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Linkin Park

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Band Timeline

1996

Formation of Linkin Park in Agoura Hills, California

Linkin Park was formed by high school friends Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad Delson in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. Initially, they called their band Xero and recruited Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell, and Mark Wakefield. Using Shinoda's home studio, the band produced a four-track demo that laid the foundation of their musical journey. Their early fusion of heavy metal and hip hop set the stage for their unique sound that would later define their career in the alternative rock and nu metal scenes.
2000

Release and success of debut album Hybrid Theory

In 2000, Linkin Park released their debut studio album, Hybrid Theory, which rapidly gained international acclaim. The album featured hits like 'One Step Closer,' 'Crawling,' and 'In the End,' which received heavy airplay on MTV and charted highly on US rock and pop charts. Hybrid Theory was certified Diamond by the RIAA, marking it as a major commercial success during the peak of the nu metal era. This album established Linkin Park as a prominent voice in rock music and launched their international career.
2003

Release of second album Meteora and continued success

Linkin Park's second album, Meteora, was released in 2003 and continued their trajectory of success. The album retained their signature mix of rock and rap with a polished production, further reinforcing their place in the rock genre. Meteora spawned hit singles and solidified their global fan base. The band's rise during this period saw them becoming one of the most popular and influential rock acts worldwide, accumulating critical acclaim and commercial achievements.
2007

Exploration of new directions with Minutes to Midnight

In 2007, Linkin Park released Minutes to Midnight, an album marking a significant shift in their sound. Moving away from their nu metal roots, the band embraced more experimental rock and alternative influences. This change highlighted their evolving artistry and willingness to innovate. The album received positive reviews and demonstrated the band’s versatility, helping maintain their relevance in the changing music landscape while appealing to a broader audience.
2010

A Thousand Suns introduces electronic elements

Linkin Park's 2010 album A Thousand Suns saw the band incorporating more electronic and experimental sounds into their music. The album was noted for its conceptual and thematic depth, dealing with issues such as nuclear warfare and human fears. This artistic risk was a further departure from their earlier style, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity. The reception was mixed but it underscored Linkin Park’s commitment to evolving their sound beyond traditional rock boundaries.
2012

Tenure with Living Things blending past styles

With the 2012 release of Living Things, Linkin Park aimed to blend elements from their previous works, combining rock, electronic, and hip hop influences. This synthesis resulted in a more contemporary sound that endeared them to both old and new listeners. The album’s success demonstrated the band’s ability to integrate their varied musical influences while producing cohesive and accessible rock music, keeping them vital in the competitive music industry.
2014

Return to heavier rock sound with The Hunting Party

In 2014, Linkin Park released The Hunting Party, an album noted for its return to a heavier rock sound. The record was a reaction against the dominance of electronic music trends, emphasizing raw instrumentation and aggressive energy. This album featured collaborations with several notable rock musicians and was well received by fans who appreciated the band's revitalization of their rock roots while maintaining modern relevance.
2017

One More Light and the tragic death of Chester Bennington

Linkin Park's seventh album, One More Light, released in 2017, represented a shift toward a more pop-oriented sound. Shortly after the album’s release, lead vocalist Chester Bennington tragically died by suicide in July 2017. His death deeply affected the band and fans worldwide, leading to a period of hiatus. This event marked a profound moment in the band's history, highlighting the personal struggles behind their public success.
2024

Reformation and new lineup announced

In September 2024, after a seven-year hiatus, Linkin Park announced their reformation with a new lineup. The band introduced new members Emily Armstrong (vocals) and Colin Brittain (drums), alongside the continuing members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, and Dave Farrell. Concurrently, they released their eighth album, From Zero, which revisits their earlier sound while integrating musical elements from their entire career. This marked a new chapter, signaling both a homage to their legacy and a fresh start for the band.

Albums

linkin-park_1st_album
Hybrid Theory
12 tracks
2000
linkin-park_2nd_album
Meteora
13 tracks
2003
linkin-park_3rd_album
Minutes to Midnight
12 tracks
2007
linkin-park_4th_album
A Thousand Suns
16 tracks
2010
linkin-park_5th_album
Living Things
12 tracks
2012
linkin-park_6th_album
The Hunting Party
12 tracks
2014
linkin-park_7th_album
One More Light
10 tracks
2017
linkin-park_8th_album
From Zero
11 tracks
2024

Collections Featuring Linkin Park

Linkin Park - The Top 10 Songs
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Joseph “Joe” Hahn

1999

Turntable

Rob Bourdon

1999

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Mike Shinoda

1999

Guitar

Keyboard

Sampler

Synthesizer

Dave Farrell

2000

Bass guitar

Brad Delson

1999

Electric guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Chester Bennington

1999
2017

Lead vocals

Kyle Christener

1999
2000

Additional

Bass guitar

Scott Koziol

2000
2000

Bass guitar

Additional

Story of Linkin Park

Linkin Park: A Legacy of Genre-Bending Fury and Emotion

Born in the sunny suburbs of Agoura Hills, California, Linkin Park exploded onto the scene in 1996, forever changing the landscape of rock music. The band, comprised of vocalist/rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Mike Shinoda, lead guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave Farrell, DJ/turntablist Joe Hahn, drummer Rob Bourdon, and the unforgettable vocalist Chester Bennington, defied easy categorization. Their sound was a thrilling fusion of heavy metal's raw energy, hip hop's rhythmic punch, and electronic textures that pulsed with a distinctly modern heartbeat.

Their debut album, Hybrid Theory (2000), became a cultural phenomenon. Certified Diamond by the RIAA, it cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with. Released amidst the nu metal boom, Hybrid Theory dominated MTV and radio airwaves, catapulting anthems like "One Step Closer," "Crawling," and "In the End" to the top of the charts. "In the End" became a global smash, reaching the #2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to the band's ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

Their success only intensified with Meteora (2003), solidifying their status as a true rock powerhouse. But Linkin Park weren't content with resting on their laurels. Minutes to Midnight (2007) saw them pushing boundaries, exploring new sonic territories and embracing more experimental sounds. By the end of the decade, Linkin Park were undoubtedly one of the biggest and most influential rock acts in the world.

Continuing their sonic evolution, A Thousand Suns (2010) layered their music with rich electronic textures, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to creative innovation. Linkin Park's legacy is one of fearless experimentation, relentless drive, and a deep connection with fans who found solace and power in their music. Their impact on the music world is undeniable, forever etched in the hearts of millions.

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