I just got on mikeshinoda.com and maaan, a Mikenix war is going on! No, this has nothing to do with Bennoda, skip this post if you just give a s#$t about Bennoda. I saw some fan posted a war poll on the LPMB, where people choose to side Mike or Dave. You don't need to click the link the know the result (so, the rapper or that bassist dude?). Must be my hormones that makes me go all sensitive but don't you remember, bassists need love too, you know?

Now, you may say 'screw you' or do this with me: if you have a twitter account, help boost #TeamPhoenixLP and #GloriousExcessDies up on the trending topics.

Labels: linkin park, rant

Day 3: Add Your Name
(we skipped Day 2? >.>)

We know that being out as an LGBT person, or as an advocate for equality, is essential to our fight. That is why we are asking you to come out in a big way—by adding your name to a scroll of supporters on the homepage of eqca.org.

Add your name to publicly show your support for the freedom to marry and for protecting minorities from having their equality put up for a popular vote.

95 pictures taken by the lovely Leslie Shepherd, from two shows she attended: Noblesville, IN, Verizon Wireless Music Center, Projekt Revolution Tour, 31st August 2007 and Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena, North American Arena Tour , 15th February 2008. I created a whole album for her pics, check them out.

Leslie Shepherd's pictures

Also, Linkin Park is confirmed for the Sonisphere Festival in July and August.

Linkin Park to Play at First Ever Sonisphere Festival
February 9, 2009

Linkin Park will co-headline with Metallica this summer at the first ever Sonisphere Festival in Pori, Finland on July 25th and in Knebworth, England on August 1st. Other bands on the bill include Lamb of God and Mastodon, with more to be announced soon.

Tickets for both shows go on sale HERE on Wednesday, February 11 at 9am (local).

For more information, visit http://www.sonispherefestivals.com/uk.

To quote Mister Bennington

The singer hinted that Sonisphere might see the band debut some all-new material. "I can't promise because we're still writing," said Bennington, "but I'm going to put it out there that you might hear some new stuff from us."

They're coming back! And co-headline with Metallica? Oh the day when they still tagged along with Kottonmouth Kings or P.O.D, and opened for Paparoach and the Deftones. And new stuff? *wipes tears away* So many good news!

Labels: linkin park, news, pics: live, prop 8

Newest post on Mike Shinoda's blog: CHESTER WITH CAMP FREDDY AT THE ROXY

Chester with Camp Freddy at The Roxy
December 10, 2008

Chester sang with Camp Freddy tonight. It was a KILLER performance. Chester was unreal (as usual--that's my boy!). He graciously shared the stage with the incredible talent of: Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Slash & Matt Sorum (GnR, Velvet Revolver), Steve Stevenson (Billy Idol), Chris Cheney (The Living End), Billy Morrison (The Cult), Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), and Frankie Perez (Scars On Broadway). The guys basically get together and sing a night full of their favorite cover songs, which included songs like "Whole Lotta Love," "Paradise City," and "Rebel Yell."









By tomorrow, there will be plenty of clips on youtube of it. Go check for 'em...

Ai, Mike, we know he's your boy . Sound lovely, hopefully some videos will be up on YouTube by tomorrow like dood said. Mike was in the crowd? V.I.P seat?

Labels: linkin park, Mike's blog, news

Newest post from Mike Shinoda's blog:

IN STUDIO: JUNE 2008 (FLASHBACK)

December 7, 2008



These pics were actually from earlier in the year (right after we shot Road To Revolution, I think--we came home and worked for about a month in the studio). Our engineer Josh just sent these jpegs to me. Phoenix was trying some cello on a song, Chester and I were "helping."

(a little more after the jump)

We had all this inspirational art on the walls that was cool for the time, but I think I like the xmas lights (that are up now) better--the pictures made it feel like we were crazy people in a mental institution for some reason. Claustrophobic.

We've been working on a few things that might end up being instrumentals, or at least parts of songs that don't have words. The album will still probably be vocal-based (like our other albums), but there might be a few more instrumental sections...then again, we may throw all those songs out and try something else...

They were "helping" Dave? Sound interesting. Hopefully we will get a new album next year like Mike promised. If you're interested, check out a previous post by Secret Asian Man on Mike's blog: Prop 8 the musical. Someone does approve gay marriage, I guess? :)

Also, you can have a clearer look at the LPU 8 CD's cover (high quality picture) when you visit LPUnderground.com. Mmm... Cookies? (there's a hidden link on Chester's nose, HA.)

