Hayley Williams' Tour Diary, Part 4: Playing To Paramore's Biggest Fans, in Jakarta
By Hayley Williams
Paramore was in the news a lot late last year due to the
very-publicized departure of two members. The band, however, is back
with a new lineup, playing shows, and, from the sounds of their tour diaries courtesy of front woman Hayley Williams, feeling stronger than ever. Here's her fourth installment, which recounts the band's experiences playing to their rabid fans in Jakarta.
For three years, I've been told that the biggest Paramore fans in the world are in Jakarta, Indonesia. My Twitter was constantly flooded with messages and mentions (every day for THREE YEARS) from people there who were begging us to come. It never seemed to fit into our touring schedule, and meanwhile, all our friends had played multiple shows in Indonesia and raved about it. We kept bugging our booking agents to make it happen and I guess they eventually got sick of hearing our whiney voices.
We made it official earlier this year when we announced the show in a video update on our website. You would've thought that it rained gold coins or something the way our fans reacted. Around 6,000 people showed up for the ticket pre-sale. What?! If that weren't enough, the promoter of the show decided to put on this big festival in our honor. He was all, "We shall call it Parafest." The idea was for it to feel like a pre-concert concert.
So at this Paramore Festival -- it almost sounds silly! -- they held a battle of the bands, a graffiti art competition as well as other games where you could win meet and greets for our show; they even had musical fireworks! We should talk about these fireworks...
Earlier this summer, I was sitting up late one night when I came across a video from the festival. I had heard that they were going to be having it but wasn't sure when or what it was going to be like. The video had this still image of fireworks in the air before you pressed play so I immediately became a six-year-old at a 4th of July barbecue. I watched the whole thing twice and I cried like a baby the second time. The fireworks were perfectly timed with our song "Careful." What an interesting choice that they picked one of our heavier, darker songs to do the show to! It really hit me hard. The whole time I was watching all I could think about were the things we'd been through last year; how I wished that all five of us could have been watching that fireworks show together, because when we started the band we never believed anything like this could ever happen. Here were these amazing people all the way across the world we'd never met before, and they knew our songs and who we were and they cared. We're blessed.
Now, the three of us have finally taken the stage in Jakarta and witnessed with our own eyes what our Indonesian fans had been telling us all along. The crowd was more passionate and aggressively into it than just about anywhere we've been. A kid came on stage during "Misery Business" and two-stepped with me! He was smiling so big and had his arm around my neck like we were old friends. The way those people made us feel on that stage was beyond comprehension. There was something amazing in the air and it wasn't the weird smell coming from catering.
I couldn't say or type enough about our experience in Jakarta. What I will say is this: it won't be another six years before we go back.
PREVIOUSLY:
Hayley Williams' Tour Diary Part 1
Hayley Williams' Tour Diary Part 2
Hayley Williams' Tour Diary Part 3
For three years, I've been told that the biggest Paramore fans in the world are in Jakarta, Indonesia. My Twitter was constantly flooded with messages and mentions (every day for THREE YEARS) from people there who were begging us to come. It never seemed to fit into our touring schedule, and meanwhile, all our friends had played multiple shows in Indonesia and raved about it. We kept bugging our booking agents to make it happen and I guess they eventually got sick of hearing our whiney voices.
We made it official earlier this year when we announced the show in a video update on our website. You would've thought that it rained gold coins or something the way our fans reacted. Around 6,000 people showed up for the ticket pre-sale. What?! If that weren't enough, the promoter of the show decided to put on this big festival in our honor. He was all, "We shall call it Parafest." The idea was for it to feel like a pre-concert concert.
So at this Paramore Festival -- it almost sounds silly! -- they held a battle of the bands, a graffiti art competition as well as other games where you could win meet and greets for our show; they even had musical fireworks! We should talk about these fireworks...
Earlier this summer, I was sitting up late one night when I came across a video from the festival. I had heard that they were going to be having it but wasn't sure when or what it was going to be like. The video had this still image of fireworks in the air before you pressed play so I immediately became a six-year-old at a 4th of July barbecue. I watched the whole thing twice and I cried like a baby the second time. The fireworks were perfectly timed with our song "Careful." What an interesting choice that they picked one of our heavier, darker songs to do the show to! It really hit me hard. The whole time I was watching all I could think about were the things we'd been through last year; how I wished that all five of us could have been watching that fireworks show together, because when we started the band we never believed anything like this could ever happen. Here were these amazing people all the way across the world we'd never met before, and they knew our songs and who we were and they cared. We're blessed.
