Paramore not breaking up, taking an extended break, Williams says

Hayley Williams said Paramore is not breaking up but is taking an extended break, addressing fan concerns that grew after the singer released a surprise solo album this summer. In an interview with The Face, Williams said the band of Williams, guitarist Taylor York and drummer Zac Farro remain intact, but that long pauses between albums are part of how the group processes life and creative change.

"Do we ever know where we're at? We always take huge breaks," Williams told the magazine. "In order for us to metabolize shit that we go through as people, it takes the amount of time it takes between albums." She added praise for her bandmates, saying, "There are no better musicians in the world than Zac and Taylor," and called the touring crew "magic."

The clarification follows a flurry of speculation after Williams quietly previewed and then released Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. The project first appeared on a password protected website on July 28, was officially released online on August 1 and later repackaged with an 18th track, Parachute, on August 28, with a physical release scheduled for November 7. The unconventional rollout and candid lyrics prompted some fans to read...