Labels: linkin park, LPU, Mike's blog, news, pics, prop 8

Mike posted another post on the LPU MB mentioning Chester's and his work on the LPU 8 CD which actually has been recorded in the past several years. I think this is all that needs to be said.

LPU COOKIES CD
Changed my mind...I'm not going to post about this on my blog, because my blog is about my own personal stuff, and this discussion is LPU. That said, feel free to direct other LPUMB peeps to this post.

A refresher (bear with me): LP Underground membership includes opportunities to buy tickets for shows before anyone else, opportunities to meet the band and sometimes see secret, fan-club-only shows, an annual newsletter, a letter from the band, an exclusive ringtone, and exclusive access to the fan club website at lpunderground.com, where you can get exclusive and discounted merchandise and see exclusive audio and video clips. It also includes a CD of music. The membership fee for the LPU gets you everything mentioned above.

We've done LPU-only shows, we take time out to meet LPU members before virtually every performance, and we even occasionally have special events that are for the fan-club only.

In previous years, we've released LPU CDs that contain b-sides, live tracks, and lesser-known songs from the band. This year, we have decided to do something totally unprecedented and unexpected. The LPU8 CD contains six totally new, original studio songs that Chester and I recorded in our free time in the past couple of years. But these aren't normal Linkin Park songs.

Working on a song for an album is sometimes a lot of work, and occasionally we need some time to unwind. When Chester and I unwind, sometimes we make another kind of lighter, fun song. We call these songs "cookies." I think came from the idea that you get your dessert (your cookies) after you eat all the rest of your meal.

The songs on the LPU8 CD are random, silly, and they fall into a variety of styles, from a James-Brown-Meets-Bobby-McFerrin track called "You Ain't Gotsta Gotsta" to a mock electro-club-banger called "26 Lettaz In Da Alphabet."

In general, the point of the LPU is to offer the fans a closer look into what makes the band tick, a few great exclusive merchandise items, and sometimes the added bonus of a special event. We essentially don't make any money from it; each fee pays for the fan club (like materials and minimal administration). The fans asked for a place where they could "get more," so we offer the LPU.

That's all I've got to say for now. If you have further discussion on the subject, please continue to do so here on the LPUMB. You are all welcome to voice whatever opinions you like, just keep it respectful and smart.

Thanks!
-m

Four new pics from Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI, PR 08 tour, 16th August 2008 show. Another shot of our beloved wigs.



Credit: jtrainhunt07/ lplive.net. Thanks Jaclyn for the tip.

Labels: linkin park, LPU, news, pics

The Banner Design Contest is over. It's over 00: 00 am 29th November 2008. A big thank-you to everyone who participated in this Contest and everyone who keeps close eyes on this. The result will be announced as soon as possible!

On another note, THE LPU 8 CD IS MADE OF WIN. I know a lot of people have been shocked, a lot of complaints have been pulled off, Mike himself even posted an apology on the LPU mb.

I want to assure you that our only intention with the LPU CD, as with all our fan club endeavors, is to create a fan club that you can enjoy and is worth your time. If anyone was let down by the CD, I sincerely apologize
-m

Personally, I love this CD, I dig it music-wise and visually, and I believe that Mike do not have to apology for the band's music and great humor because some fans don't know how to get a good laugh. After listening to 4/6 songs from this CD, I can say this is one of the most adorable and creative things that the LPU and Linkin Park in general, and Mike and Chester in particular have ever pulled off. So love it or leave it, but never forget to open your mind and please, keep an eye on modern art, kthx.

Some images of the CD's cover, on which you can see crazy-looking Chester's head and a jumping Mike. Look at those bright colors! How can someone hate bright colors?



Pictures credits go to LPlive.net and LilIverson09.

Is it me or the CD's art is totally inspired by Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends and Takashi Murakami's Superflat style (Mushroom Army, anyone?). This is so. so. so. glamorous.

Labels: contest, linkin park, LPU, news

Mike update his blog with some new Lost In Translation. Some noticeable 'Lost In Translation' this time
[+]Go Gay

Lost In Translation-English Dry Cleaner?

[+]Cream Collon

Lost In Translation-Chester said, "Colon Cream?"

