Paramore’s May 10th, 2013 show at The Fillmore in Detroit captured the band at a pivotal moment in their career. Fresh off the release of Paramore—their self-titled fourth album—the group was redefining themselves, moving away from the angst-driven pop-punk of their earlier years into a more polished, expansive sound that blended arena-ready hooks with the raw energy that had first endeared them to fans. For those in attendance, it wasn’t just a concert; it was a glimpse into the evolution of a band that had survived lineup changes, industry pressures, and the expectations of a devoted fanbase.
The Fillmore, with its intimate yet vibrant layout, served as the perfect venue for this performance. Unlike sprawling stadiums or amphitheaters, The Fillmore allowed the audience to feel both part of the spectacle and connected to the musicians. The stage, modest by mainstream standards but expertly lit and designed, became the canvas on which Paramore painted their sonic journey for nearly two hours.
Setlist
Interlude: Moving On
Misery Business
For a Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic
Decode
Now
Renegade
Pressure
Ain’t It Fun
The Only Exception
Let the Flames Begin
Fast in My Car
Ignorance
Looking Up
Whoa
Anklebiters
That’s What You Get
Still Into You
Encore:
Proof
Brick by Boring Brick
Opening Moments: Moving On to Decode
The show opened with “Interlude: Moving On,” a brief but striking instrumental piece that set the tone. It was understated but powerful, immediately drawing the crowd in with anticipation. The lights dimmed, the venue seemed to collectively hold its breath, and then the band launched into “Misery Business,” arguably their most iconic anthem. From the first explosive chords, the audience erupted, singing every word with fervor. Hayley Williams commanded the stage with the confidence of a performer at the peak of her creative power, balancing precision and raw emotion.
“Misery Business” was a perfect choice to open the show—it was a nod to the band’s roots, an acknowledgment of the fans who had been with them from the start, and a declaration that Paramore had not lost any of their fire. The performance was tight and full of energy, with Taylor York’s guitar lines cutting sharply through the venue while Zac Farro’s drumming punctuated every chorus with authority.
“For a Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic” followed, showcasing the band’s knack for infectious hooks and vocal interplay. The crowd bounced along, swept up in the playful yet poignant lyrics. Hayley’s vocal range shone here, moving effortlessly from soft melodic passages to soaring belts that filled every corner of the theater.
By the time “Decode” arrived, Paramore had established the first emotional high point of the evening. The song, made famous by the Twilight soundtrack, allowed the band to stretch their musical dynamics. The haunting guitar riff, combined with Williams’ emotionally charged delivery, created a cinematic moment that felt both intimate and grandiose. The audience responded passionately, a sea of voices blending with the band in an almost symbiotic performance.
Mid-Set Momentum: Now to Ain’t It Fun
The next phase of the show balanced newer material with fan favorites, demonstrating Paramore’s growth as musicians and songwriters. “Now” and “Renegade” were delivered with precision and intensity, each song highlighting different aspects of the band’s evolving sound. “Now” leaned into a more rhythmic, almost funk-infused groove, while “Renegade” reminded the audience of Paramore’s punk roots, with fiery guitar riffs and relentless energy.
“Pressure” was an especially thrilling moment. The song’s driving beat and sharp, angular guitar work gave the band a chance to showcase their technical skill while keeping the crowd fully engaged. Hayley’s stage presence was magnetic—whether striding across the stage, interacting with the audience, or standing center stage belting out the chorus, she owned the room with effortless charisma.
“Ain’t It Fun” marked a turning point in the set, a transition from high-octane rock anthems to more playful, groove-oriented numbers. The audience was encouraged to clap along and sing, creating a communal, almost celebratory atmosphere. Paramore had mastered the art of reading the room, knowing exactly when to escalate the energy and when to invite the crowd into a more participatory, intimate experience.
Emotional Highs: The Only Exception to Fast in My Car
One of the most poignant moments of the night came with “The Only Exception.” Stripped-down and melodic, this song provided a stark contrast to the aggressive energy of the earlier set. Hayley’s vocals were tender and heartfelt, with every note resonating through the theater. The band’s instrumentation was understated but effective, allowing the lyrics and emotion to take center stage. In this moment, Paramore reminded the audience that their strength lies not just in explosive rock anthems but also in vulnerability and melody.
“Let the Flames Begin” and “Fast in My Car” followed, reigniting the energy with their pulsating rhythms and infectious hooks. The pacing of the set was expertly handled, alternating between emotional intimacy and adrenaline-fueled anthems. Fans were treated to a perfectly curated musical journey, one that kept them engaged while allowing room for reflection and connection.
