In 2023 Paramore is one of the biggest bands in the world. The band has multiple platinum albums, hit tours and even a Grammy to their name these days. But like all great bands, that wasn’t always the case.
In fact, when they began the band wasn’t even known as Paramore. According to Hayley Williams, they went through “a couple HORRID names” including “Astrophel” and “Drop Dead, Gorgeous.”
In fact, the band’s first technical gig as “Paramore” started out as a “Drop Dead, Gorgeous” set. They played the now-defunct Purple Door Festival in Lewisberry PA on August 21, 2004. All of the advertising listed the band as “Drop Dead, Gorgeous” and that was the name on all of the merch. But the day of the show the band decided to change their name to “Paramore” and history was made.
Fast forward a few months to October 16, 2004. The group now officially known as Paramore took the stage in Antioch, TN for their first show advertised under that name, the 102.9 Buzzfest. They played alongside Lit and supergroup Velvet Revolver.
All 8 songs the band played would eventually be included on their debut album All We Know is Falling in 2005. “Pressure,” “Emergency” and “Conspiracy” were all on the setlist. It is also the first time the band played “Franklin” live.
From a bunch of teenagers making music together to a worldwide sensation, Paramore’s come pretty far. And after their critically acclaimed 2023 album This is Why here’s hoping there’s still even further to go.