Now, the three of us have finally taken the stage in Jakarta and witnessed with our own eyes what our Indonesian fans had been telling us all along. The crowd was more passionate and aggressively into it than just about anywhere we've been. A kid came on stage during "Misery Business" and two-stepped with me! He was smiling so big and had his arm around my neck like we were old friends. The way those people made us feel on that stage was beyond comprehension. There was something amazing in the air and it wasn't the weird smell coming from catering.
I couldn't say or type enough about our experience in Jakarta. What I will say is this: it won't be another six years before we go back.
PREVIOUSLY:
Hayley Williams' Tour Diary Part 1
Hayley Williams' Tour Diary Part 2
Hayley Williams' Tour Diary Part 3
Your Comment
Posted at 3:58 on Sep 07, 2011
First *-* AWN, I love paramore, and this post is very moving
Posted at 10:58 on Sep 09, 2011
Sometimes I found myself wondering WHY I'm so crazy about Paramore. Why I love this band this much? For years I had this question in my head. And then, this year I went to a Paramore show and I had the time of my life. I couldn't have had a better night. My feelings were on the surface, I laughed, I cried, I made friends, I felt every word and every chord. And this is why I love Paramore. Your music makes people happy, your music means a lot and you guys deserve all the love we fans give you.
Posted at 11:50 on Sep 09, 2011
I'm Glad you Came
:D
Posted at 11:51 on Sep 09, 2011
Hi Hayley,when is the next show in Belgium?
Posted at 11:51 on Sep 09, 2011
Waow... Amazing...
I'm so sad because watch'nt paramore in jakarta.. :(
Posted at 11:54 on Sep 09, 2011
i do agree. Hhe
Posted at 11:55 on Sep 09, 2011
we mizz Paramore Already...
Posted at 11:57 on Sep 09, 2011
cnpq
I have no words to describe how good this band. I'm very anxious for you come back to Brazil again.
Posted at 12:00 on Sep 09, 2011
Omg tht must of been so great nd am the best fan got all ur music lol my hair is even almost the same color love u guys keep on making great music listening to ur musin lifts my spirit in the morning
Posted at 12:01 on Sep 09, 2011
i love them so much. it's strange the way people so far away can feel so close.
Posted at 12:03 on Sep 09, 2011
aww that's sweet!
Posted at 12:03 on Sep 09, 2011
Aww, I love Paramore. And I love you Hayley. Please come back to Malaysia soon :)
Posted at 12:05 on Sep 09, 2011
that firework show sounds amazing!! So glad to hear the guys are having fun!
Posted at 12:07 on Sep 09, 2011
I'd love to see the video of the fireworks, I just checked youtube but no such luck!
Posted at 12:14 on Sep 09, 2011
Yeeessss ,,,
Tour in jakartaa ,,,
Posted at 12:15 on Sep 09, 2011
i was there! :D
Posted at 12:19 on Sep 09, 2011
hy hayley...
thx for paramore come to indonesia :)
i just want to says .. u should be come to bandung,west java is another place in indonesia... im promise in bandung we'll make a experience better than jakarta ,,
so come to bandung :D
*sorry my english bad :p
Posted at 12:30 on Sep 09, 2011
I love Paramore
I hope you can come back to Poland, becouse Poland loves Paramore :)
P.S. I love your hair
P.S. I loveI love everything that is associated with Paramore
Posted at 12:43 on Sep 09, 2011
i like it
Posted at 12:45 on Sep 09, 2011
Speaking about your next show in Indonesia, you should so totally come to Surabaya!
Posted at 12:57 on Sep 09, 2011
sounds like not only you but your fans put on one hell of a show for everyone thats great to hear about
Posted at 1:27 on Sep 09, 2011
Thanks for coming to Indonesia (Bali-Jakarta)..it such a great feeling to become a part of paramore's family..so, I'll be waiting for your 'family visit' next time..hopefully, soon..
p.s. Please consider Bandung, West Java for your next tour destination! :)
Posted at 1:33 on Sep 09, 2011
hayley i love u......
