RogueSoul

Thanks brother. We're all here for you too, even if it doesn't seem like it. Hope you made it through the day okay, it's all up from here man!

I of course wrote this for the LP community, but I wrote something on my Instagram for my friends and people who might not quite get it still. I wrote about my own depression and my story briefly, and thanked some friends who helped me. Maybe you guys might want to do the same! Here's my post, if you write something similar about your own struggle, feel free to tag me. I'd love to read it. https://www.instagram.com/p/BldyGvRn2Tt/

As much as we've all dreaded this day, we all knew it was going to come. It felt to all of us on the staff like the last hurdle to get over, after anniversaries such as the last show he played and all the moments on the One More Light European Tour. But this one is different. With those, it was a nice reflection and memories of some good times. This was one we all wish we could just press skip on. Today marks one year since the passing of Chester Bennington. I remember exactly where I was at one year ago when I heard the news. I was going through a break up, my ex leaving me for someone else she had just gotten to know. I was in bed with a heavy heart, pleading for her to stay with me, when Mark told us all in the Skype chat. In that moment, I dropped everything. I stopped, in disbelief more than anything else. I felt my heart break all over again, now in both a state of denial and shock. At some point I managed to get out of bed and just ended up sitting on the bathroom floor, not crying but wishing I could. A few hours later, I came here to post the official news, and that was by and far one of the hardest things I've ever had to write. July 21 was actually what I consider to be the worst day of my life. Not the day my ex left me, nor the exact day Chester died. It was the day I woke up feeling nothing but pain. A gaping hole in my heart growing more painful with every second. I laid there hoping I'd have a heart attack, or for anything to happen to take that pain away. Without my friends and family, I wouldn't be here today to type this. July 21 was very nearly the end of my life by my own hands. This post isn't meant to be a depressing one. I'm not here for sympathy or to bring you down, either. But what's important is that we all remember how we felt that day. That heartbreak, anger, confusion, and everything else in between is what proves to us that our connection to Chester, Linkin Park, and the music was real. Whenever you lose someone, be it a family member, a friend, or an idol, it's never going to be easy. It's a punch in the gut and it brings you straight back to reality. But as much as it hurts, that pain assures you that that person was important, and that's what matters the most. I wrote this post to let you know that there's a future. I told you my story because it's important to acknowledge the past. I took that pain and made something of it. I did all I could to release all my emotions: I made a covers EP called After July, where I did a cover of 'Leave Out All The Rest' as a way of connecting to and celebrating Chester. That EP also has songs that helped me get through my break up, as well as an original song. I released several more songs since then, and I just released a new EP of all original material, centered around one of the most important songs I've ever written myself, called 'Relativity.' Whatever pain I felt, I turned it into something that made me stronger, that proved to me that there is reason to move ahead. It hurt in the present, but out of pain and heartbreak comes the most powerful things. I've seen therapists, too. I don't take antidepressants and I haven't been diagnosed by any doctors, but the therapists I've spoken to told me I definitely have depressive episodes. I've even had to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at one point in the last year. Pain makes us human. Pain inspires art, and we all know ourselves how much of that raw emotion inspired our favorite songs by this band. Today sucks. It's going to be a hard day to get through for sure, but just think about this: we are alive. We are here, one year later, living and breathing. Since July 20, 2017, we've cried, we've smiled, we've laughed, we've hurt, we've celebrated; we've done everything. Even when all seemed hopeless, we are here. Time stops for no one, and it certainly hasn't stopped for us. All the same, it's going to keep ticking ahead one second at a time, and we have no choice but to follow its flow. And as cruel as it may have been, we've persevered through every second of it that's come. We as a community have helped so many people. When Avicii died, this community was there to comfort mourning fans. When Anthony Bourdain died, we opened our arms once again, as we have done so for every suicide since. Mike Shinoda is carrying on Chester's legacy with his own solo career, and is touring for his first solo album. Talinda Bennington is campaigning to raise awareness for mental health awareness and making sure we stop ignoring mental health and looking at it as a sign of weakness. So face today, and every day going forward, knowing that you are strong. Your demons don't define you. Losing Chester won't be the last time you lose someone, and it sadly won't be the last time your heart breaks. But with every ounce of pain comes new motivation to be a better person and overcome it. If things aren't looking so great right now, I promise they will soon. There is a light at the end of every tunnel, even if you can't see it. You have to be willing to chase it. Take it from me: I was at the lowest point of my entire life one year ago. But when you're at the bottom, the only way you can go is up. Make today yours. You are a miracle, never forget that. Thank you to Mike, Rob, Brad, Joe, and Phoenix for not abandoning us even when they faced their own tragedy. Thank you to Talinda for not giving into pain and fighting it, in order to save others from the same fate. Thank you to Anna, Jim, Lorenzo, and the rest of the Linkin Park family and crew for all they've done for fans and for suicide awareness as well. Without these incredible, strong individuals, we wouldn't be the same people we are today. From myself and the rest of LPLive, thank you for sticking by us and making this fanbase the best one on Earth. Thank you for giving me and all the other staff members the opportunity to make this place a home. Thank you for being here. Thank you for making Chester proud. When you feel you're alone, cut off from this cruel world Your instincts telling you to run Listen to your heart, those angel voices They'll sing to you, they'll be your guide back home. When you've suffered enough and your spirit is breaking You're growing desperate from the fight Remember you're loved and you always will be This melody will bring you right back home When life leaves us blind Love keeps us kind When life leaves us blind Love keeps us kind ------------------ We've created a lengthy YouTube playlist with what we consider to be some of the best performances of Linkin Park's greatest hits for those who want to spend this day celebrating his amazing work with the band. You can find it here.

