2026.06.07 - Rock im Park 2026

[RogueSoul]

WHO LET THEM COOK? After another Rock am Ring for the ages, Linkin Park are still in action as they head over to headline the sister festival Rock im Park in Nürnburg, Germany on June 7, 2026!

 

Rock im Park is perhaps just as important to Linkin Park as Rock am Ring, but it gets the short end of the stick for fans being that it generally is not livestreamed. That being said, Linkin Park has performed there just as many times as they have Rock am Ring, though surprisingly not all in the same year. The band doubled up on performances at Rock im Park 2001, performing their scheduled set earlier in the day which mostly mirrored their Rock am Ring 2001 set, missing some of the shenanigans. This came complete with the 'With You' and 'Runaway' opening combo and goods like 'By Myself' and 'Forgotten.' The band were asked to perform a second set that same day once Slipknot ended up cancelling their appearance last minute, and played pretty much the same songs in a different order (they didn't have much else they could play), moving heavier songs up in the set, opening with 'A Place For My Head' and 'Forgotten'  and even throwing a tease of 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses' into the mix. For their first Rock im-performances, the band really showed up ready to work!

 

 

Linkin Park's second performance at Rock im Park 2001 on June 2, 2001, filling in for Slipknot. The crowd initial boo'ed the band, but by the end of the set, Linkin Park had completely won them over.

 

Like with Rock am Ring 2003, the band's first headlining appearance at the festival was slated for Rock im Park 2003, but the entire 2003 European Tour was cancelled to to Chester being hospitalized with severe pains. And while they played a legendary set at Rock am Ring 2004, the band had to skip Rock im Park 2004 due to obligations headlining the Download festival in England (due to the fact they played two shows in 2001, the count of performances at Rock im Park and Rock am Ring still match up). The band finally returned to the Nürnburg stage at Rock im Park 2007, a day following their legendary appearance at Rock am Ring 2007. The setlist was much the same, with songs like 'Leave Out All The Rest' and 'The Little Things Give You Away' being freshly dusted off on this first full leg of the tour and songs like 'Given Up' and 'No More Sorrow' (which had a new Brad Guitar Tease intro here) continued to impress the crowds. It was at this show that the band let the crowd sing the whole bridge of 'In The End' for the first time, too - a tradition that stands still to this day!

 

The band returned for Rock im Park 2012, opening their set with a vicious combo of 'A Place For My Head' (with a brand new show-opening intro that had the fanbase in a headlock back in the day), 'Given Up,' 'Faint,' 'With You,' 'Runaway,' and 'From The Inside' - a true masterclass in epic openings. 'Numb,' which featured much earlier in the set than it normally does, had a false start on it while 'Breaking The Habit' featured a keyboard outro transition that segued into the Ballad Medley. The band brought up a fan named Richard - who had played the unique 'There They Go' and 'Faint' mashup on guitar with the band at their Berlin 2007 performance - during 'Bleed It Out' to propose to his girlfriend before the band kicked into a cover of the Beastie Boys' 'Sabotage.' The band's most recent outing at the festival was at Rock im Park 2014, where The Hunting Party songs like 'Guilty All The Same' and 'Wastelands' got a chance to shine. Other rare tracks like 'A Light That Never Comes' and 'Robot Boy' (the latter in the form of an interlude) also made appearances in this set. With a healthy history at the festival and a massive Rock am Ring performance behind them, we're sure big things are ahead for this year's festival, too!

 

 

Footage from Linkin Park's performance at Rock im Park 2012 on June 3, 2012.

