Linkin Park May 2026

Linkin Park is an American band that redefined rock music by blending heavy metal, hip-hop, and electronic elements . Formed in 1996 in Agoura Hills, California, they rose to global stardom with their debut album, Hybrid Theory , and have since sold over 100 million records worldwide. Formation and Early Years

: The band was founded by high school friends Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad Delson under the name Xero . Linkin Park

: They briefly used the name Hybrid Theory before settling on Linkin Park . The spelling was altered from "Lincoln Park" so they could register the internet domain. Key Eras and Musical Evolution Linkin Park is an American band that redefined

: The group initially included Joe Hahn, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and singer Mark Wakefield. : They briefly used the name Hybrid Theory

: After Wakefield left, Chester Bennington joined in 1999. His vocal range—capable of both rhythmic singing and intense screaming—became the band's signature.