Before they became known as Linkin Park, the boys called themselves Xero. Fresh out of high-school, the band practiced, recorded and produced songs in vocalist Mike Shinoda's bedroom recording studio. They found out the hard way that success doesn't come easy. Two band members, deciding success hadn't come fast enough, left the band to pursue their own interests.



The band began the search for a replacement for Mark Wakefield, who had been the lead vocalist. The president of Zoma Music, Jeff Blue, referred Chester Bennington to the group. Bennington's unique vocal style created instant chemistry with the band and they went to work on new material. They changed the band name again, this time to Hybrid Theory and then to Linkin Park a short time later.

Despite having an awesome name and excellent talent, the band was turned down many times for a record contract of their own. Then, in 1999, Jeff Blue, who'd gone on to Warner Bros. signed Linkin Park. Finally, in 2000, the boys launched their debut album called Hybrid Theory.

Linkin Parks debut album was the best selling album of 2001 and sold nearly 5 million copies in its first year. They also got three Grammy nominations for singles on their album and won the award for Best Hard-Rock Performance. The band was awarded Best Rock Video and Best Direction awards by MTV too! These award wins helped to propel the band into the mainstream.

The boys of Linkin Park were becoming more and more popular by the day and within that first year, they performed over 300 concerts! They were invited to participate in several high-profile tours and concerts like Ozzfest and the Family Values Tour. Eventually, they started their own tour they called Projekt Revolution which featured Cypriss Hill, Snoop Dogg and Adema.

The band's second album, Meteora, was released in March of 2003. It shot to the top of the music charts, hitting the #1 spot in the US and UK and earning the #2 spot on the Australian charts. By October, the album had sold almost three million copies and spawned several hit singles and more music awards. A second Projekt Revolution was launched and groups such as Mudvayne and Blindside joined the tour. The boys were also invited to play with Metallica on their Summer Sanitarium Tour 2003.

By 2004, the band's relationship with Warner Brothers had soured and it took months of negotiations to get their contract back on track. Eventually though the details were ironed out and Linkin Park was back in business. They used their talent and fame to benefit those in need. They raised money for Hurricane Charlie and Hurricane Katrina victims as well as many other charitable organizations.

Linkin Park's third release was Minutes to Midnight, which debuted in 2007. Selling over 600,000 copies in the first week, and hitting the number one chart spot, this album was a huge success! The band's collection of awards grew even bigger after this album was released.

Next on the bands agenda? A follow-up to the Minutes To Midnight album after a U.S. Tour. In fact, Bennington told Rolling Stone Magazine that they're already working on the songs for the album. First though, the boys want to go on tour and get some inspiration. Fans say ?Hell Ya! Bring it on!?

If you're looking for a band to rock your auditory senses, you gotta listen to Linkin Park! With Chester Bennington's vocals and musical abilities of the rest of the band, they'll rock you all night long.