 

Now, let's talk about the big guns: Rock am Ring 2026. It takes a lot for Linkin Park to impress the LPLive team nowadays after doing this for nearly 20 years, but yesterday was one of those nights we were blown away. Kicking the show off by announcing their Unshatter documentary (out in theaters soon), the band made sure fans knew this was a spectacle, with both the fans there and the ones watching at home already exploding with excitement. The surprises didn't stop there, as the band did the unthinkable: instead of opening the show with the regular Inception Intro, they whipped out the old Rock am Ring Intro from their 2001 show, right before performing 'With You' for the first time with Emily, Colin, and Alex, and for the first time overall since 2014! This song has been highly requested by fans since Colin mentioned wanting to play it last year - and they really did their homework for it. Complete with all the classic moments from the iconic "come on!" scream at the intro, Emily matching Chester's color scheme from the 2001 show, and the ever-beloved "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Hahn," it was truly a phenomenal performance. And though the band's set was a shortened 90 minute festival one, they packed it full of goods including 'Lying From You,' 'A Place For My Head,' and what might just be the best performance of 'IGYEIH' yet. To top it all off, Mike even threw in a verse of 'Reading My Eyes' over the extended bridge of 'Bleed It Out.' Ending the show with 'Faint' (perhaps as a nod to Rock am Ring 2007), fireworks sounded off as the band finished up their triumphant return to the festival. This really was another classic Linkin Park show in the making, with the band firing off on a cylinders from performance to setlist.

 

 

Linkin Park's full set from Rock am Ring 2026 on June 5, 2026. This will definitely be another show to add to the legendary Rock am Ring archives!

 

One thing we didn't see much of at Rock am Ring was collaborations - and we know the band has a lot of friends in town for this one. Papa Roach and Architects go on before the band on the Utopia Stage, while Don Broco plays on another. Limp Bizkit's set falls a good 45 minutes after Linkin Park's here as well, and with pictures of the band with Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach members floating around on Instagram now, maybe there could be some magic made onstage between them all! With a shortened festival set again on our hands, its unlikely we'll see too many rotations in the set, but we'll definitely see some flip ups - maybe some different Hybrid Theory songs like 'Crawling' or 'Points Of Authority,' and likely a different heavy song - 'Given Up' is still waiting for an appearance in Europe. The biggest question on our minds is whether or not the trailer + Rock am Ring Intro + 'With You' opening combination sticks around for the following shows, or if that was just a Rock am Ring special. We'll find out tonight!

 

Who's going to the show? After this festival, the band get back on to headlining stadiums with a show in Vienna, Austria and two in Munich, Germany - I'm parked up in Vienna for the weekend ready for the action, so I will be seeing you there! Weatherman Rogue Soul reporting a pretty beautiful day ahead for the festival, if not a bit cool with temperatures up to 22°C and down to 9°C. Dress appropriately and get to have a lot of fun with a lot of great music!

 

As always, we are looking for pictures or scans of a number of items from the band's 2025 and 2026 tour, including wristbands, tickets, setlists, exclusive pop-up store content, and more. If you have anything to contribute, check out our thread on the matter and submit your pictures directly to us - if they meet the mark we will get them uploaded to the show pages and credit you (and also blur your information out where applicable)! Last year we launched an LPLive Newsletter for those looking for more of a TL;DR version of what's going on with the tour than my pre-show posts - we'll be sending it out every couple of weeks so as to not flood your inbox, and will be bringing you an overview of both tour and general news updates, so be sure to sign up if you haven't already!

 

We'll have you covered on everything the band does at this show and everything they whip out for the rest of the year, so be sure to sign up on the forums and follow us on social media (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook)!

[LPLStaff]

I don't see them running the With You again to open, as much as we want it. Hell I'd take it every show the rest of the touring cycle it's so epic. They probably keep it as the one-off and now open with Emptiness. We REALLY need them to keep With You around in the setlists though somehow. Joe REALLY shines on that intro and the song overall.

[JZLP9CharlesMarcia]

4 minutes ago, LPLStaff said:

I don't see them running the With You again to open, as much as we want it. Hell I'd take it every show the rest of the touring cycle it's so epic. They probably keep it as the one-off and now open with Emptiness. We REALLY need them to keep With You around in the setlists though somehow. Joe REALLY shines on that intro and the song overall.

 

I was just thinking about this

It works way better than Emptiness as the opener also it feels fresh. 

 

The inception and all the other interludes are getting really boring there's no hype anymore. 

 

Just open every damn set with With You, perfect way to finish this era. 

 

What if they show the trailer to Unshatter at every show?

