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Old-school hip-hop, traditional classic rock, and
spooling electronic vibes were the initial factors behind the building of the
alternative metal quintet
Linkin Park. The band's
southern Californian musical roots were also an underlying basis, for drummer
Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, and MC/vocalist
Mike Shinoda formed a
tight friendship while still in high school. Shortly after graduation, art
student and DJ Joseph Hahn hooked up with bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell and
Shinoda for the band, Xero. Hybrid Theory came later, but the band opted on the
name
Linkin Park when singer
Chester Bennington was the last piece added to the band in 1999. Soon the band
became a noticeable face at the Whisky as well as favorites in and around Los
Angeles. Zomba Music's Jeff Blue was one of the few who didn't turn the band
down for a contract at the turn of the millennium -
Linkin Park signed to
Warner Bros. after being turned down three times in late 1999 and got to work on
their debut album. Taking a piece from their past, they named the album Hybrid
Theory. It was released in fall 2000 and it showcased their likes for fellow
alternative acts such as the
Deftones,
the Roots,
Aphex Twin, and
Nine Inch Nails.
The Dust Brothers also
collaborated on the record, as well as producer Don Gilmore (Pearl
Jam,
Eve 6,
Tracy Bonham). Singles
such as "Crawling" and "One Step Closer" were massive radio hits and video
favorites among the TRL crowd on MTV. Joint tours with Family Values and the
Project: Revolution Tour with Cypress Hill led the band to play 324 shows in
2001.
Linkin Park was in
demand. Come January 2002, Hybrid Theory received three Grammy nominations for
"Best Rock Album" and "Best New Artist." A month later,
Linkin Park walked away
with an award for "Best Hard Rock Performance" for "Crawling." They spent the
remainder of the year hold up in the studio, again working with Gillmore,
recording a follow-up to their eight times platinum debut Hybrid Theory.
Linkin Park's sophomore
effort Meteora was released in March 2003; the first single "Somewhere I Belong"
was an instant hit. The second annual Projekt Revolution tour got underway in
spring 2003 with Linkin Park joining Mudvayne, Xzibit and Blindside; Summer
Sanitarium dates with Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Mudvayne and the Deftones followed
in July and August. ~MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
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