So, DJ EFN and N.O.R.E., those titans of insightful celebrity interviews (aka “Drink Champs”, presented by Revolt), managed to snag Mike Shinoda from LINKIN PARK. Turns out, Mike had some profound thoughts on that legendary 2003 METALLICA tour, the one they call “Summer Sanitarium”. You know, the one where METALLICA tried to pretend they weren’t washed up by hanging out with “the kids.”
Mike, bless his heart, actually said, “That was one of the best tours.” Sure, Mike, sure. Probably because you got to witness the sheer terror on James Hetfield’s face as he realized nu-metal was, like, SO over. He then went on to reminisce about the lineup: METALLICA (duh), LIMP BIZKIT (because why not embarrass themselves further?), LINKIN PARK (the only ones who still had a shred of credibility), DEFTONES (who were probably just confused), and MUDVAYNE (who, let’s be honest, were just there for the free beer 🍺). Apparently, LINKIN PARK felt like “underdogs.” Right, because being on a stadium tour with METALLICA is EXACTLY like being the kid who gets picked last for dodgeball. He claims their “performance was on fire 🔥”. I’m sure it was, Mike. I’m sure the METALLICA fans were just *thrilled* to be subjected to more whiny rap-rock. He even dares to suggest that the fans “loved their music.” Oh honey, no. They tolerated it so they could get to the real headliner. But hey, at least it was “unusual for a METALLICA fan.” What is unusual about it? I don’t know!
Mike, in his infinite wisdom, decided to drop some truth bombs 💣 about METALLICA fans. Apparently, they’re not exactly known for their…hospitality. “I don’t know if you know this,” Mike begins, as if he’s about to reveal the secrets of the Illuminati, “but METALLICA fans can be very rude to their openers.” No way! 🤯 You mean the same fans who spent the ’80s defending METALLICA against posers and then spent the ’90s complaining about “Load” are capable of being jerks? Color me shocked. He then describes the age-old tradition of turning their backs, flipping the bird 🖕, and pelting the stage with beer 🍻. But, and this is the kicker, “we didn’t get any of that.” Wow, Mike, you must be SO special. Maybe they were just too busy trying to figure out what genre you even were to bother with the usual heckling. Or maybe they were just conserving their beer for METALLICA. Whatever the reason, Mike seems to think this is some kind of badge of honor.
But wait, there’s more! In an October 2023 interview with Australia’s Triple M radio station (because apparently, everyone is dying to hear more about this tour), Shinoda regales us with the tale of how LINKIN PARK pulled off the unthinkable: pranking METALLICA. “One of our claims to fame is that…we were the only one to ever prank METALLICA.” Bold claim, Mike. Very bold. I’m sure METALLICA is still shaking in their boots 🥾 from the sheer audacity of it all. He continues to gush about how nervous they were, how much they “love METALLICA,” and how their guitar player’s entire existence revolved around learning METALLICA riffs. We get it, Mike, you’re starstruck. But get to the prank already! Apparently, METALLICA, in a rare display of humanity, invited LINKIN PARK to hang out at a bar. This, of course, led to LINKIN PARK feeling “emboldened” and “comfortable.” Because nothing says “comfortable” like being around a bunch of grizzled metal veterans who could probably bench press your entire band.
So, here’s the big reveal. At the end of the tour, LINKIN PARK, with the help of METALLICA’s head of security (who apparently had a soft spot for nu-metal), decided to unleash their prank upon the world. During some unspecified METALLICA song (probably one of the ones nobody remembers), LINKIN PARK stormed the stage with a blanket, a picnic basket, and lunch boxes. Chester Bennington, bless his soul, even brought a skateboard. They then proceeded to have a picnic 🧺 on METALLICA’s stage while METALLICA was trying to, you know, be all serious and metal. Chester, being the rebel he was, skated back and forth while eating a sandwich 🥪. “The guys in the band — I think Lars [Ulrich] lost the plot entirely…” No duh, Mike. I’m pretty sure Lars loses the plot every time he tries to play drums. He then concludes with the earth-shattering revelation that METALLICA figured it out “very [quickly].” Yeah, because it’s not like bands have any kind of communication on stage, right? It was “awesome,” according to Mike. I’m sure the METALLICA fans were just rolling their eyes so hard they could see their brains.
And now, for the obligatory update on LINKIN PARK’s current state of affairs. They kicked off their North American tour on April 26 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Because nothing says “comeback” like playing in a city known for its indie music scene. They also released a deluxe edition of their comeback album, “From Zero,” on May 16. It’s a limited pressing, folks! Get yours now before they’re all gone (to the bargain bin). The deluxe edition features three new songs, five live tracks, and “all new, expanded packaging.” I’m sure the packaging is just riveting. The band launched the 2025 leg of their “From Zero” world tour on January 31 in Mexico City. Because, you know, Mexico is known for its thriving nu-metal scene.
In late January, they released an a cappella/vocals-only version of “From Zero,” because apparently, the world needed more whiny vocals without the distraction of instruments. The original version of “From Zero,” released last November, was their first full-length effort since 2017. You know, the last album before Chester Bennington’s tragic death. “From Zero” features LINKIN PARK’s new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, who have joined the remaining members. Guitarist Alex Feder is filling in for Brad Delson at all concerts for the foreseeable future. LINKIN PARK announced their new lineup during a September 2024 livestream. Because nothing says “we’re back” like a global livestream with a new singer nobody’s heard of. 🤷♀️
So there you have it, folks. The thrilling saga of LINKIN PARK’s brush with metal royalty and their triumphant return to the music scene. Just try not to throw any beer at the stage. Unless, of course, they start playing that a cappella version of “From Zero.” Then all bets are off. 😈
Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine (probably regretting his life choices)
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