 

[BartBart91]

Perhaps you'll open with "A Place for my Head," just like at Rock im Park in 2001.

[Steve]

I am surprised that there is still little to none fan videos from show especially intro because we need to hear beat situation ..... 90 thousands phones in crowd during show and still no uploads LMAO.

[LPLStaff]

7 hours ago, Steve said:

I am surprised that there is still little to none fan videos from show especially intro because we need to hear beat situation ..... 90 thousands phones in crowd during show and still no uploads LMAO.

 

Beat situation is the same. Maybe Joe triggered it late or something. Saw a video on Instagram.

[neverback199]

One of the most annoying things is that Emily leaves the microphone for the crowd during "One Step Closer" at the bridge section, especially when she is supposed to scream, "Shut up, I'm talking to you." Instead of delivering the line herself, she lets the audience sing it. Chester never did that during his 17 years with Linkin Park.
I have listened to many covers of the song and attended several tribute band performances, and they never leave out that part. It makes me wonder whether Emily is unable to scream properly, struggles to yell with enough power, or simply runs out of breath.In my view, this is a waste of potential. There were other singers who could have been a better choice. Mike has said that talent was not the primary criterion and that camaraderie was more important. If that was truly the intention, then this comeback feels more like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia than a genuine musical return.Even though the songs are performed in lower keys, she still seems unable to deliver certain screams or hit some of the required notes consistently. She should work on improving her screaming technique; otherwise, I don't think this reunion will have long-term success. If things continue this way, the band could face difficulties in maintaining momentum over the next few years and may be they will part their ways of disband

[rracer2013]

22 minutes ago, neverback199 said:

One of the most annoying things is that Emily leaves the microphone for the crowd during "One Step Closer" at the bridge section, especially when she is supposed to scream, "Shut up, I'm talking to you." Instead of delivering the line herself, she lets the audience sing it. Chester never did that during his 17 years with Linkin Park.
I have listened to many covers of the song and attended several tribute band performances, and they never leave out that part. It makes me wonder whether Emily is unable to scream properly, struggles to yell with enough power, or simply runs out of breath.In my view, this is a waste of potential. There were other singers who could have been a better choice. Mike has said that talent was not the primary criterion and that camaraderie was more important. If that was truly the intention, then this comeback feels more like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia than a genuine musical return.Even though the songs are performed in lower keys, she still seems unable to deliver certain screams or hit some of the required notes consistently. She should work on improving her screaming technique; otherwise, I don't think this reunion will have long-term success. If things continue this way, the band could face difficulties in maintaining momentum over the next few years and may be they will part their ways of disband

This entire critique says far more about the writer’s unrealistic expectations than about Emily’s actual performance. Reducing a complex live show to a single shouted line in “One Step Closer” is not analysis — it’s nitpicking dressed up as expertise.

First, leaving a signature line to the crowd is not a flaw, it’s a deliberate artistic choice used by countless vocalists across genres. It builds energy, honors the audience, and acknowledges the emotional weight of a song that has defined Linkin Park’s legacy for over two decades. Pretending this is some kind of vocal failure is simply uninformed.

Second, comparing Emily to Chester as if she’s supposed to be a carbon copy is not only unfair — it’s impossible. Chester was a once‑in‑a‑generation vocalist. Demanding that anyone who steps on that stage must replicate him note‑for‑note is a recipe for perpetual disappointment. Emily was chosen because she brings something new, not because she imitates the past.

The speculation about her “not being able to scream” is exactly that: speculation. She performs full sets, handles demanding material, and does so under a level of scrutiny no tribute singer or cover artist has ever faced. The idea that someone watching a few YouTube clips or tribute shows can diagnose her technique is laughable.

As for the claim that “other singers would have been better”: based on what? A fantasy draft? Mike has been transparent — chemistry, trust, and creative alignment mattered more than finding a Chester impersonator. That’s not a weakness. That’s how real bands survive.

Calling the comeback “nostalgia‑capitalization” is equally hollow. If Linkin Park wanted easy nostalgia money, they wouldn’t take the risk of introducing a new vocalist at all. They chose the harder path: evolution. Reinvention. Courage. The opposite of what this critique implies.

