Josh Farro
The foundational guitarist whose riffs and songwriting helped launch the explosive pop-punk phenomenon Paramore.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American guitarist·Birthday: September 29·Millennials
Biography
Josh Farro's story is etched into the early DNA of Paramore. As a teenager in Franklin, Tennessee, he and his brother Zac formed the band's original instrumental backbone, with Josh's driving guitar work providing the texture and urgency behind Hayley Williams's commanding voice. His contributions on Paramore's first three albums—from the raw energy of 'All We Know Is Falling' to the polished anthems of 'Brand New Eyes'—were crucial in defining their signature blend of emo angst and pop-punk catchiness. His departure from the band in 2010 was a seismic event for fans, marking the end of an era. Farro has since carved a quieter path, fronting the indie rock project Farro and exploring a more introspective, personal songwriting style, but his legacy remains tightly woven into the fabric of 2000s alternative music.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Josh was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Josh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote and performed on Paramore's first three studio albums, which achieved multi-platinum sales.
- His guitar work was central to hit songs like "Misery Business," "That's What You Get," and "Ignorance."
- Released his debut solo album, 'Walkways,' in 2016, establishing his own voice as a frontman and songwriter.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of former Paramore drummer Zac Farro.
Farro studied at Middle Tennessee State University after leaving Paramore.
He is a professed Christian and his faith has influenced his songwriting in his solo work.
“The music was our outlet, a raw sound from a garage in Franklin.”
