Linkin PaRk--My fav Band

Linkin Park is a rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Since their formation in 1996, the band has sold more than fifty million albums and won two Grammy Awards. With their debut album, Hybrid Theory, they achieved their initial mainstream success; the album was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005. Their following studio album, Meteora, continued the band's success, topping the Billboard 200’s album charts in 2003, and was followed by extensive touring and charity work around the world.

Recognized for their adaption of the nu metal genre into a radio-friendly style in Meteora and Hybrid Theory, the band moved away from this and explored a variety of other genres in their latest studio album, Minutes to Midnight. The album topped the Billboard Charts and had the third best debut week of any album that year. They are also known for their several collaborations, most notably with rapper Jay-Z in their mash-up album Collision Course, and many other artists on Reanimation.

Early years (1996–1999)

Originally consisting of three high school friends from Agoura High School, Linkin Park’s foundation was anchored by Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon. After graduating from high school, the California natives began to take their musical interests more seriously, recruiting Joe Hahn, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and Mark Wakefield to perform in their band then titled Xero. Though limited in resources, the band began recording and producing songs within Shinoda’s make-shift bedroom studio in 1996. Tensions and frustration within the band grew after they failed to land a record deal. The lack of success and stalemate in progress prompted Wakefield, at that time the band's vocalist, to leave the band in search for other projects. Farrell would also leave the band to tour with Tasty Snax and other bands.

After spending a considerable time searching for Wakefield's replacement, Xero recruited Arizona vocalist Chester Bennington. Jeff Blue, the vice president of Zomba Music, had referred him to the band in March 1999. Formerly of Arizona grunge band Grey Daze, Bennington was noted among the other applicants. The band changed their name from Xero to Hybrid Theory. Following the recruiting of Bennington, the band began to work on new material. Shortly after this, the band changed their name from Hybrid Theory to Linkin Park, a play on words and homage to Santa Monica’s Lincoln Park. However, the band still struggled to sign a record deal despite these changes. Having endured numerous rejections from several major record labels, Linkin Park turned to Jeff Blue for help. After failing to catch Warner Bros. Records on three previous reviews, Jeff Blue, now the vice president of Warner Bros. Records, helped the band sign a deal with the company in 1999. Now aside with Warner Bros. Records, the band released their breakthrough album, Hybrid Theory, the following year.

Band members

Current

* Chester Bennington - lead vocals (1999–present)
* Rob Bourdon - drums (1996–present)
* Brad Delson - lead guitar (1996–present)
* Dave "Phoenix" Farrell - bass guitar, backing vocals (1996–1999, 2001–present)
* Joe Hahn - turntables, programming, samples, beats (1996–present)
* Mike Shinoda - emcee, vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboard, piano (1996–present)


Former

* Mark Wakefield – Vocals (1996–1998, while the band was named Xero)

Stand-in

* Kyle Christener— Bass guitar (1998–1999) Temporarily replaced Farrell

* Scott Koziol— Bass guitar (1999–2001) Stand-in bass player on Hybrid Theory

Albums

* Hybrid Theory (2000)
* Reanimation (2002)
* Meteora (2003)
* Collision Course (with Jay-Z) (2004)
* Minutes to Midnight (2007)

source: wikipedia

links to various linkin park fan clubs n album downloads:

linkinpark.com ---> the ultimate linkinpark fan site.

lyrics of linkin park can be had at : complete lyrics.

download all the mp3 songs here: mp3-center.org.

www.mtv.com/music/artist/linkin_park/artist.jhtml.

http://music.aol.com/artist/linkin-park/1412364