ABOUT | INSPIRATION | TRAGEDY
About the Band
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. The band's current lineup comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Mike Shinoda, lead guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave Farrell, DJ/turntablist Joe Hahn and drummer Rob Bourdon, all of whom are founding members. Vocalists Mark Wakefield and Chester Bennington are former members of the band. Categorized as alternative rock, Linkin Park's earlier music spanned a fusion of heavy metal and hip hop, while their later music features more electronica and pop elements.
Inspiration
In 2012, an incredible event happened. My favorite band came to my hometown. But tickets to their concert cost crazy money for me and I can't afford it. But my friends loved me so much that they chipped in and bought me a ticket, for which I am grateful to them to this day. It was incredible to see Chester and Mike live, and Chester filled the stadium with unreal energy, strong enough to send a rocket to the moon. These are unforgettable memories.
I'm also lucky, because after the concert ended, the band started throwing their guitar pick (plectrum) with autographs into the crowd and I got Mike Shinoda's guitar pick. Just imagine about 17k fans in the stadium and I got guitar pick. Every time when I take it in my hand, I remember this indescribable energy in the concert.
Tragedy
Chester Bennington died on July 20, 2017; his death has ruled a suicide by hanging. Mike Shinoda confirmed Bennington's death on Twitter, writing, "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one". The band had released a music video for their single "Talking to Myself" earlier that day. One day after Bennington's death, the band canceled the North American leg of their One More Light World Tour. On the morning of July 24, Linkin Park released an official statement on their website as a tribute to Chester Bennington. After that, the band still has not recovered and it is not known whether they will be able to return in the future.