Linkin Park's Legacy: Past, Present, and Future

[B3NTR1LL]

Hello everyone. I want to start this article by introducing myself. My name is Ben! When I was 4 years old my dad brought home a CD called Hybrid Theory from a band that was playing in a parking lot stage at Ozzfest. He immediately fell in love and joined Linkin Park Underground and shared the music with me. It shaped my life, it was the reason I learned drums and shaped my taste in music. I was able to see them when I was 7 at Project Rev 2004. I was able to meet them at Project Rev 2007. A few years ago I was able to join LPLive Staff and I love the group and the community it has. Blessed to be on the team. Needless to say I love this band and they have been a HUGE part of my life. 

 

Now let's discuss this bands legacy. Past, Present and Future.

 

We will start with Chester joining the band (Even though it started before but we will start here). The rock/rap and music scene wasn't not ready for them. As soon as they hopped on the scene and OSC was on the radio they exploded. They became the biggest band in the 21st century. Their legacy ignited. And they didn't look back. They came out with Meteora and they continued to grow. They became true monsters in music. SO big that Warner allowed them to take the reins on their sound after the band proved them wrong. During HT the label tried to suppress their ideas, then the album blew expectation out of the water and Warner and said "Alright we stand corrected, what do y'all need for the next album?" After Meteora the band for the first time wanted a sonic shift. They wanted to break out of their signature sound and do something that made them happy and broaden their musical horizons. They brought in legendary Rick Rubin and wrote an incredible album that changed the bands outlook and broaden their fanbase. Moving forward to the most polarizing album at the time with A Thousand Suns they really made the statement "we are going to make what we want and explore new creative sounds and ways to express our music". A Thousand Suns came on with a bang and polarized the fanbase, some loved it some hated and some (as myself) did not like it at first but grew on me tremendously. It ended up being one of my favorites and I personally think it is the most genius and masterful album in their catalog. They continued from here to kill it live and expand their musical taste, surprising fans at each turn. Tragically in 2017 in between tours Chester Bennington lost his life. The band, fanbase, the world, the music industry was shocked and heartbroken and we grieved and everyone was filled with questions.

 

 

Mike put out Post Traumatic pouring his heart and emotions out for the fans and took it on the road. He did this to commune and heal with the fans.He continued to release singles and produce/write/collab  for other artist  and kept the fandom fed. From there we were able to celebrate Hybrid Theory and Meteora together with them and remember their monumental albums. The unreleased track like 'Lost' and the biggest mystery of ever the holy grail if you will 'Pictureboard' once again took the World by storm. Fans loved the box sets and Lost became a huge hit. While we were celebrating these monumetous albums there was still the question of the future of the band. 

 

Then we got Papercuts singles collection to have their singles packaged up in one collection. That included the studio and digital release of fan favorite QWERTY (Including the live version from Tokyo thankfully) and of course the unreleased song from One More Light Friendly Fire. To me this was a closing of a chapter for the band as they were opening a new one. Fans once again were estancia to hear Chester's voice. That brings us to April/May of 2024 when rumors began to circulate from Billboard and Orgy frontman Jay Gordon that the band was discussing coming back and  booking shows. This got fans exited and we were talking about the possibility of a comeback again. The energy and excitement was building. Then we got the infamous countdown that ended up counting up to a mystery even in LA September 5th. People were losing their minds the internet was melting down. Who's is singing, what is happening, etc. The fanbase was exited people were talking about the future again. It felt incredible to have this feeling again. Then September 5th happen and a small group of LPU members were invited to what ending up being a Launch show ushering in the new era of Linking Park with Emily Armstrong from DeadSara. This was huge with words of happiness and encouragement came pouring in from musicians like Shinedown, Machine Gun Kelly, The Word Alive, Avenged Sevenfold, etc. And of course the fans were hugely exited. We are getting a new LP album after 7 years. We are able to them live again after 7years. Ahhhh the excitement and emotions are real. The band is energetic and you can tell from the Secret Show they were truly happy and loving every moment, which is the most important. We are so back. 

 

The LP legacy and influence is real. In todays rock and music scene their influence is heard everywhere. Because of LP bands are not afraid to change their sound, to do what they want, to break out the box. Artist were inspired to started creating and started singing (including Emily and Colin) because of Linkin Park and Chester. Notable bands like Bad Omens, Motionless in White, Bring Me The Horizon have Linking Parks influence all over. Rappers dipping their toes into a rock-ish sound, all of this was ultimately inspired by LP. In my opinion there is not a single artist with more influence than LP. Sam Carter from Architects Linking park and Chester for him wanting to make music and have his voice style like Chester. 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, as a fan I am beyond exited and Overwhelmed with the news. I cannot wait to see them like in NYC and beyond. I thought Emily did great and I am just so pumped as I am sure a lot of people are. I am blessed to be a part of the greater fanbase in the world and to be a part of LPLive. Thank y'all for bringing me on. There is no bigger band worldwide and there is no there band that has a connection (From day 1) with their fans than Linking Park. We will miss Rob but of course will always love him and support him and his decision. Colin is a beast. Let's support them, be happy with them and enjoy every moment. What a time to be a Linkin Park fan. Chester is smiling looking down and I am sure is super happy for them as they continue to honor his and their legacy. New era of LP is here and I could not be happier. From Zero Here we come!

 

 

 

-Ben aka B3NTR1LL