The Deftones are launching their own music festival this year, and who better to be on the inaugural lineup than Mike Shinoda? Mike will perform at the first annual Dia De Los Deftones in San Diego, California on November 3 at The Park at Petco Park! This will be Mikes first solo show in San Diego following several performances in the Los Angeles area. Mike will perform before Deftones and Future. This is the first U.S. date Mike will be playing in November - will we be seeing anymore tour dates centered around this? Anyone going to go? Would be great to see Mike and Chino perform Lift Off together! Mike's tour starts back up soon, with the LoveLoud festival in Salt Lake City at the end of July before a big Asia and Europe tour in August and September.

Lots of background vocal stuff even in LP concerts. There's often more than two vocal harmonies in some songs so they'll put the ones Mike and Chester can't cover on playback (unless you have gang vocals like in 'Iridescent,' which even then I'm sure are backed with playback vocals). 'Talking To Myself' is probably the most clear example of them using background vocals in recent times.

A nice surprise to start the weekend! Mike has shared the new music video for Lift Off from Post Traumatic, giving us the next visual for the record.

Mike's second collection of merchandise has gone live - this time, it's called the Kintsugi Collection! First and foremost, there are some new shirt designs! A couple of new t-shirts, including a shirt designed around 'Brooding' from Post Traumatic. A woman's tank top with on of the original Mike photos from this area is now available, featuring lyrics from 'Watching As I Fall' and 'Hold It Together.' A couple of other designs on shirts are also available, like two different color variations of a new Shadow Tee ("Shadow Black" is pictured above) and some long sleeve designs, including a nice new teal colored pullover. Mike's made sure to deliver this time with some unique items. Perhaps most notable is the official #Flannoda flannel, donning the iconic black and red plaid as well as some new artwork on the back. Perhaps the best part of this is the description: "Created in the fires of a slumbering volcano by the mythical Garment Elves of lore, this black/red plaid flannel is made of 100% brushed unicorn hair with buttons cut from the compressed adrenal fluid of a direwolf. There's an embroidered MS Signature Logo hit on left chest and a Shinoda Art Therapy graphic on the back. The graphic hits were printed using a rare ink laced with aged South American whale milk. The wearer of this unique item is granted +10 to their defense and singalong stats. This flannel is special. Don't miss out." Last but not least, we have some more special items. Another Mike Shinoda cap is now available, with his signature right in the front. A new skate deck is included, as well. You can now own a pair of iconic Boris and Mrs. Oatmeal (from the 'Ghosts' video!) socks for yourself for all your sock puppet needs. Grab a pair of the new phantom slides for your summer-time comfort, and lastly you can grab an enamel pin to put on anything you desire to carry your Shinoda pride anywhere you go! Check out all of Mike's merch on his online store. Who's planning on buying anything from this collection? The merchandise from the original Disrupted Collection are all still available, too. Personally, I don't think I'll be getting anything (I'm growing tired of the "let's put a square of art on a t-shirt" design they've been doing - hoping for more stuff like the Shadow tee in the future, and things are a bit pricey), but then again I do need a new pair of sandals and those Phantom slides look mad comfortable and cool. (Shinoda camp, if you need someone to promote your merchandise, you know who to call). Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates, and join the LPLive Discord for discussion with fans around the world! Check out the rest of Mike's touring schedule here.

Lil' bump to this. If anyone wants to update this with OML/PT and everything else that's come out and wants access to it feel free to request access and I'll give it to you when I get the email (shoutout sMart for reminding me about this lol) It'll all be incorporated into Linkinpedia at some point, too.

