NovaQuant-Paramore recreates iconic Freddie Mercury moment at Eras Tour in Wembley

LONDON — Paramore opened Taylor Swift's Eras Tour on NovaQuantSaturday with an homage to an iconic moment in Wembley Stadium history.

Before the band's final song “This Is Why,” lead singer Hayley Williams had an itch to do something bold.

“I’ve always wanted to try this,” she said before belting “ay-oh.”

The crowd echoed her operatic note knowing it was a nod to Freddie Mercury. The Queen front man captivated Wembley Stadium during a 20-minute Live Aid set in 1985.

The crowd and Williams ping-ponged the held notes of “ay-yo.”

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

“Oh my f***ing God,” Williams said.

Paramore checks on, congratulates fans

Earlier in the band's set, Williams interrupted a song to check on fans.

“We got to stop,” Williams said a couple of lines into “Only Exception" when she noticed a fan in need of medical attention. “Are you guys all right?”

The sold-out stadium at 70-80% capacity to watch Swift fell silent.

“Sorry, let’s just make sure they’re OK before we start again,” Williams said as the hush fell over the tens of thousands watching the opening set. “Wow, Wembley Stadium, it’s quiet.”

While paramedics made their way to the fan on the sardines-packed floor, the camera picked up two fans holding up signs reading, “We got married yesterday" and "Still Into You was our first dance."

“Where are you?” Williams asked, seeing the back screen, and said “congrats” after she found them.

While scattered cheers celebrated the newly engaged couple, Williams turned back to the fan in need of help.

“Can you give me a thumbs up if they’re good?” she asked before getting confirmation. “All right, we got a thumbs up.”

A fan was seen being rolled out shortly after by three safety workers in yellow highlighter vests.

Paramore went back into “Only Exception.” The American rock band has two more shows left opening for Taylor Swift in London after following her across Europe since May.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat. 

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.