Hayley Williams revealed that she doesn't play guitar with Paramore because of sexist comments that don't appreciate women's talent. The conversation took place on the Face-to-Face podcast , hosted by Wet Leg Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers .
The conversation about misogyny in the music world began with a statement from Rhian: “I think that, for us, one of the hardest or most annoying things about being a woman is probably the super stupid comments on the internet. Like, 'Oh, she's holding the guitar but she's not really playing'.”
“For example, when I’m not using the guitar but then I’ll need it in the chorus or something, there’s always a comment like, ‘Girls shouldn’t play guitar, women shouldn’t play guitar,’ and that’s it — it’s so outdated, but it’s still there! And I just hate it so much and it’s so frustrating” (transcription via Tenho Mais Discos Que Amigos! ).
Hayley then quickly told her side of the story: “I know these people so well, and I don’t even play guitar on stage. I wouldn’t even dare, because I love playing guitar but I don’t know if I could handle… men. I understand you so much. I just hate that people even need to point it out. I don’t think about my gender at all, especially when we’re making music. It’s simply not part of the issue.”
Presenter Hester added that this sexism is something frightening that can cause blockages when one is not comfortable with the situation, especially in shows for a large audience.
The vocalist had already demonstrated her skills with the instrument when she recorded the solo album Flowers for Vases/Descansos (2021), in addition to Tiny Desk , in which she appeared quite nervous. “The little guitar I played on Tiny Desk was like, 'Oh, God. It's going to happen. I'm going to see those comments.' But, well, fuck it,” Williams commented. The performance can be watched at the end of this article.
Finally, Paramore will arrive in Brazil in March for three shows to promote the band's new album, which debuts in February.
READ ALSO: Hayley Williams interrupts Paramore show due to fight: “I look like a teacher”