This Los Angeles, California, USA-based outfit earned the rather dubious distinction of becoming nu metal's first pin-ups. Originally known as Xero, the band was formed in 1996 by Mark Wakefield (b. USA; vocals), Mike Shinoda (b. Michael Kenji Shinoda, 11 February 1977, Agoura Hills, California, USA; MC/vocals), Brad Delson (b. Bradford Phillip Delson, 1 December 1977, Los Angeles, California, USA; guitar), Rob Bourdon (b. Robert Gregory Bourdon, 20 January 1979, Calabasas, California, USA; drums), Phoenix (b. David Michael Farrell, 8 February 1977, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA; bass) and DJ Joe Hahn (b. Joseph Hahn, 15 March 1977, Dallas, Texas, USA). Minus the departing Wakefield and Phoenix, the band was joined by lead singer Chester Bennington (b. 20 March 1976, Phoenix, Arizona, USA) and changed their name to Hybrid Theory, but for legal reasons swiftly adopted the Linkin Park moniker. Their new title arose from a deliberate spelling variation of the Santa Monica landmark, Lincoln Park.
The band immediately created an impact on the Los Angeles club scene, and was swiftly offered a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records. They subsequently entered the studio with producer Don Gilmore to work on their debut album. [Hybrid Theory] introduced a highly eclectic fusion of metal, hip-hop, industrial and pop styles which at the time was striking even by the standards of pioneers such as Korn and Limp Bizkit. Aided by the heavy radio rotation of "One Step Closer" the album debuted in the US Top 20 in November 2000. By this time, founding member Phoenix had returned to the line-up.
Linkin Park's popularity grew steadily over the next two years, with [Hybrid Theory] reaching the US Top 5 and the track "In The End" climbing to number 2 on the singles chart. During this period, the band also launched the annual rock/hip-hop concert tour Projekt Revolution. Although not as strong as the debut, Meteora made an impressive start with sales of over 1 million units upon release in the USA, and hit single with "Somewhere I Belong", "Faint", "Numb" and "Breaking The Habit". The following year's "mash-up" collaboration with rapper Jay-Z topped the US album charts, but shortly after it's release the band members announced a temporary hiatus from Linkin Park activities.
Shinoda enjoyed some success with his hip-hop project, Fort Minor. The parent band appeared at a number of charity concerts, including Live 8, before returning to the studio to work on their third album. Released in May 2007, Minutes To Mignight saw the band adopting a more eclectic approach and embracing new styles beyond rock and rap.