Is he trying to tell us something? . More Lost In Translation photos here

On another note, Loveline.com announced that Linkin Park would be their guest this Wednesday, November 19th 2008. Since Linkin Park's last Loveline appearance with Mike and Chester was such an amazing experience (you know why: [+], [+], [+]), can we expect something that lovely this time? Anywise, Loveline listeners, if you catch something interesting on Wednesday night, don't forget to report to Bennoda.co.nr!

Don't forget to add these Bennoda fanarts to your favorite:
[+]Teresa colored two of her old pretty fanarts: Wedding Kiss and Losing Virginity

[+]Tyshangshan has a new steaming hot fanart up - it may burn you: In The Studio. This totally left me speechless

[+]madebyDun has another series of Bennoda fanarts: check it out

>>ADULT CONTENT WARNING<<

Labels: fanart, linkin park, loveline, Mike's blog, news

New blog post on mikeshinoda.com: New Linkin Park Album In 2009?

November 10, 2008

We're working on the new Linkin Park album right now. Will we have a new album out in 2009? Absolutely!

And, of course, by "Absolutely," I mean, "Absolutely, as long as things go smoothly and the ideas are flowing, and we don't hit any scheduling problems or massive writers block."

Jokes aside, the pic below is from my studio; Chester and I were listening to all the demos I've been writing in the past 6-12 months in busses, studios overseas, and my studio.

When we're out on the road doing shows, I generally keep the music on a safe hard drive, in a format that you can't download onto your iPod (gotta be careful). I also don't like playing stuff for anyone unless I feel like I've given it a proper amount of love. That means I go for months where I write stuff and don't really play it for anyone.

This week, we went through about 35 new demos, most of which had only had my hands on them thus far. The process is a little scary; it's like saying, "here are the songs that I think should make up our next album." Luckily, nobody hates the songs (at least most of them!), and we're looking forward to getting started on this album in the coming months.

I just did an insightful interview with a gentleman named Mikael Wood for a piece in an upcoming issue of Revolver magazine. Check for it in the coming months, I think it was an '09 music preview article.

This is music to my ears! Wait, it's real music, not just words! Can't wait for the new album and said upcoming issue of Revolver. Chester, what were you smiling so lovingly at?

Labels: linkin park, news

Some Linkin Park news because this is so awesometastic. In the latest interview with MTV, Chester revealed a lot about their new record. According to him:

I can tell you that it's our first stab — and perhaps our only stab, depending on how good we do — at creating a concept record, so there are a lot of things that are going to either free us up in a lot of ways or restrict us in a lot of ways. In terms of describing what it sounds like ... it sounds like peanut butter and jelly. It's sounding delicious."

He said the idea of a concept album was presented to them by a friend. A pleasant surprise is that they plan to enter a recording studio before December, and Chester estimated that it will take six weeks to record the new album. Sound like they already have the machine started and Linkin Park fans may have the next album in very near time! Talking about choosing a producer for this special album, Chester said they're open to working with Rick Rubin again, but yet to decide who will help them out with this album. I'd say Mike should co-produce this album like he did with MTM?

Hopefully, the new Linkin Park record will not put Chester's solo album into delay: the guy already revealed about working with producer Howard Benson. Talking about Dead By Sunrise (or maybe just Chester Bennington, who knows?), the singer also mentioned his musical and more than that significant one Mike Shinoda:

"I wanted to make sure the record was different from the Linkin Park record," he said. "It's not as hard as it sounds. If you take Mike [Shinoda] out of the equation — because I personally feel he's created our signature sound — it automatically sounds different. It's more of a standard rock record. There are elements to it where you can tell where the inspiration comes from, but it's pure rock with melody."

Have to agree with Chester on this one, and I hope everything will work out smoothly for his solo career!

Read the whole article HERE

Download the MTV interview where Chester talked about Linkin Park's new record, his solo album and Mike (can't skip this part, can we?) HERE (.flv file, 4.9 mb). Notice that this is Chester's first appearance after his back injury - I have to say he looks great (adore his shirt!).

Labels: linkin park, news

Firstly, I want to congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his victory in the US election - now may I call President Obama. As much as I try to avoid voicing my personal political view here, I believe this is a turning point in the US history and it also has a large impact on the world's history. The world is going through a hard time: an economic crisis that is assessed to be worse than the 1930s' Great Depression, wars and armed conflicts that are still not yet solved properly, natural disasters and environmental issues. For all of that, I feel grateful to someone who can bring hope back, who can make people scream in tears "Yes we can" when we all know we still have to face a lot of problems. I believe that yes, we can, we shall overcome this rough time and get to a better future.

