Hayley Williams and David Byrne Release New Duet,Williams Fires Back at Kid Rock Criticism
NEW YORK,NY – Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams has released a new collaboration with David Byrne,”open Teh Door,” just weeks after announcing a series of fall tour dates with the Talking Heads legend. The duet, released October 11, 2025, arrives amidst ongoing public discourse sparked by Williams’ recent solo album and pointed lyrical commentary.
Williams has been actively promoting her latest LP, Ego Death At A bachelorette Party, which includes the track “Ego Death,” widely interpreted as a critique of country singer Morgan Wallen. The song’s lyrics,referencing a “racist country singer,” have drawn ire from conservative figures,most recently resulting in a rebuke from Kid Rock during a Fox News appearance.
During the Fox News segment, Rock criticized musicians in Nashville, stating, “You no what’s stupid is people who think they’re cooler than art thou that worry about their outfit every day like some of these rock singers that live here in Nashville – I won’t stay any names – or these chicks running around on their campuses with their blue hair, their five nose rings.”
Williams responded to Rock’s comments via an Instagram story, recounting her childhood experience with his music. “I remember being a little kid in Meridian, MS the first time I heard a Kid Rock song [‘Bawitdaba’]…at Poplar Springs Elementary’s annual field day. I thought it sounded dangerous and cool.Later, I learned I wasn’t allowed to listen to him ’cause the Southern Baptist Church said he was evil. My how the turn tables!” she wrote,as reported by Stereogum.
Williams previously addressed the subject of her lyrics directly, telling The New York Times’ Popcast podcast, “It could be a couple [singers] but I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen. I don’t give a shit…Find me at Whole Foods, bitch, I don’t care.”
The release of ”Open The Door” and Williams’ response to Rock underscore her continued willingness to engage in public conversation and challenge societal norms through her music and outspoken commentary. The collaboration with Byrne marks another high-profile artistic venture for the paramore singer, solidifying her position as a versatile and influential artist.