Posted at 1:52 on Sep 09, 2011
Hayley,
You truly have a way with words.
I have always kept Paramore's lyrics close to my heart, because as a writer I find for me the lyrics translate the music into a Song. Reading this though, was wonderful. You have a classic, personal way of writing that a lot of musicians seem to forget when speaking to their fans. Like you are writing a letter with a specific person in mind- and yet that person is really every single one of us, even those of us who live in other places aside from Jakarta.
Thank you for words that have so become a part of my life, and words that honor me with even a little bit of yours.
-Kristen
Posted at 2:40 on Sep 09, 2011
This sounds amazing :) hope guys had a wonderful time in Portugal too. Unfortunately I could not go. But I wish you to come back to Portugal, so I can have the best night of my life too.
I started listenning to Paramore three years ago and now all I can listen is you guys, and some other bands of course, but mostly Paramore :D Your lyrics make me strong and happy.
Please come back to Portugal ;)
Love you guys
xoxo
Posted at 3:05 on Sep 09, 2011
Being in your business I am sure it hard to slow down enough to think about the entire last years events that unfolded I am glad to see you had that chance. Time heals wounds it was a touching story thanks for sharing.
Be safe in your travels and keep putting out the great music!
Posted at 3:55 on Sep 09, 2011
simply amazing!
Posted at 4:11 on Sep 09, 2011
god knows the world doesn´t need an other band! I'll keep your secrets with me, Right behind my teeth, Your anger, your anchor
But I'll sail much father on! paramore is the best band of the world!
Posted at 4:32 on Sep 09, 2011
As I began reading this, I cried when I read "I wish all five of us..". I am a diehard Paramore fan. I was angry when the Farro's left. I just thought, "how could they do this to us?" I was upset that they felt like they didn't matter because they're both huge inspirations to me. Now that I'm over it, I really miss them. Reading that got me. I wish with everything in me it would still be the five of them. They've all inspired me so much and I wish Zac and Josh still be here to see how much fans really do love them. Although a lot of wonderful things and songs have come from them leaving, I dearly miss them
Posted at 5:45 on Sep 09, 2011
Reading things like this leaves me no wonder why i love them so much.
Posted at 7:34 on Sep 09, 2011
Tell your manager to come in ITALYYY!!! We want you here from so long time!!!
Posted at 9:09 on Sep 09, 2011
Wow i was on that crowd, on the right, can you see me? haha..
All of the Paramore songs keep inspiring me everyday.
Dont forget your promise to come back to Jakarta, we miss you guys :D
Posted at 9:53 on Sep 09, 2011
this band is soo awesome. always be my fabulous favorite.. u rock my world ..
Posted at 10:41 on Sep 09, 2011
Sometimes I think, don't their songs sound similar? NOthing stands out? But I am so ignorant when I think that. Its not about chords, or a chatchy beat. It's about the soul purpose of each song, the meaning, the story behind it! That's what separates them from each other! Whether its hardships, success, pain, betrayal, love, anything! It has more than what you're hearing on your computer or music player, it's how you're interpretating it, empathizing, listening to the beautiful lyrics carefully conducted to fit the situation. Paramore isn't like the others, in fact no band is alike. But Paramore take everything they've known, and experienced, and they put it into they're work to make hits. Now I understand each of them more, and it's in a much more deeper and emotional way. Paramore is my favorite band because they connect to me in a very special way, and no one else can do that or replace that sensation, and for that Paramore is unique, talented beyond description, and they were legendary, are legendary, and always will be legendary. Forever they will stick by me and get me through my struggles, and I will never trade that away. I love you all Paramore, along with your mass amounts of fans.
