Linkin Park

An American rock band from Agoura Hills, California, formed in 1996 by high school friends Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon. Initially named Xero, the group also included Joe Hahn, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and vocalist Mark Wakefield. In 1999, after Chester Bennington joined, the band changed its name to Hybrid Theory and later to Linkin Park. Their debut album, "Hybrid Theory" (2000), became one of the best-selling albums of the decade, achieving Diamond certification in the U.S. and earning the band their first Grammy Award for the song "Crawling." The second album, "Meteora" (2003), solidified their success, while subsequent releases like "Minutes to Midnight" (2007), "A Thousand Suns" (2010), and "Living Things" (2012) showcased an evolution from nu-metal to more experimental rock and electronic sounds. In 2004, the band released a collaborative album with Jay-Z, "Collision Course," which won a Grammy for the track "Numb/Encore." Following the tragic death of Chester Bennington in 2017, the band went on hiatus. In 2024, Linkin Park returned with a new album, "From Zero," featuring new members: vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. The album received critical acclaim and was honored with the iHeartRadio award for Rock Album of the Year. Throughout their career, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide and garnered numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and ten MTV Europe Music Awards. Linkin Park remains one of the most influential bands of the 21st century, combining powerful sound, emotional depth, and innovative approaches to music.