Hayley Williams of Paramore joined Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters for an extraordinary, rock-loving feature on their cult classic song “My Hero” at Bonnaroo 2023.
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Following the release of their eighth studio album But Here We Are…, the Foo Fighters’ tour is jam-packed with headlining music festivals, including the final day of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival just last night. While the Foo Fighters performed a head-banging 19-song setlist, it was their rendition of “My Hero” that really brought all kinds of rock fans together. Halfway through the song, Grohl says, “We might need a little help, We’re gonna need a little help, come on Hayley!” and shocked the crowd by inviting pop-punk singer Hayley Williams on stage. Paramore had just taken the stage before Foo Fighters, and her re-appearance was met with a roaring welcome. As Williams added her own spin of high notes and belting to the duet, Grohl yelled to his audience, “She’s harmonizing!” And indeed she was, with her punk soprano voice highly complimenting Grohl’s rock veteran sound.
It makes perfect sense why the two fit so well together, as Paramore has long cited the Foo Fighters as one of their major influences. “They are a really important band to everyone, the whole world, but such an important band to Paramore,” Williams shared in a BBC interview. “When I first met the guys, there were a few albums that we talked about a lot, that we referenced a lot, Foo Fighters was a band that always came up.” In fact, the band even covered “My Hero” back in 2006, just before they would release their massively successful album Riot! and become a mainstream stay in alternative rock. What’s more, drummer Zac Farro actually brought a drum kit that was previously owned by Taylor Hawkins on their very first tours. “For our first shows and tours, it’s like we stole a blessing from Taylor Hawkins. It’s like we took it as him saying, ‘Yes, go forth and continue,’” she recalled.
This is surely a full-circle moment for Hayley, and Grohl seemed just as excited to have her on. “Ah, s*** Hayley, let’s make them sing!” he yelled to the crowd as they dropped out to hear the audience roar.
Check out the fan-filmed video of their live performance below, and be sure to watch out for both the Foo Fighters’ and Paramore’s tours this summer.
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