Secondly, I feel disappointed to have to inform you all that California Prop 8 "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry" has passed with 52,5% vote approving this Proposition. We know that this is unfair, but this is just a small loss. The fight is no way over yet. I will quote President Obama on this one

"While we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can."

Yes, we can, we shall overcome all of this injustice and discrimination because there is still love, and there is still hope. This is not just about a lone California state, or the lone US, this is about all of us, about the world, our future, our kids. I hope you all will listen and give a hand in this long hard fight - we need every single one of you.

Last but not least, some small information on Linkin Park's donation for opposing Prop 8:

ANNA SHINODA $3,700 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose
ROBERT BOURDON $250 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose
ELISA DELSON $1,500 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose
JOSEPH HAHN $1,850 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose

Thanks Linkin Park (together or apart) and their family members for their support in opposing Prop 8. Even though we did not succeed this time, we still appreciate your donation very much. :)
You can search for the Prop 8 (for and against) contributors HERE. Thanks Enigmatic on LPfiction MB for the link!

On a quick note: According to Mike Shinoda's blog, his second JANM art show, Glorious Excess (Dies), which was scheduled for January, will be postponed. Shinoda expect to open the show in late 2009. Well, another not so good news today.

Two small Bennoda pics to cheer yourself up, hopefully:

Thanks Ana for the pic!

Labels: linkin park, news, prop 8

I have been asked to post the transcript of Mix 93.9 interview/ Kansas Meet and Greet with Mike and Chester, so here it is. A big thank-you to Shela for typing down all of this. You deserve a shiny Bennoda plaque and a Platinum Bennoda membership. Please meet Ann in private to get your prizes :3

Anyway, back to the interview: read to know more about Dead By Sunrise, Fort Minor future plans, Chester's talking about Motley Crue, Velvet Revolver and what Mike and Chester think about Brad's hair!

Read the whole thing here

~***~
Guy: The first two albums had absolutely no profanity and the last album has a parental advisory sticker on it I was wondering how...

Mike: It has a little bit.

Guy: Just a little bit but I’m wondering what made you guys decided to take that push?

Mike: Umm…

Chester: It worked for what they are… Nice. Like for example it’s not really necessary to be like ‘that chair just fucking broke’ cause Mike just did that, right? Caused that’s so unnecessary. But like when you are screaming like, you know ‘Put me out of my misery’, maybe it might use somewhere up there, you know what I mean? It’s all like…usually we tried to find a better way to sing what we’re saying without using too many words. But when Mike was like, we were in the studio and Mike goes ‘I want you to scream something you would really scream like up in the air when you feeling like that.’

Mike: We both said that, that was the line. Remember? We said that, and you looked at me like ‘Dude all of the guys are going to think that’s weird.’ And I’m like, I promise you that this line if it feels real, if it feels right …they heard it and we were totally wrong, we played it for them and they thought ‘that’s awesome.’

Guy: Mike, when you going to do another Fort Minor album?

Mike: No plans yet. Before “Minutes to Midnight” I didn’t know…But basically before this record I felt like that’s where that needed to go but now that’s why that sounded the way it does. Before “Minutes to Midnight” I wrote kind of songs like “Hands Held High” which happens to be the song on the Linkin Park record…but now with “Hands Held High” which like a Linkin Park song …I know I can just do that.

Guy: Hey Chester when is your “Dead By Sunrise” album coming out?

Chester: I don’t know when I going to be working on that and as well as working on then new LP record so…and I’m not even sure if I want to call it “Dead By Sunrise” any more. I think I might just go with Chester Bennington.

Guy: What made you changed it from “Snow White Tan” to “Dead by Sunrise”?

Chester: For the same reason that I might…I was just always kind of wondering if I should just go with my name or Phil Collins it or…I think there’s confusion with calling it, naming a band people think that might be…wondering away.

Mike: In my personal experience with Fort Minor it would have been better if I called it Mike Shinoda.

Chester: Yeah so like I don’t want anybody to get a misunderstanding of what it is, you know what I mean…

Mike: I had the worst time…I had the WORST time explaining that to people. Their like ‘Why is it called Fort Minor’ I was like ‘Well I wanted to name it something’.

