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Paris Paloma Turns Franklin Music Hall Into a Cathedral of Catharsis
Flower crowns, paper stars, and plenty of tears: The Fatal Flaw Tour gave Philly fans a night they'll be talking about for a long time.
Article Contributed & Photography by Rebecca McDevitt
If you were anywhere near Franklin Music Hall on October 23, you saw them: flower crowns, floral gowns, flowing skirts, and glitter for days. Paris Paloma fans showed up dressed like they'd stepped straight out of an enchanted forest, and honestly, we've never felt more at home in a crowd.
The last time Paloma played Philly, it was Union Transfer in March 2025. This time she came back bigger, fresh off an arena run supporting Florence + The Machine, and her fans packed the room wall to wall to welcome her home. The energy was buzzing before a single note was played.
Susannah Joffe Stole Our Hearts First
Opener Susannah Joffe walked out in a crown, a tutu, and cowboy boots, and we were obsessed immediately. Part princess, part cowgirl, all feminist fire. Her vocals were incredible, her performance matched them, and she fit this bill perfectly. If you missed her set, go stream her now. SoundCheck officially has a new favorite.
A Family Tree for All of Us
When Paloma took the stage, fans gasped at the set: a tree stretching its branches across the stage, filled with hearts and stars, with a heart at its center and a giant one glowing at the top. To us, it felt like a family tree for the matriarchy, or maybe for everyone in that room who found each other through her music. She kicked things off with Stem The Flow, and the whole crowd was hooked from the first line. The lighting stayed dreamy and ethereal all night long.
Fans Gave Paris Paloma the Stars
Just two songs later, the fans gave Paloma a gift of their own. As “Miyazaki” began, paper stars rose across the room, each printed with a line from the song. “I won’t let you take it from me”It was breathtaking and so sweet, and you could see on her face that she felt every single one. Three songs in and we were already emotional. Moments like that are why we love this fandom.
Fans who've had The Fatal Flaw on repeat since September were well rewarded. Ten of the fifteen songs came from the new album, and the crowd sang along to “Rothko”, “Pre-Raphaelite”, and “I Cry in Front of Paintings” like they'd known them for years. Longtime fans got their Cacophony fix too, with “drywall” and “as good a reason” sending the room into full singalong mode.
The Moment That Hit Us Hardest
Good Girl was the moment so many of us will carry home. Before the song, Paloma talked about the men online who constantly comment on her body, and how she's done listening to them. She talked about how we're always at war with ourselves over our bodies, and you could feel every person in that room nodding along.
As a woman co-founded publication, we felt that one in our bones. She also opened up about how hard it can be to love a man as a feminist while fighting the patriarchy, and later spoke about toxic masculinity and the pressure that pushes men toward it. It felt like a conversation between friends.
Closing With the Anthem
Of course, the night ended with labour, the 2023 breakout that brought so many of us to Paloma in the first place. After everything she'd shared on that stage, hearing the whole room scream “labour” back together was pure catharsis.
Emotional, moving, ethereal, and full of love. Paloma's vocals were stunning from start to finish, and we cried more than once (no shame). With two nights at DC's 9:30 Club still to come, we're already jealous of everyone heading there. Philly, you showed up for her, and she showed up for you right back.
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