Linkin Park is an American rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The founding members were Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon. Later, Joe Hahn, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and lead vocalist Chester Bennington joined the group. Their music is characterized by a mix of alternative rock, nu-metal, and electronic elements, blending heavy guitar riffs with hip-hop and electronic influences. Their debut album, Hybrid Theory, was released in 2000 and became a commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and earning a Diamond certification from the RIAA.
The band's follow-up album, Meteora (2003), continued their success, featuring singles such as "Numb" and "Somewhere I Belong." Linkin Park became known for their fusion of different genres, incorporating rap vocals by Shinoda and screamed or melodic singing by Bennington. Over the years, they explored various styles, evolving their sound with albums like Minutes to Midnight (2007) and A Thousand Suns (2010). The band's experimentation led them to embrace more electronic and alternative rock influences, departing somewhat from their earlier, heavier sound.
Chester Bennington's death in 2017 marked a significant moment in the band's history. Bennington had been a key figure in the band's identity, and his passing deeply affected the members and fans alike. Despite this, Linkin Park remains influential in the music industry, and their songs continue to have a lasting impact on rock, alternative, and mainstream music genres.
In 2024, the band announced that Emily Armstrong, known for her work with Dead Sara, would join as the lead vocalist for their upcoming tour, marking a new chapter in Linkin Park’s evolution. Armstrong's addition follows the band's continued efforts to reinvent their sound and adapt to the evolving musical landscape. Linkin Park has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have also been noted for their involvement in various charitable efforts, including the establishment of Music for Relief, a nonprofit organization supporting disaster relief and environmental protection.
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