Linkin Park

Linkin Park

Linkin Park performing at 2009's Sonisphere Festival
Background information
Also known as 	Xero (1996–1998)[1]
Hybrid Theory (1998–1999)[1]
Origin 	Agoura Hills, California, USA
Genres 	Nu metal, rap rock, alternative rock
Years active 	1996-present
Labels 	Warner Bros., Machine Shop
Associated acts 	Dead by Sunrise, Fort Minor, Jay-Z, White Pegacorn, Tasty Snax, Relative Degree, Grey Daze, Bucket of Weenies
Website 	www.linkinpark.com
Members
Chester Bennington
Rob Bourdon
Brad Delson
Dave "Phoenix" Farrell
Joe Hahn
Mike Shinoda
Former members
Kyle Christener
Scott Koziol
Mark Wakefield

Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California, formed in 1996. Since their formation, the band has sold more than 50 million albums[2] and won two Grammy Awards.[3][4] It achieved mainstream success with its debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005.[5] Its 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.[6] In 2003, MTV2 named Linkin Park the sixth greatest band of the music video era and the third best of the new millennium behind Oasis and Coldplay.[7]

Having adapted the nu metal and rap rock genres to a radio-friendly yet densely-layered style in Hybrid Theory and Meteora,[8][9][10] the band explored other genres in their next studio album, Minutes to Midnight.[11][12] The album topped the Billboard charts and had the third best debut week of any album that year.[13][14] They have also collaborated with several other artists, most notably with rapper Jay-Z in their mashup album Collision Course, and many others on Reanimation.[9]