And the dramatic prediction that the band might “fall apart in a few years” is nothing more than doom‑mongering. The band has just begun a new chapter. Declaring its failure before it’s even unfolded isn’t insight — it’s pessimism masquerading as prophecy.

In short: this rant isn’t constructive criticism. It’s a cocktail of unrealistic comparisons, baseless assumptions, and personal frustration projected onto an artist who is doing the hardest job imaginable — stepping into a legacy that no one could ever replicate. Emily deserves respect for that, not armchair diagnoses and nostalgia‑driven gatekeeping.

[xxHybridXeroxx]

3 minutes ago, rracer2013 said:

This entire critique says far more about the writer’s unrealistic expectations than about Emily’s actual performance. Reducing a complex live show to a single shouted line in “One Step Closer” is not analysis — it’s nitpicking dressed up as expertise.

First, leaving a signature line to the crowd is not a flaw, it’s a deliberate artistic choice used by countless vocalists across genres. It builds energy, honors the audience, and acknowledges the emotional weight of a song that has defined Linkin Park’s legacy for over two decades. Pretending this is some kind of vocal failure is simply uninformed.

Second, comparing Emily to Chester as if she’s supposed to be a carbon copy is not only unfair — it’s impossible. Chester was a once‑in‑a‑generation vocalist. Demanding that anyone who steps on that stage must replicate him note‑for‑note is a recipe for perpetual disappointment. Emily was chosen because she brings something new, not because she imitates the past.

The speculation about her “not being able to scream” is exactly that: speculation. She performs full sets, handles demanding material, and does so under a level of scrutiny no tribute singer or cover artist has ever faced. The idea that someone watching a few YouTube clips or tribute shows can diagnose her technique is laughable.

As for the claim that “other singers would have been better”: based on what? A fantasy draft? Mike has been transparent — chemistry, trust, and creative alignment mattered more than finding a Chester impersonator. That’s not a weakness. That’s how real bands survive.

Calling the comeback “nostalgia‑capitalization” is equally hollow. If Linkin Park wanted easy nostalgia money, they wouldn’t take the risk of introducing a new vocalist at all. They chose the harder path: evolution. Reinvention. Courage. The opposite of what this critique implies.

And the dramatic prediction that the band might “fall apart in a few years” is nothing more than doom‑mongering. The band has just begun a new chapter. Declaring its failure before it’s even unfolded isn’t insight — it’s pessimism masquerading as prophecy.

In short: this rant isn’t constructive criticism. It’s a cocktail of unrealistic comparisons, baseless assumptions, and personal frustration projected onto an artist who is doing the hardest job imaginable — stepping into a legacy that no one could ever replicate. Emily deserves respect for that, not armchair diagnoses and nostalgia‑driven gatekeeping.

Well said! Couldn’t have said it any better myself. 

[JZLP9CharlesMarcia]

you forgot to add Felipes legendary exclusive of Rock Im Park 2001

this is a MUST WATCH performance

 

pretty sure that its 100x better than RAR 01

 

https://youtu.be/VWzDx5psGrc

Edited June 7 by JZLP-Benningstrong

[JZLP9CharlesMarcia]

 

[Rasputin 93]

1 hour ago, neverback199 said:

One of the most annoying things is that Emily leaves the microphone for the crowd during "One Step Closer" at the bridge section, especially when she is supposed to scream, "Shut up, I'm talking to you."

 

If things continue this way, the band could face difficulties in maintaining momentum over the next few years and may be they will part their ways of disband

I think that you could've just summed this up like that, it'd have saved me so much trouble understanding your point, which is just garbage.