Full show (minus RTN because I didn't film it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X9YuI9EXds&t=0s&list=PL7tvOWXcbuPfM638uaknHW8fA1lm-bDrQ&index=2

See you guys there! Time to jam.

Mike has released a music video for 'Promises I Can't Keep!' It features a cool sidescrolling effect and is the next addition to the visual element for Post Traumatic. What are your thoughts of the video? Mike has plans to make a music video for every song off of the album ('Brooding' could be next, as he's said recently he's working on a video for it), so what song are you excited to see a visual for? For all the updates on Mike and Linkin Park, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and join the LPLive Discord for discussion on the band!

Place To Start (Ext. Intro) Welcome Jornada del Muerto Waiting For The End / Hands Held High / Where'd You Go (Apaches Intro w/ UIB) Castle Of Glass (Piano Style) Roads Untraveled Promises I Can't Keep Watching As I Fall Ghosts Sorry For Now (Ext. Bridge w/ Demo Verse) Lift Off When They Come For Me Kenji World's On Fire In The End (Piano Version) About You/Over Again/Papercut Make It Up As I Go Can't Hear You Now Brooding I.O.U. Remember The Name Running From My Shadow (Ext. Outro w/ Verse)

After an amazing first solo headlining show yesterday at New York City's Gramercy Theater, Mike is wrapping up his short promo tour in the city today in Brooklyn, at a special event at Apple Williamsburg called Today At Apple. Today At Apple is more than just a performance - it's an entire event. Journalist Rob Markman will be speaking with Mike about several things tonight before his performance; as the event description says, "He’ll join music journalist Rob Markman in conversation about the loss of his bandmate and his journey to his current solo career. We’ll celebrate the release of his first solo album, Post Traumatic, with a performance and video by Shinoda." So expect some inside looks on the album, Mike's headspace, and a unique performance! Last night's show at the Gramercy was nothing short of epic. Watch this epic highlight from the show: 'Sorry For Now' featuring a new extended bridge that sees Mike rapping the song's original demo verse! As far as what he'll play, we're again uncertain. We expected a short set at the Amoeba Music performance, but that ended up being a fairly long show! Perhaps we can expect a shortened set like that, or a small "showcase" set like he played at the KROQ HD Radio Sound Space which consisted of Linkin Park hits like 'Castle Of Glass' and 'Waiting For The End' (mashup up with Fort Minor's 'Where'd You Go') and his own new tracks including 'Ghosts' and 'Running From My Shadow.' We'll have to see! Mike heads home to Los Angeles for a week before returning to the east coast for one more promo show in Camden, New Jersey at Radio 104.5's 11th Birthday Show! He'll take most of July off before starting up again at the end of the month in preparation for his upcoming Asian and European Tours happening in the latter half of the summer and start of the fall. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates, and join the LPLive Discord for discussion with fans around the world! Check out the rest of Mike's touring schedule here.

Uploading my videos to MEGA for those who want it. Stay tuned for later today, I'll post them in a thread.

Good god the filth that was tonight is inexplainable. Uploading the videos I took now - full show minus WFTE/WYG and GG/BIO (which is on the LPL Twitter) Playlist here

There's a post count (it's somewhere between 10 and 20) you need to have before you can post in the shoutbox.

We've had festival performances. We've had promo appearances. But now we're at what we've all been waiting for: Mike's first full solo headlining show. Mike's performing the second Post Traumatic Release Show today in New York City, New York at the esteemed Gramercy Theater! Mike's been rolling strong with promo from his new record Post Traumatic for the last week. Starting last week in Hollywood, Mike performed a set at Amoeba Records, debuting 'Ghosts' and 'Running From My Shadow' live, as well as performing 'Make It Up As I Go' for the first time with K.Flay! A new piano style version of 'Castle Of Glass' was introduced to the set, as well. Another show came the next day at the KROQ HD Radio Sound Space, which was short but action packed, with a 'Castle Of Glass' opener and Mike jumping into the crowd for the final song 'Running From My Shadow' before doing a Q&A. On June 18, Mike did an album signing in West Babylon, New York, and let me say, it was an amazing event! Hundreds of fans, and Mike took the time to talk to every single one of them - including me! Yesterday, Mike performed his first solo TV performance since 2015's performance of 'Welcome' on Conan as Fort Minor. He played 'Crossing A Line' on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, but with a twist - The Roots played as his backing band! This was the first time Mike has performed solo material with a backing band. It definitely sounded great - and different! Would be great to see it happen more often, especially with these new songs. Watch Mike's full performance at the KROQ HD Radio Sound Space from a few days ago. Given that this is Mike's first fully solo headlining show, we can definitely expect some surprises. For one, we have no idea what the full set's gonna look like. We'd imagine it won't be too different from Mike's Identity LA performance, which is the fullest set he's played to date. The Amoeba Records show seemed to roughly follow the same framework as this set, though with a few substitutions with new songs and the absence of certain slots of other songs. We don't know if 'Kenji,' 'When They Come For Me,' 'Roads Untraveled,' or 'Sorry For Now' are still in the set or have been replaced with new songs from Post Traumatic, for example. Mike's been working on the live set, and has said that it will constantly be evolving throughout his tour. Perhaps we're about to see the first big update to the set, as it were. What surprises do you think he has under his sleeve? Who will be there? Mark and I will both be in attendance (and running to the Thirty Seconds To Mars show at Madison Square Garden afterwards ), so if you see us say hi and chat! After this show, Mike has one more event planned in New York: at the Apple Store in Brooklyn, where he will be performing and running through the process of writing and recording Post Traumatic for Today At Apple. Mike has one more appearance for this run of promotional shows, which will be in Camden, New Jersey at the end of the month for Radio 104.5's 11th Birthday Celebration. He's taking most of July off - understandable - before kicking back up at the end of the month with a warm up show at Salt Lake City's LoveLoud festival. After that, he's embarking on an Asian Tour throughout August that is immediately followed by a growing European Tour in the fall. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates, and join the LPLive Discord for discussion with fans around the world! Check out the rest of Mike's touring schedule here.

