Words: Dave Martin
After a week of anticipation, fueled by a 100-hour countdown, a cryptic message, and a secret event invitation, Linkin Park Underground members were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seven years after the tragic loss of their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington, the band returned to the stage for the first time since 2017.
Surrounded by devoted fans, the original members reunited with new additions, delivering a powerful performance that began with a haunting rendition of “Castle of Glass”. Mike Shinoda’s simple greeting, “It’s good to see you again,” set the tone for a night of nostalgia and celebration.
The band launched into their new single, “The Emptiness Machine”, introducing Emily Armstrong as Chester Bennington’s successor. Their performance of “Somewhere I Belong” from Meteora electrified the crowd, as fans sang along to the familiar chorus.
Shinoda introduced the current lineup, including original members Phoenix Farrell and Joe Hahn, new additions Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, and stand-in guitarist Alex Fedder. The band encouraged the crowd to sing along, and their voices filled the venue as they performed “Crawling”.
While Armstrong’s vocals occasionally struggled to match Bennington’s distinctive rasp, she delivered a strong and passionate performance throughout the night.
Following a brief blackout, the stage was illuminated by blue beams as the band began “Waiting for the End”. The iconic intro to “Numb/Encore” led into a traditional performance of “Numb”.
The setlist continued with fan favorites like “One Step Closer” and an abridged acoustic version of “Lost”. During “In the End”, Shinoda joined the crowd, standing on the barrier as fans sang along.
The band concluded their set with “Faint” and a rousing encore of “Papercut”. Before the final song, “Bleed it Out”, Shinoda and Armstrong joked about her rapid musical journey, which began just seven months ago. Shinoda announced a new album, single, video, and tour, promising to reveal more details at a later date.
As the band left the stage to chants of “Make him proud,” it was clear that Linkin Park had returned with a force that resonated deeply with their dedicated fanbase.
https://fromzero.linkinpark.com/
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