Chester: Yeah that’s my thing to, like I wanted to name it something but I think I’m just going to name it me.

Guy: What was it like to have you guys’ song on “Transformers”? A big blockbuster to have you guys’ song it… How did that come about? I’m just curious.

Chester: One of the guys that was working on the film like the song and thought it would work great kind of as the song for the movie and took it in and played for Michael Bay, like put it over in certain pieces of the movie where he heard it and make an impact. And Michael Bay said ‘Go tell them that they need to put their song in our movie and do whatever you have to do to get it caused it fit so well, it work so well with the film’. And so it was pretty cool they kind of were very aggressive with us.

Mike: Yeah…I was telling somebody just the other day that their presentation was one of the most insane presentations we’ve ever gotten from anybody as like a pitch. Their pitch to get us like to like be convinced to use our song in the movie…like normally you would get like an email with like a synopsis, maybe like a preview with like some scenes like in a point in time...

Chester: Mind you we’re all huge “Transformers” fans. We all grew up on “Transformers” so we were fans away so all they had to do was to pretty much ask and we would have said yes.

Mike: Instead of that they came down to this thing where we were already at, like they came down to this press thing we were doing. And our manager said ‘Ok you know these guys from “Transformers” are down stairs and they’re ready to give you a presentation for the movie.’ We were like ‘Ok cool’, so we go downstairs and they had taken the entire hotel restaurant and transformed it into a movie theater. The biggest flat screen I have ever seen, 7.1 surround sound, that like blew our ears out, like we had to tell them to turn it down.

Chester: It was crazy.

Mike: We were just like…They went through so much like trouble just to sell us in this movie and we were like ‘ You really didn’t need to do that’.

Chester: It’s was cool though because we got to see like scene of the movie before it came out. We got to like see how they made the, you know, everything from like the finished fight scenes to just kind of like the broken down CG versions.

Mike: I know we saw like the highway scene…

Chester: It’s pretty awesome.

Mike: Umm unfinished which was really cool.

Guy: Think you guys are gonna have like, another song in the “Transformers” sequel album?

Mike: I say…I say it’s probably unlikely, cause I think the things just lined up really well cause our album coming out and their movie coming out, so unless their movie comes out at the exact same time as our album did then it’s unlikely so you never know.

Girl: Chester I saw your “Artist on Artist”… that was awesome. You guys know each other pretty well.

Chester: Yeah, we met when we did…I performed… during the Katrina middle phased and we did a Motley Crew song together, we kind of just hit it off. I’ve known Tommy Lee for a while and umm I didn’t really know anybody else in the band and when we did “Home Sweet Home” we just started talking, and it was like we were friends. He called me up and be like ‘hey just wondering what you’re doing’, you know, just like what the hell? Umm yeah, so we got to know each other pretty well, and he called me up to asked me to do some singing on the record… and I couldn’t do it cause we were working on “Minutes to Midnight” but then you know, I be like I don’t know, I was telling him about the record and how different it was and asking him for his advice on how I should feel about that. And he was like, ‘who cares because we did like “Shout Out to the Devil” and then we did “Girls, girls, girls,” and everyone was telling us not to do that and we did “Doctor Feel Good” and everyone tells us not to do that and every time they told us not to do it we did it anyway, and they were totally wrong.’ So it was pretty cool. And so yeah naturally we being friends for a few years and so when he asked me to do that, it was nice. We basically just talked for the whole time and it was nice.

Guy: How would you feel about singing with Velvet Revolver?

Chester: It’s pretty cool, I mean I would sing with Velvet Revolver, unfortunately I’m friends with Scott Weiland and I’m friends with everybody else in the band so it would be a little weird cause I know there was some tension between them and it was interesting cause Slash called me and asked me to sing, to do a show in Vegas with them because Scott couldn’t make the show and I was like ‘Ok I’ll do it, what do you want me to do?’ and he was like ‘Well I don’t know like what do you think.’ Well do you want me to sing whole set or do you want me to do some songs? And so that I think might of some how transpired to somebody else and that was when the rumor started and I said couldn’t do the show.

Guy: Is it true that you going to appearing in Timberland’s next album?

Chester: Me?

Guy: Umm Linkin Park.