Posted at 1:18 on Sep 10, 2011
The whole time I was watching all I could think about were the things we'd been through last year; how I wished that all five of us could have been watching that fireworks show together, because when we started the band we never believed anything like this could ever happen. --- aww.. i miss the five of you together..I just pray that you guys will still be good friends..i'd love to see y'all in good terms again! God bless you guys even more:))
Posted at 4:13 on Sep 10, 2011
the 5 of us? T______________T
Posted at 8:26 on Sep 10, 2011
more of paramore pleaseeeee
Posted at 9:38 on Sep 10, 2011
we also want it won't be another six years before paramore go back. local earthquake, singing, sweats, head banging, jumping together, until closing fireworks... DAMN ... hellyeah... cause we are paramore...
can't wait to see you in action again and remain at the forefront
Posted at 2:44 on Sep 10, 2011
This is so beautiful i'm so glad that they are happy! We love you Paramore!! :D x
Posted at 1:47 on Sep 11, 2011
Great read! can't wait for part 5 :D i love u hayley
Posted at 12:39 on Sep 11, 2011
I love you hayley
Posted at 2:45 on Sep 11, 2011
Really great articles n,n I proud being Indonesia, were really happy you can enjoy the gigs at Jakarta Indonesia guys.. Thanks alot for coming, I hope I picked up to sing along with you guys at that time.. Dont forget to coming back cause theres alot of parawhore waiting for you guys..
Posted at 5:52 on Sep 11, 2011
Awsome n,n I proud being Indonesia.. Thanx alot for coming guys, dont forget for coming back later, parawhore are waiting for you with more attendees.. And I hope I'll choose go on stage and sing along with you guys n,n Paramore Rock \m/
Posted at 8:16 on Sep 11, 2011
come back to peru!!!
Posted at 11:48 on Sep 11, 2011
Lov paramore fab band ever
Posted at 2:27 on Sep 12, 2011
I love you Hayley!!!! U r so awesome
Posted at 5:36 on Sep 12, 2011
Hi Hayley,
Your post is well written, I've got goose bump reading this. I was one of that crowds, amazing night!! I can feel the land we stepped in were moving like an earth quick.
I start to listening your music since Paramore on Twilight OST album, (Decode and I caught my self), Oh yes.. Im Big fans of Twilight Saga. And since then, I cant stop listening your song and album.
Paramore music to me are like mood-booster, spirit-lifting and your music are connected to me.
I still can't forget the show.... unbelievable that you are finally here, in Jakarta. Thank you for coming!
Please be back soon....
Love
- Ochi -
Posted at 12:00 on Sep 12, 2011
I WAS THERE!!! BEST NIGHT EVER!!!
Posted at 1:09 on Sep 14, 2011
Hey,
Hayley,Taylor and Jeremy it's Stephanie the girl that can't spell (caree.) I don't know if you remember me but hopefully you do. Anyways I'am 24 years old and it's always been a dream of mine to hang out with you. Or be friends with you because I know how you like to stay close with your fans. But I know that you guys are busy with touring and what not. So if we can't I will understand I don't know if you guys read any of these. But if you do call me at (1-815-494-5642)so hope to talk to you soon.Love always Stephanie(P.S. before you post this on the internet can you get rid of my cell phone number. Because I don't want a bunch of werido's calling me and saying that their you. Or you can read it and not post it whatever Love you bye.
Posted at 3:19 on Sep 15, 2011
hey Paramore are you going to come to Australia.please do.
Posted at 9:09 on Sep 17, 2011
This is so amazing =3 ...me too I miss the boys but paramore is excelent!!! hayley is the best!!!
Posted at 1:07 on Sep 22, 2011
i stand in awe when i saw u JUMPIN, SCREAMIN, SHOUTIN... you guys so awesome..
BEST DAY OF MY LIFE when i was in the PARAMORE SHOW..
Posted at 8:55 on Sep 24, 2011
I've been a fan for 5 years now and I really enjoy listening to your music. I remember listening to music like Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, and etc.. and I hated listening to rock music, not knowing what real music was. But when I listened to "Misery Business" in August 2007. I began to like your music a lot and admire you guys a lot. So, I started to listen to bands like Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Evanescence, My Chemical Romance, and etc..
Like @PauloMartes said, this post was/is very moving and I really hope you guys someday come and play a show in Dubai. :D
- Roxy
Posted at 11:46 on Oct 03, 2011
PLEASE COME BACK!!! I'LL JOIN PARAMORE FAMILY AND NEVER EVER LEAVE!!! >.