Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Yesterday, September 30, Linkin Park’s new live performance film/documentary, “UNSHATTER,” debuted in theatres, as per theprp. The nu metal kingpins have shared the live performance of their diamond-certified single “In The End” below as a final warm-up for it, depending on your time zone. The band’s November 15, 2024 performance at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil, served as the setting for the featured concert video in “UNSHATTER.” Last week, the movie’s official soundtrack was released.
Linkin Park was originally founded by Agoura High School classmates Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad Delson in Agoura Hills, California. Following high school graduation, the trio pursued music more aggressively, expanding the lineup with Joe Hahn, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and lead vocalist Mark Wakefield under the original name Xero. Working with limited resources out of Shinoda’s bedroom studio, the group recorded and produced a four-track cassette demo titled “Xero”, released in November 1997. That same month, Xero played their live debut opening for SX-10 and System of a Down at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood.
Delson eventually connected the band with Jeff Blue, then vice president of A&R at Zomba Music, for whom Delson had previously interned. Blue offered constructive feedback to help the band refine their pitch to record labels, and after attending a live performance in 1998, he saw immense potential in Xero — though he believed a new lead vocalist was necessary for a breakthrough. As rejection from labels mounted, internal frustration grew, prompting Wakefield to quit the group to pursue other opportunities. Around the same time, Farrell temporarily exited the lineup to tour with the Christian punk and ska outfit Tasty Snax.
After a lengthy search for Wakefield’s replacement, Xero hired Chester Bennington, a vocalist from Arizona recommended by Jeff Blue in March 1999. Bennington, formerly of the alternative rock band Grey Daze, stood out among candidates due to his dynamic singing style. The band then agreed to change their name from Xero to Hybrid Theory; the new vocal chemistry between Shinoda and Bennington revitalised the band, inspiring them to concentrate on new songs. Additionally, the band hired bassist Kyle Christner on a temporary basis. In May 1999, the band published a self-titled extended play, which they distributed via internet chat rooms and forums with the assistance of an online “street team”.
