It is such a shattering return as they are. Eight after the death of his charismatic frontman, Chester Bennington, found hanged at his home at only 41 years old, Linkin Park performs this July 11 in a stadium in France on a closed counters. The places were torn off in a few minutes. A new date is already scheduled on June 16, 2026 at Groupama Stadium, near Lyon. It is still difficult to believe.
Long struggled, the neo-metal group got up and realizes An incredible comeback. It all started last September with a concert broadcast live on its site and social networks. The opportunity to present his new voice, the intrepid Emily Armstrong. A real masterclass.
In the process, the Californians gave a handful of electrifying shows, before publishing their November 15 their Eighth studio album, From Zero, recorded in the greatest secrecy. “Leave from scratch”, but without forgetting anything. So that’s the project of this Linkin Park 2.0.
A rageous start
To heat a stadium in France that does not need it between excitement and scorching heat, Linkin Park has chosen first two parts. JPEGMafia, his real name Barrington Hendricks. RAP D’AFERCHED VIVE. And above all One Ok Rock, Japanese group mixing alternative rock, pop-punk and post-harter. Taka, its leader, has a Linkin Park t-shirt Meteor. Powerful voice, overflowing energy, it is untenable. We want more. That’s good: One Ok Rock will return to France on October 10 at Accor Arena.
Shortly after 9 p.m., a countdown triggered on giant screens. 10 minutes before fire to fire. Linkin Park tumbles on stage Determined to do battle. Californians immediately attack with Somewhere I Belongfollowed by a Crawling raging, one of the abrasive tubes ofHybrid Theory, Their first album sold at nearly 30 million copies worldwide. Hair tied, sunglasses, red and black sweatshirt, Emily Armstrong harangues the public. Big start.
The overpowered voice of Emily Armstrong
Emily Armstrong has the heavy task of succeeding Chester Bennington, one of the greatest voices of metal, always in the hearts of fans. The singer’s son, Jaime Bennington, himself expressed his dissatisfaction a few months ago, worried about the memory and the “inheritance” of his father. Faced with such expectations, The former Dead Sara singer does not seek to be vocal platform. She remains herself. What an overpowered voice!
Linkin Park does not unroll a Best Of. Mike Shinoda’s group is determined to defend on stage From Zero. They prove it by dusk Cut The Bridge, quickly followed by The Emptiness Machine, Their single Uppercut, taken up in chorus by the 70,000 spectators. The show runs through the group’s very eclectic discography. Because yes, Linkin Park is not limited to his neo-metal period. The training has constantly explored new sounds, Going from alternative rock to electro hip-hop. Which sometimes divided fans and criticism.
Incendiary tubes, an incandescent stadium in France
Like the theatrical and strange The Catalyst opening Act II. Burn It Down, He makes the pit leak. Up From The Bottom, New extract from the latest album, impresses with its drums and its guitar wall. On Two Faced, The pits are multiplying. Joe Hahn, the DJ and creative director of the group, also assures the show, With its scratches, samples and programming. He embarks on a solo. Then it’s Mike’s turn to do the same with a rap in contact with the front rows.
But if the Stade de France displays complete, it is first to ignite on the incendiary classics. One Step Closer lift the crowd. En guest, chanteur de One Ok Rock assure les “cris de pumas”. “Everything you say to me / Takes me one step closer to the edge / And I’m about to break !” Et que dire de What I’ve Done known worldwide thanks to the film Transformers, Numb, In The End or stunning it Faint, taken from the album Meteor.
The recall is a steamroller with Papercut, followed by a A Place for My Head, monstrous. Emily and Mike give everything. Heavy is The Crown et Bleed It Out Nail the show. “Long live France!” Says the singer in front of a human marrated with angels. More than a triumphant return, we attended a renaissance.
