Hayley Williams Launches Solo Tour, Announces Australian Debut, and Pays Tribute to Ex-Husband Chad Gilbert
Hayley Williams has officially kicked off her solo journey with The Hayley Williams Show, a tour that began earlier this month in West Palm Beach, Florida. The opening night was a spectacular affair, featuring eight live debuts and a cover of a Nina Simone classic, setting a high bar for the rest of the tour. Fans can expect a deeply personal and dynamic setlist that showcases Williams’ versatility as a solo artist. The full setlist from the West Palm Beach show has been released, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
In exciting news for international fans, Williams is bringing The Hayley Williams Show to Australia for the first time, with two intimate solo concerts scheduled for February 2027. These shows mark a significant expansion of her solo career, as she continues to tour in support of her solo work. The Australian dates are part of the ongoing tour that began in the United States, and they promise to be unforgettable experiences for fans Down Under.
Amidst the tour excitement, Williams is also navigating a personal loss. Her ex-husband, Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, passed away at 45 after a battle with cancer. Williams shared a heartfelt statement on her Instagram Stories, expressing gratitude for the time they shared. “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot,” she wrote. She also credited Gilbert with giving her a “deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore.” Her tribute highlights the profound impact he had on her life and career.
In other news, Turnstile has announced NEVER ENOUGH: VERSIONS, a reimagined take on their Grammy-winning album, due in August. The project features a full guest list that includes Williams, further cementing her connection to the hardcore and punk scenes. As Williams continues to tour and evolve as a solo artist, her influence and legacy in the music world remain as strong as ever.
Shimanta Das 
