Long Island. Needless to say, there was nobody else there. xD The last time I lined up for a GA Paramore show was at the Toronto show in November 2022, and I showed up at around the same time as that day in ’07…and over 100 people were lined up in front of me. Things are quite different these days, but I will always love the passion that Paramore fans have!
Paramore had a meet and greet that night (pictures below) which was so lovely of them. They did m&g’s for a number of years, but I completely respect why they are no longer feasible as a regular occurence.
That night was so special for me. Since there was no barricade, it was the closest I have ever felt to them at a show (except for when I was literally on stage with them). I felt the crowd much the same way, that we were truly experiencing something special together in that moment. Things would soon start changing for Paramore – as Misery Business swept MTV, Fuse, and all the others – but in that moment, there was only us.
I am grateful every day that this has been my favorite band for almost 20 years. I can’t believe how far they have come – they’re one of the biggest bands in the world now. But back then, they were just getting started.
It feels almost like we grew up together, Zac, Tay, Hayley and I, and all of you too. From kids with humble beginnings down south, to the Grammy-winning power houses that they now are. Paramore have not only transcended genres, but generations. And yet, whenever I look at them, I just see Zac, Taylor, and Hayley.
I hope they know, that whatever they do and whatever path they choose, that we will always support them and lift them up. This band has given us all so much – let’s never forget to give that back to them, and each other.
Love each other, lift each other up, Paramore is a lifestyle. Peace.
-Lisa
This Band Is My life 