[lpforever07]

2 hours ago, neverback199 said:

One of the most annoying things is that Emily leaves the microphone for the crowd during "One Step Closer" at the bridge section, especially when she is supposed to scream, "Shut up, I'm talking to you." Instead of delivering the line herself, she lets the audience sing it. Chester never did that during his 17 years with Linkin Park.
I have listened to many covers of the song and attended several tribute band performances, and they never leave out that part. It makes me wonder whether Emily is unable to scream properly, struggles to yell with enough power, or simply runs out of breath.In my view, this is a waste of potential. There were other singers who could have been a better choice. Mike has said that talent was not the primary criterion and that camaraderie was more important. If that was truly the intention, then this comeback feels more like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia than a genuine musical return.Even though the songs are performed in lower keys, she still seems unable to deliver certain screams or hit some of the required notes consistently. She should work on improving her screaming technique; otherwise, I don't think this reunion will have long-term success. If things continue this way, the band could face difficulties in maintaining momentum over the next few years and may be they will part their ways of disband

I've rarely heard such nonsense. Please go somewhere else.

 

[MMM]

In The End bridge from RockimPark'01 is my best LP moment EVER!

 

[bloodbath]

5 hours ago, neverback199 said:

One of the most annoying things is that Emily leaves the microphone for the crowd during "One Step Closer" at the bridge section, especially when she is supposed to scream, "Shut up, I'm talking to you." Instead of delivering the line herself, she lets the audience sing it. Chester never did that during his 17 years with Linkin Park.
I have listened to many covers of the song and attended several tribute band performances, and they never leave out that part. It makes me wonder whether Emily is unable to scream properly, struggles to yell with enough power, or simply runs out of breath.In my view, this is a waste of potential. There were other singers who could have been a better choice. Mike has said that talent was not the primary criterion and that camaraderie was more important. If that was truly the intention, then this comeback feels more like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia than a genuine musical return.Even though the songs are performed in lower keys, she still seems unable to deliver certain screams or hit some of the required notes consistently. She should work on improving her screaming technique; otherwise, I don't think this reunion will have long-term success. If things continue this way, the band could face difficulties in maintaining momentum over the next few years and may be they will part their ways of disband

Dude, we're in 2026, you're 2 years late for the "it's not Linkin Park without Chester" train. 

 

4 hours ago, JZLP-Benningstrong said:

you forgot to add Felipes legendary exclusive of Rock Im Park 2001

this is a MUST WATCH performance

 

pretty sure that its 100x better than RAR 01

 

https://youtu.be/VWzDx5psGrc

For me the 2001 and 2012 shows were better than their RAR counterparts. 

[LPLStaff]

5 hours ago, neverback199 said:

It makes me wonder whether Emily is unable to scream properly, struggles to yell with enough power, or simply runs out of breath.

 

It's almost like... Emily... isn't.... Chester.

 

Stop trying to make 1 on 1 comparisons, you'll always be let down if you do that. She lives and performs in a world of her own. She does not or nor should she replicate every single thing Chester did. We have 17 years of Chester shows for that.

[xxHybridXeroxx]

53 minutes ago, LPLStaff said:

We have 17 years of Chester shows for that.

And we have a lot of them too… 

 

Whenever I’m nostalgic or just feeling like it I can listen to a Chester show and admire what a talent he was, and saying Emily is talented as well doesn’t take away from Chester’s talent. 
 

I’m glad they got Emily, I’d rather someone completely different than some weirdo who mimics Chester. 
 

 

[RogueSoul]

[thor3]

8 hours ago, neverback199 said:

One of the most annoying things is that Emily leaves the microphone for the crowd during "One Step Closer" at the bridge section, especially when she is supposed to scream, "Shut up, I'm talking to you." Instead of delivering the line herself, she lets the audience sing it. Chester never did that during his 17 years with Linkin Park.
I have listened to many covers of the song and attended several tribute band performances, and they never leave out that part. It makes me wonder whether Emily is unable to scream properly, struggles to yell with enough power, or simply runs out of breath.In my view, this is a waste of potential. There were other singers who could have been a better choice. Mike has said that talent was not the primary criterion and that camaraderie was more important. If that was truly the intention, then this comeback feels more like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia than a genuine musical return.Even though the songs are performed in lower keys, she still seems unable to deliver certain screams or hit some of the required notes consistently. She should work on improving her screaming technique; otherwise, I don't think this reunion will have long-term success. If things continue this way, the band could face difficulties in maintaining momentum over the next few years and may be they will part their ways of disband

 get use to it buddy, Emily's not going anywhere lol 

[neverback199]

