Is Paramore Still a Band?

Bassist Jeremy Davis performing at Wango Tango 2015

     Feelings of shock and sadness spread through the entire Paramore fan base on December 14th when the band announced that bassist Jeremy Davis would be leaving Paramore. Davis is one of the co-founders of the band, which was formed a decade ago. Paramore broke the sad news through a Facebook statement, writing, "We've written and re-written this countless times and there's just not a good way to put it... Jeremy is no longer going to be in the band with us."

      "These last few years have held some of the most fulfilling moments we’ve had yet... as people, as friends, and as a band," the band continued. "The Self-Titled era was one that we knew would be important for us but also one we'd eventually have to move on from. In moving forward, there is growth, pain, and change... and sometimes the change is not at all what you hoped for. To be honest, this has been really painful. After taking time to consider how to move forward, we ultimately found that we really do believe Paramore can and should continue on. And so we will."

     Paramore has had a string of bad luck with their lineup over the past five years, considering Davis isn't the first member to leave the band. Back in 2010, co-founders Josh and Zack Farro left the band in a nasty split. Since then, Paramore has consisted of three members- until now, of course.  

     Nevertheless, this isn't Davis' first time leaving the band. At the very beginning of Paramore in 2004, Davis left the band for about six months and then returned. This fact is what has the Paramore fan base holding on to the idea that he will soon return, something I wish I believed.

    Davis' departure from Paramore leaves two members standing: lead singer Hayley Williams and guitarist Taylor York. That's hardly enough members to even be considered a band, however, the two decided to remain devoted to what they've spent their entire lives doing. Williams is now the only original member left in the band since York joined the band in 2007, two years after it was formed. 

    So many questions are left looming in the air: Why did Jeremy leave so suddenly? Will a new bassist be chosen to take his spot? Most importantly, who will do the signature back-assisted flip with Taylor York during live performances of 'Pressure' now?

     Many were left wondering whether or not Parahoy!, the band's 4-day cruise filled with performances, was still set in stone after losing a member. The show went on after all and Paramore-or at least what's left of it- set sail on March 5th. During the show, Williams gave a shout out to all former members of Paramore saying, "It’s been an honor to play music with Josh [Farro], with Zac [Farro], with Jeremy [Davis], everyone that’s ever played with Paramore. It’s such an honor, to have friendship and music rolled into one thing."