Linkin Park

Background

Originally formed in 1996 by three high-school friends, Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon the group, then called Xero, was later joined by Joe Hahn, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and Mark Wakefield.

With limited resources they did their work in the make-shift recording studio that was Shinoda’s bedroom. Their lack of success prompted tension in the group, which led to Wakefield and Farrell leaving for other projects.

Their next vocalist was Chester Bennington who was a stand out choice amongst all other applicants due to his unique singing style. He had been referred to the band by Jeff Blue, who was, at the time, the head of Zomba Music and was friends with the band. Blue later became the vice-president of Warner Bros. Records where he helped to get the band, now with the name Linkin Park, a record deal. And on the 24th of October, 2000, they released their first album, titled Hybrid Theory.

Linkin Park combines nu metal, rap, and rock. And judging from their first album, it looks like they are going to be a big name in the music business.

Hybrid Theory

Half a decade of work has gone into their first album, and with the success it is receiving both critically and financially, their hard work has finally paid off. Selling 4.8 million records and winning a Grammy, Hybrid Theory was the highest selling album of 2001.

Along with their own tour Projekt Revolution, the band also toured at major events such as Ozzfest, Family Values Tour, and KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas.

With the return of Farrell, the group released their first DVD: Frat Party at the Pancake Festival, and the remix album Reanimation.

In The End
The nu metal song, first released in Hybrid Theory, is about one person’s failure and is considered symbolic of an ending relationship, or of loss of trust in a friendship.
Will it make the charts? Definitely, and it will be remembered for a long time afterward.

Hits

Their other hits include “In the End”, “Crawling”, and “Papercut” and many more…