1 hour ago, thor3 said:

 get use to it buddy, Emily's not going anywhere lol 

She may be removed from the band within the next two years or so, and Mike might eventually regret his decision to revive Linkin Park especially with her while overlooking other talented singers. During the selection process, he worked with several vocalists who could have been better choices. As In the end, talent cannot outweigh friendship.
There were many ways for the band to move forward. They could have collaborated with a variety of singers. There is no doubt that Emily is a good vocalist, but in my opinion, her voice is not well suited for nu metal and hard rock. Her strengths seem to lie more in punk and pop music.
I wanted Linkin Park to continue as well, but doing it this way feels like they are damaging what remains of the band's legacy. What is the point of performing songs in lowered keys if she still struggles with some of the heavier vocal parts ? She seems to avoid or modify certain demanding sections in almost every song and she does it deliberately leaving mic for crowd . I have rarely seen other singers do this so consistently. There already appears to be a decline in their viewership and also They are also not performing in stadium-sized venues as frequently as they did in the past. A strong vocal performance is a major part of the enjoyment for fans. If the classic songs cannot be performed convincingly, many people may question whether it is worth spending money to attend the concerts.
At least some tribute bands sound much closer to the original recordings and give fans a sense of the enjoyment they experienced during their teenage years. I don't understand mike worked with bobby amaru and his daughter in performing faint and it was phenomenal why  mike didn't chose him instead of emily ? 

[LPLStaff]

lol

[Fleur de Lys]

The truth is, Emily’s voice is one in a generation too. The way she delivers the chorus on The Emptiness Machine and similar parts is proof of an insanely rare level of talent. Like the chorus of Smells Like Teen Spirit-rare or Crawling-rare.

 

I often remember back to the Chester tribute show. How much every single other vocalist was struggling with the material, how thin and unconvincing most choruses sounded. Emily can pull the material of convincingly. She can sing Crawling more powerful honestly than Chester could for like 20 years.

 

Listen to the LANDMVRKS cover of Bleed It Out to see how cringe and unconvincing a lot of other singers sound on LP material - singers that people hail in the comments and say should replace Emily.
 

Also, no keys are lowered? They are higher, because woman’s voices naturally sit one whole octave above men’s, but most songs keep the original key though.

The explosive, screaming bridges were amazing with Chester, yes. But wouldn’t it also be annoying if someone literally outdid him every night? Those moments can remain Chester’s.

 

But the real uncomfortable truth is, for 90% of the show, verses and raspy choruses, Chester was the one struggling with pitch and doing the raspy tone from the albums. Emily is very consistently good on these points.

 

No chance that LP will ever change her out. It just won’t happen.

 

 

[Trumtram]

Geki with the hot take, I see?

[LPLC24]

3 hours ago, Fleur de Lys said:

 

 

I often remember back to the Chester tribute show. How much every single other vocalist was struggling with the material, how thin and unconvincing most choruses sounded. Emily can pull the material of convincingly. She can sing Crawling more powerful honestly than Chester could for like 20 years.

 

 

The thing about the memorial show is that they were just picking singers who they were friends with, from bands Chester had toured with. They weren't necessarily picking the best singers in the world best suited for the songs. 

For example it was obvious Mark Hoppus wouldn't be good at What I've done but they picked him because they were friends with the band. The point of that concert was to pay respect to Chester, not to create the best sounding concert.

 

Disappointing to see they didn't start with 'With you' last night.

I wonder if there is a chance they could open Download with 'Don't stay' given that it was the first song they played at the festival in 2004. I doubt it because that concert isn't really famous.

Edited June 8 by LPLC24

[Fleur de Lys]

Well I know this, but it is still telling that the material was so difficult to pull of other professional rock singers: the likes of M. Shadows, Taka from ONE OK ROCK, Jonathan Davis. Some of them were hard to listen to.

 

It proves how difficult an LP show is to pull of every night (even was for Chester) and Emily is honestly doing an amazing job.