Mike:…That was a rumor from before the record that he put out already and that happened a lot in the hip-hop community for some reason that people have to go out and say that we’re going to be on their record and we’re not. I heard that we’re going to be in Timberland’s record, I’ve heard we’re going to be in Akon’s record, I’ve heard that we’re going to be on 50 Cent’s record because, because, cause Chester sang on Young Buck’s track and that got misconstrued.

Guy: What you guys think of Brad’s hair when he first grew it?

Mike: I told him he should cut it or I’ll kick his ass…

Chester: I would like him to shave his beard though, his beard is kind of gross but his hair is cool. Just trim it down.

Mike: With the hair and no beard?

Chester: Just trim it down like the beard is kind of like, he’s half of caveman.

Mike: His hair with no beard would look like Will Ferrell…

~***~

On another note, Chester was talking to Billboard about Linkin Park's forth album which will start being recorded next month and there's a high chance it will be a concept album. He also said that he is finishing his very first solo album and revealed the producer's name. Check out all the cool news in this article.

Labels: article, interview, linkin park, MnG story, news

Sorry for the late update, I was offline for the whole weekend. First thing first, Mike updated us all on Chester's condition.

POSTED BY EVERYONE Hey Mike! How's Chester doing?

M: He emailed me saying he's recovering well. We'll let you know when there's an update.

Two great news at once! Chester is recovering and he knows how to use emails!

Some pics - thanks Jaclyn and everyone who posted pics on the MB, one pic belongs to AnaSilvia.






Again, I'm very very late on this, but better late than nothing. If you're an deviant, you really should join the Bennoda Club!

What the hell are you waiting for? Join today!
The Bennoda Club!
Share your art! Share your love!
www.bennodaclub.deviantart.com

Sound lovely, ain't it? I'm joining the club right now :)

Last but not least, a big shout out to Teresa who dedicated her newest fanart to the site's Bday! You're such a lovely talented lady, my friend!
[+]Our fantasy makes it come true by Teresa

Labels: fanart, linkin park, news, pics

From Pooch's blog (aka Ken 'Pooch' Van Druten - Linkin Park's "Front Of House" Engineer, in charge of running the soundboard at concerts and mixing the DSP)

So by now - you know that the rest of the LP tour is cancelled. What an anti-climactic way to end a tour. All of us are really bummed, especially since Chester was injured. In case you don't know. Chester (lead singer of Linkin Park) hurt his back while playing with his kid. Apparently he slipped two of his discs in his back. I imagine that this is excruciatingly painful. I feel for him.

So now we know the reason why Chester's back gave out. Hope Mike can give us more update on Chester's state as well as his recovery. Thanks Jaclyn for the link.

I also found this one pic on Pooch's blog. Seems like the Linkin Park roadies made it - fun stuff! Credit goes to Amie, the band's production assistant.


Sweet memory of murdering a classic Guns 'n' Roses' song.

The newest fanart from Teresa:
[+]I don't want to fall in love

Check out Rachel's fanvid "Best friend love ya":

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Labels: fanart, fanmade vid, linkin park, news, pics

From linkinpark.com:

Linkin Park Cancels Asia Tour
October 7, 2008

Linkin Park has been forced to cancel their upcoming Music For Relief Concerts in Mainland China, Macau and Taipei as lead vocalist Chester Bennington has sustained a back injury and is under doctor's orders to refrain from traveling or any physical activities. Linkin Park sincerely regrets this unavoidable cancellation and apologizes to fans for any disappointment caused. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.

The concerts were organized as fundraisers to benefit Sichuan, an area ravaged by a devastating earthquake this past May. However, thanks to generous donations from concert promoter Emma Ticketmaster and Linkin Park, funds will still be contributed to the band’s nonprofit organization, Music for Relief, and matched by the World Bank. These funds will benefit post-earthquake reconstruction projects in the Sichuan Province initiated by Chinese Civil Society Organizations.

The cancelled shows are as follows:
Oct. 12 - Shanghai, China - Shanghai Stadium
Oct. 15 - Wuhan, China - Xinhua Stadium
Oct. 17 - Taipei, Taiwan - Taipei Soccer Stadium
Oct. 19 - Beijing, China - Beijing Workers Stadium
Oct. 21 - Macau, China Cotai Arena - The Venetian

Chester's back injury seems to be serious. You can listen to Mike talking about Chester's injury and their cancellation on X-treme Radio: DOWNLOAD HERE.