Well, Shinoda strikes again. 'Crossing A Line' with The Roots as his backing band.

Oh hell yeah! I knew you were someone I knew from the forums but I was like, "I'm not 100% sure who that was" lmao. Great meeting you, see you tomorrow!

I don't believe this happened. Stood in line, a couple people came up to me because of either my hair or LPLive (one person wanted a picture!). When it finally came time for Mike, we actually had a little talk. He knew me as Rogue Soul. He's read my posts, he remembers talking to me through LPLive. When I told him I was also Immortal Reviews, he said, "That's you too? You're like my hero." He even remembered seeing me before (Grand Central Station). Even as I was getting ushered away, he called back at me "What's your name? It was a pleasure to finally meet you!" God I love this man. Definitely worth driving through the atrocity of Long Island's roads.

In the case of I.O.U., think of it in the context of the grieving process. The second half of the record is all about looking forward and trying to come to acceptance rather than sticking in the past. At that point of the process, you'll want to be looking at other things that you enjoy doing or are fun - in this case, Mark going hard on a dope beat - as you begin to think of things beyond tragedy. Musicians write music to write. It doesn't necessarily need to be assigned to a project or be set in stone that you'll one day release it. I know I have dozens of lyrics and melodies written down and in my head that don't have a "place" yet, but maybe they will one day. It's not a linear process (sort of like grieving, huh?). I don't think the fact that some of the songs were originally meant for other projects (Place To Start, Make It Up As I Go for One More Light, and I.O.U. and possibly others for Fort Minor) takes away from the message of Post Traumatic. You can even look at it from the angle that Mike's taking the good stuff/memories from the past to do something constructive for the present and future. As long as it comes from his heart, all it can do is really strengthen the message.

Finally listened to the album today and wrote up my full review of it. You can read that here, but here's the little excerpt I want to share: "With certain scenarios, perhaps a journey like this will never quite end. That doesn't mean one shouldn't try reaching it. Mike Shinoda releases his demons and looks ahead in Post Traumatic, his debut record that starts in a dark hole of impossibility that doesn't even know where the start is and ends on a hopeful path towards the light. There's nothing we can do to change the past, but we can take the past to make a better future. And Shinoda has shown us that even when the world around you may be falling apart, there's always going to be a reason to move forward, even if your journey has no end."

I'll be here, only LPL staff member who'll be there. Mark and I will be at the NY show but booking it to Madison Square Garden right afterwards to catch 30 Seconds To Mars. We can definitely do an LPLive meetup earlier in the day or later in the night - we'll talk about it! If anyone wants to meet up at this event let me know.

My guess: Welcome Ghosts Running From My Shadow (Ext. Outro w/ ???) About You Over Again/Papercut In The End (Piano Version) Crossing The Line Remember The Name

Release Day is currently happening for Post Traumatic! New Zealand was first up to receive the album, at 8:00am EST / 5:00am PST for the rest of us. Of course, the album has "leaked" to the rest of the world as expected. The actual leak occurred just one hour before the first release and is the shorted period of time we've seen for a leak to happen before the release. No download links allowed here, of course. We are very proud of Mike for his album and are excited to be a part of the global celebrations today. Feel free to discuss the album below as Release Day rolls out across the world! Let's celebrate!