Chester says he's in "full-body atrophy"; still rocking

[hahninator]

Originally spotted on MikeShinodaClan and from the Columbus Dispatch, we saw an interview with Chester from before the Rock on the Range performance. Here's an interesting quote from something he said...

 

Q: Whether in a physical or emotional sense, is it tougher at 39 to find the adrenaline to perform your heavy catalog?

A: "It’s going to be harder this year, I can tell you that. Up until I broke my ankle, I was flying through these sets. I had taken really good care of myself — and this last year of touring after we released (the 2014 album) The Hunting Party had been the best I’ve ever had, vocally.

I was in the best shape of my life; now, I’m in full-body atrophy. I went from touching the rim and being excited about dunking to hoping I’ll be able touch the bottom of the net again.

Can I ever jump off another speaker? I don’t think that’s going to happen."

 

While he says he was in the best shape of his life before his ankle surgery, he's actually pretty pessimistic about his current state. Atrophy is a strong word to use in this situation. We understand he feels differently on stage and probably mentally knows he won't ever be able to go ALL OUT on stage. While we noticed Chester being SLIGHTLY more reserved at Rock in Rio USA, it was Linkin Park's first show since January and they were opening for Metallica. And it was his first show back from his surgery.

 

At Rock on the Range this past weekend, we noticed no actual differences in his on stage antics and energy compared to 2014-2015. He was jumping around as usual on Given Up, From The Inside, and more. Sure, he might not make these so-called huge jumps on stage, but he's still giving the sets a lot more energy than we'd assume following his surgery.Here are some videos:

 

Check the bridge...

 

Another good bridge with an energetic Chester

 

Aaaand the end of Wastelands, of course

 

While it might be harder for him (personally) to physically get through the shows, we haven't noticed a difference yet in how he actually performs - not even more of a reliance on the micstand than before in 2014 or early 2015. And we're saying this after two shows too. Chester seems to actually be in excellent shape on stage despite what he says. And we doubt this will change for the rest of the touring cycle. We actually were expecting him to be a lot more reserved at the shows and this doesn't seem to be the case at all. What do you think?

 

Make sure to check out the whole interview, as he touches on a range of subjects, like Hybrid Theory. "Not that long ago, we did the Download Festival (in England). We were asked to perform Hybrid Theory from front to back. The crowd just lost their minds."

[ChuckCheese]

He said the exact same thing when he messed up his back a couple years ago. He said he would never jump off shit again. This guy isn't calling it quits any time soon. He was absolutely EXPLODING at Rock on the Range. In no way can you tell that he messed up his ankle recently. I think Chester absolutely brings it at almost every show, even if the crowd is sleeping. After watching and listening to sooooo many LP live shows, I often forget that he IS a really really great front man for a band. He's a maniac.

Edited May 22, 2015 by ChuckCheese

[Mesck547]

I guess it's harder for him to get through the shows now after the injury, but he's still putting on a terrific performance. After watching both the Rock In Rio USA and Rock On The Range, I didn't really notice much of a change regarding his performance. I even belive Rock On The Range was his best performance in a while. Even though he probably won't be going crazy and jumping around on stage like he used to, he's still an amazing vocalist, and based on these two shows, he still rocks out. And I belive he'll keep on doing that for years to come.

[JJJ]

He is doing great! His screams are insane aswell (except on the faint bridge for some reason) but other songs just wow.. amazing

[RogueSoul]

Give him a few more months, he'll be jumping off of everything.

 

...and subsequently breaking his ankle again, thereby trapping him in an endless loop

[Derbyster]

I hope he continues to jump, as those get me so pumped during live shows, so badass:D. A bit worried after reading the article, but not the end of the world obviously.

[loulax07]

these guys go thru alot during these tours and i hope they keep it up

physically and mentally. vocally as well

[chmaaoges]

In my opinion you can definetly tell that Chester's voice has evolved over the years. In his agressive way of singing he managed to keep up as good as he could but you can still tell that time has smoothend his rawness a little, which ofcourse is only logical but on some parts in live shows nowadays at least I can tell that can't be as agressive as he used to be.

 

The bridge in "Faint" he just yells a bit, and he rarely screams "I WON'T BE IGNORED" anymore. Also, when they had Victimized/QWERTY in their set the screams weren't even close to how both songs originally sounded.

 

In his clean singing however his range has increased and he can sing higher and still with enough power to make it through the sets. It would be smart for him to at some point consider seeing a vocal coach of some sort to help maintain and increase his vocal range even more.

[Jani]

If you listen to that 'From The Inside'- scream it's obvious he could still scream anything with same power if he cared to put same effort.

Edited May 24, 2015 by Shaco

[tfae]

Good article. I really hope Chester would read it.

 

In the latest shows I've seen, Chester was so fucking great!

His screams are more powerful, sometimes touching what he sounded like in Hybrid Theory and Meteora era. Maybe because he doesn't get so tired from jumping all the time, but I prefer it this way.

Even without all the crazy jumps he puts a lot of energy on stage, and I'm really impressed about his recent performances, specially knowing he broke his ankle just months ago.