Linkin Park

American alternative rock/nu metal band from Agoura Hills, California.

Originally formed in 1996 as [i]Xero[/i] by Mike Shinoda and Mark Wakefield, the lineup soon expanded to include guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Phoenix Farrell, drummer Rob Bourdon, and DJ Joe Hahn. After Wakefield left the group in 1998, Chester Bennington replaced him as lead singer in 1999, and the band changed its name to [i]Hybrid Theory[/i]. In 2000, the name was changed once more to [i]Linkin Park[/i].

The band released seven studio albums between 2000 and 2017 with the aforementioned lineup. They went on hiatus following Bennington’s death in 2017, later issuing anniversary editions of Hybrid Theory and Meteora (2020 to 2023), and the greatest-hits album Papercuts in 2024. In September 2024, the band announced their return, introducing Emily Armstrong as their new vocalist and Colin Brittain as their new drummer.

[b]Current members:[/b]

Mike Shinoda – Vocals / rhythm guitar / keys (1996-present)

Brad Delson – Lead guitar / backing vocals (1997-present)

Joe Hahn – Turntables / synthesizers / samples / backing vocals (1997-present)

Dave "Phoenix" Farrell – Bass / backing vocals / occasional synths (1997-1999, 2000-present)

Emily Armstrong – Vocals / occasional guitar (2024-present)

Colin Brittain – Drums / guitar / backing vocals (2024-present)

[b]Former members:[/b]

Chester Bennington – Vocals / occasional guitar and percussion (1999-2017; died 2017)

Rob Bourdon – Drums / percussion / backing vocals (1997-2024)