Paramore Reportedly Looking At 'Fresh Start' For New Era

The Paramore breakup rumours can be put to rest with a new report indicating that the band’s recent social media wipe was due to their Atlantic Records contract ending, and the trio are now “free agents”.

According to Variety, the band’s longtime website, paramore.net, displayed a 404 Not Found error message, and all remnants of their social media presence were wiped on the day that Paramore’s 20-year record deal with Atlantic ended.

The social media blackout occurred after the pop-punk heroes completed a world tour in support of their sixth album, This Is Why (which arrived in February 2023), thus meeting their contracted obligations with (now former) label Atlantic Records.

In addition to the online disappearance, once Paramore pulled out of playing at ALTer EGO festival, the already-swirling breakup rumours led to a panic amongst fans. However, a source close to the group told Variety that the cancellation was due to scheduling conflicts.

The report also states that Paramore are looking at a “fresh start” for their future. At the time of writing, it’s unclear whether the band will remain independent, free agents, or sign a different record deal.

Upon discussing their impending independence last month, Paramore said in an UPROXX cover story that they felt “a level of uncertainty” towards the prospect of the band’s future.

Comments from the members’ individual accounts sounded hopeful, though, as frontwoman Hayley Williams said, “The only thing that matters is we will still get to be each other’s community.” 

Paramore – Williams, guitarist Taylor York and drummer Zac Farro – have a massive year ahead of them as the main support act for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in Europe from May through to August. They also have booked festival appearances in March.

Paramore returned to Australia for the first time since 2018 in November 2023, with writer Anna Rose proclaiming that Paramore delivered “pop-punk for the ages” and performed with “transcendent energy” in a The Music review of the group’s Brisbane (Meanjin) concert.

This Is Why debuted at the top of the ARIA Albums and Vinyl Albums Chart upon its release last year. This Is Why is Paramore's third #1 album in Australia, following Brand New Eyes (2009) and Paramore (2013). 

After Laughter debuted at #3, their 2005 debut, All We Know Is Falling, failed to chart here but eventually received a Gold certification. Riot! (2007) is also certified Gold in Australia and peaked at #47 upon release.