Basically, Mike doesn't have much information about Chester's sickness either. When being asked about the Las Vegas cancellation, Mike said he wish he knew, he wish he had better information to tell people and he didn't have a clear picture of what happened. All he knew is that Chester was at his house, not doing anything particularly strenuous and his back suddenly went out. Chester was in so much pain he couldn't even stand up and people had to bring him to hospital on a stretcher. That resulted in the cancellation of not only the Las Vegas concert for UNLV students but also the whole Asian Tour in October.

All I have to say is: get well soon, Chester. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Labels: linkin park, media, news

From linkinpark.com News

Linkin Park Cancels October 6th Show In Vegas
October 5, 2008

Los Angeles, CA (October 6, 2008) - Linkin Park has been forced to cancel tonight's concert at the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, as lead vocalist Chester Bennington has sustained a back injury and is under doctor's orders to rest. Linkin Park sincerely regrets this unavoidable cancellation and apologizes to fans for any disappointment caused.

This has to be a not very good year when it comes to the band's health. Get well soon, Chester! :(

Edit: From Mike's blog

FROM MIKE: We're bummed...Chester hurt his back, and is in quite a bit of pain. Please think good thoughts for our friend :)

Labels: linkin park, news

Bret Mikels Shinoda and Axl Rosington part 2 is posted on Mike Shinoda's blog

here's the rest of the dress-up goodness...as chester said, "you know, sometimes you just can't take yourself too seriously."

More pics on his blog. Michael, thank you for being so excited about publicizing your little Bennoda moment as much as we want you to! You're my h3r0!11!

Labels: linkin park, news, pics, screencaps

From The Arizona Republic's interview with Chester: Linkin Park's project still mixing it up, Larry, the interview asked one question about Mike and Chester's relationship:

Q: Recent reviews say your onstage interaction with Mike has gotten more intense and theatrical. Could you talk about your performing relationship?

A: It's interesting that you say that because I've been feeling that I almost neglect Mike a little bit. We're so in a pocket, we don't even come across each other. The whole band is moving fluidly, we've been playing so many shows that we are kind of like a machine up there. . . . On this tour we broke the production down. It's (simply) a backdrop and lights. It's all about the band.

Wot, Chester?

And this has nothing to do with Bennoda, but it's too good to be ignored: Machine Head on Linkin Park, interview with Metal Hammer August 5th 2008

Q: IT MUST HAVE REALLY SUCKED TO SEE MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE HEADLINING DOWNLOAD LAST YEAR WHEN YOU PLAYED ONLY FOURTH TO LINKIN PARK.
by ANDREW CARRINGTON, VIA EMAIL
...
Robb: "And we stomped Linkin Park into oblivion. I mean they need those big pop headliners, obviously, that's why they're able to pull so many different things in. There's nothing like Download in America, nothing that diverse. In America everything's gotta be the same, it's bands like Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance and bands like that."
Hammer: Is there a place for bands like Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance then?
Robb: "Yes. Under my fucking foot!"

Linkin Park bashing is pure entertaining. Too bad, Robb from Machine Head here sounds so much like a jealous dumbass that he chops off some of my fun. Try harder next time, baby.

Labels: linkin park, news, quote

From LPU news

LP Show Cancellations
June 14, 2008

We have been forced to cancel tonight’s concert at the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden and tomorrow night’s show at the Greenfields Festival in Interlaken, Switzerland as guitarist Brad Delson is ill and under doctor’s orders to rest for a few days. We sincerely regret this unavoidable cancellation and apologize to fans for any disappointment caused.

From Mike Shinoda's blog

show cancellation in sweden
June 14, 2008

to all the swedish fans: we are extremely sorry about the cancellation of the show tonight. we all sincerely wanted to come and play for you, but our boy brad is sick. this afternoon, the doctor ordered that brad not travel, so the show became an impossibility. we were obviously very disappointed and frustrated. we rarely cancel, and i know this is the second time we’ve had to cancel playing there. the band feels very bad about this uncontrollable situation, and hope to make it up to you as soon as we can…

Get well soon, Brad. Flowers and hugs from all the Bennoda-ers to you! And good luck to the people from Switzerland and Sweden in the next shows too.

Two new pics from Columbus, Ohio, 16th February, 2008 by Nirazilla

Labels: linkin park, news, pics