Paramore Makes Energetic Return to Charlotte After 6 Years

Spectrum Center; May 23, 2023

Jeff Hahne May 24, 2023

2 minutes read

Hayley Williams with Paramore dances in front of two drum sets, backlit by stage lighting — Paramore performs at Spectrum Center on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Hahne)

It had been six years since Hayley Williams and company had last performed in Charlotte. For Paramore fans in attendance at Spectrum Center on Tuesday night, it was well worth the wait. As soon as the lights went down, the energy inside of the Uptown arena was electric. Paramore always puts on an outstanding live performance, but Tuesday’s show, the opener to the North American leg of the band’s This Is Why Tour, was on another level.

Hayley Williams with Paramore holds both hands above her head in a celebratory manner, backlit by a big screen showing her doing the same thing — Paramore performs at Spectrum Center on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Hahne)

Williams, always a charismatic frontwoman, rarely stood still, constantly kicking up legs, jumping up and down and pacing around the stage. Performing an array of songs old and new, Paramore touched on the hits — including “That’s What You Get” and “Misery Business” — along with plenty of songs from their latest release, This Is Why, including “Liar,” “Crave” and the title track.

The band has hit Charlotte a handful of times: the Fillmore a decade ago, PNC Music Pavilion for the 2014 Warped Tour, and with Fall Out Boy at Ovens Auditorium in 2017. Paramore fans can only hope their next visit to the Queen City doesn’t take another six years.

Hayley Williams with Paramore makes a funny face while singing into a microphone — Paramore performs at Spectrum Center on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Hahne)

Opening the show was Genesis Owusu, an Australian singer who blends elements of funk, punk and hip-hop into an amalgam that’s hypnotic and powerful. Owusu is a true performer who captivated the audience and truly put on a show. He will be returning to Charlotte for a headlining gig at the Visulite Theatre in October.

Genesis Owusu performs onstage — Genesis Owusu performs at Spectrum Center on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Hahne)

The middle slot of the night was held by Bloc Party, an English rock band that has gone on hiatus a couple of times but has emerged possibly stronger. They haven’t gained much notoriety in the States, but it’s not for lack of talent or trying. The downside was being sandwiched between two memorable performances.

Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.

Paramore setlist
You First
The News
That’s What You Get
Playing God
Caught in the Middle
Rose-Colored Boy
Running Out of Time
Decode
Last Hope
Big Man, Little Dignity

Hayley Williams with Paramore belts one out into the mic. — Paramore’s Hayley Williams performs at Spectrum Center on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Hahne)

B-Stage
Liar
Crystal Clear
Hard Times
Told You So
Figure 8
The Only Exception
Baby
Crave
Misery Business
Ain’t It Fun

Encore
Still Into You
This Is Why

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