“Ignorance” was a particularly sharp performance. The biting lyrics and explosive instrumentation captured the essence of Paramore’s early sound while still feeling relevant in the context of their evolved style. It was a reminder that while the band had grown, they hadn’t abandoned the fiery intensity that first drew fans to their music.
Punk Energy: Looking Up to Anklebiters
The latter part of the main set leaned into high-energy, fan-favorite tracks that showcased Paramore’s punk-pop roots. “Looking Up” and “Whoa” were delivered with precision and passion, each song eliciting raucous crowd participation. The Fillmore was alive with energy, fans jumping, singing, and cheering as the band executed each note flawlessly.
“Anklebiters” was a highlight of this segment. Its frenetic pace, combined with a memorable chorus, made it a standout live moment. Hayley’s vocal agility was on full display, shifting seamlessly between melodic lines and high-intensity shouts. The audience’s response was electric, creating a feedback loop of energy that seemed to feed the band’s performance.
“That’s What You Get” and “Still Into You” closed the main set on an exhilarating high note. Both songs are quintessential Paramore: catchy, infectious, and layered with the kind of lyrical honesty that resonates deeply with fans. The combination of audience engagement and the band’s tight performance made these closing tracks feel like a cathartic release, preparing the crowd for the encore.
Encore: Proof and Brick by Boring Brick
Paramore’s encore began with “Proof,” a track that balances melodic vulnerability with subtle punk sensibilities. The band used this moment to slow the pace slightly, creating an intimate atmosphere before launching into the climactic “Brick by Boring Brick.” The latter, with its theatrical energy and driving rhythm, served as a perfect finale. Hayley’s vocals soared, and the audience’s enthusiastic participation elevated the song to a nearly euphoric level. The encore felt like a reward, a culmination of the emotional highs and musical excellence displayed throughout the night.
Stagecraft and Production
The Fillmore’s intimate environment allowed Paramore to maximize the impact of their performance without relying on excessive production. Lighting was used tastefully, enhancing the mood of each song—from stark, focused spotlights for tender ballads to dynamic, color-saturated visuals for high-energy tracks. The band’s interaction with the stage and each other was natural, with a sense of camaraderie that translated to the audience.
Hayley Williams’ stage presence was undeniable. She moved fluidly across the stage, engaging with fans, bandmates, and the music itself. Her charisma anchored the performance, ensuring that every note and lyric carried both weight and emotion. The band’s instrumentation was impeccable, each member contributing to a sound that was both polished and organic.
Audience Engagement
The Detroit crowd was fully invested from start to finish. Paramore has always had a strong connection with their fanbase, and this show demonstrated why. Fans sang along to every lyric, clapped in unison, and responded to every cue from the band. The energy was reciprocal; the band’s performance seemed to draw strength from the audience’s enthusiasm, creating a concert experience that was both exhilarating and intimate.
Moments like “Ain’t It Fun” and “Still Into You” turned the audience into active participants, with sing-alongs and rhythmic clapping creating a communal sense of joy. The interaction between Paramore and the crowd highlighted the band’s ability to balance performance with engagement, making everyone in attendance feel like part of the experience.
Musicianship and Performance
Musically, Paramore was tight, confident, and dynamic. Taylor York’s guitar work was nuanced and powerful, complementing the rhythm section with precision and flair. Zac Farro’s drumming was both energetic and technically impressive, driving the songs while providing subtle textures that enhanced the overall sound. Hayley’s vocals were the undeniable centerpiece, delivering both power and vulnerability with equal skill.
The band’s ability to move between high-energy rock, introspective ballads, and catchy pop-punk anthems was on full display. Each song was executed with attention to detail, maintaining the essence of the studio recordings while adding live energy and nuance.
Conclusion
Paramore’s performance at The Fillmore Detroit on May 10th, 2013 was a masterclass in live rock. The setlist expertly blended fan favorites, deep cuts, and tracks from their then-new self-titled album, taking the audience on a journey through the band’s evolution. From the explosive opening of “Misery Business” to the cathartic finale of “Brick by Boring Brick,” the show balanced energy, emotion, and musicianship with perfect pacing.
The intimate venue, combined with thoughtful stagecraft, lighting, and audience interaction, created an experience that felt both personal and grand. Paramore’s ability to connect with their fans, combined with their tight performance and Hayley Williams’ magnetic presence, made this concert a highlight of their touring history.
For fans old and new, this show was a testament to Paramore’s enduring appeal, their growth as artists, and their ability to craft unforgettable live experiences. It was a night that left the audience exhilarated, connected, and completely satisfied, a reminder of why Paramore remains one of the most compelling acts in modern rock.
Grade: B+