

After facing numerous rejections from several major record labels, Linkin Park turned to Jeff Blue for additional help. However, despite these changes, the band still struggled to sign a record deal. The band initially wanted to utilize the name "Lincoln Park", however they changed it to "Linkin" to acquire the internet domain "". The band’s renaissance culminated with a change in name from Hybrid Theory, the band once again changed its name, this time to Linkin Park, a play on and homage to Santa Monica’s Lincoln Park. In 1999 they released their first extended play named after the group, which they plugged into internet chat-rooms and developed an informal 'street team' from the on-line community to spread the music. The band then agreed on changing its name from Xero to Hybrid Theory the newborn vocal chemistry between Shinoda and Bennington helped revive the band, inciting them to work on new material.

Bennington, formerly of a post-grunge band by the name of Grey Daze, became a standout among applicants because of the dynamic in his singing style. Farrell also left to tour with Tasty Snax and other bands.Īfter spending a considerable time searching for Wakefield's replacement, Xero recruited Arizona vocalist, Chester Bennington, who was recommended by Jeff Blue, the vice president of Zomba Music in March 1999. The lack of success and stalemate in progress prompted Wakefield, at that time the band's vocalist, to leave the band in search of other projects. Tensions and frustration within the band grew however after they failed to land a record deal. Though limited in resources, the band began recording and producing songs within Shinoda’s makeshift bedroom studio in 1996, resulting in a 4-track demo tape, entitled as Xero. After graduating from high school, the three began to take their musical interests more seriously, recruiting Joe Hahn, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and Mark Wakefield to perform in their band, Xero. The three attended Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, California, an affluent suburb of Los Angeles. Linkin Park was founded by three high school friends Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad Delson.

Their following studio album Meteora continued the band's success, topping the Billboard 200 album chart in 2003, and was followed by extensive touring and charity work around the world. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries. Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California.
