Mike Shinoda Talks Linkin Park's Return and His On-Stage Microphone Mishap (Extended)

Summary

In this interview, Mike Shinoda, co-founder of Linkin Park and multiple-Grammy-winning artist, discusses the band's new album 'From Zero,' set to release on November 15th. Shinoda shares the excitement of their recent performances, including a sold-out show at the Forum in LA. He also humorously recounts an on-stage mishap during a concert. The conversation touches on the band's dynamic since the passing of Chester Bennington and how they've approached creating new music without him. Shinoda also shares a light-hearted anecdote about his daughter's musical aspirations and the family's backstage experiences.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Mike Shinoda, a Grammy-winning artist and co-founder of Linkin Park, is promoting their new album 'From Zero', set to release on November 15th.
• 🎶 The band Linkin Park is back on tour after a hiatus, with sold-out shows at the Forum in LA and Barclays, indicating a strong fan following.
• 🤗 Mike expressed a deep sense of joy and excitement after their concert, showing the band's passion is still very much alive.
• 😅 An amusing incident occurred during a concert where Mike ran into a mic stand, which became a viral moment on the Internet.
• 👨‍👧 Mike's teenage children are experiencing their father's tour life for the first time, as they were very young when the band was last active.
• 🎸 Mike's daughter, who is learning to play guitar, initially dismissed his advice but later sought his help, showcasing a common dynamic between parents and children.
• 🤷‍♀️ Mike's daughter questioned her dad's knowledge of performing, reflecting a generational gap in understanding her father's career.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Mike's wife had to show their daughter a video of Linkin Park performing to a large crowd to convince her of her father's expertise.
• 🕺 The band's return to performing is a delicate process, as they navigate the loss of their bandmate Chester Bennington and the decision to create new music.
• 🔄 The album 'From Zero' symbolizes both a fresh start and a nod to the band's original name, Xero, highlighting the group's journey and evolution.

Q & A

Who is the guest being interviewed in this script?

The guest is Mike Shinoda, a multiple-Grammy-winning artist and co-founder of Linkin Park.

What is the name of Linkin Park's new album, and when is it being released?

The new album is titled 'From Zero,' and it will be released on November 15th.

What song was referenced in the interview as a part of Fort Minor's project?

The song referenced is 'Remember the Name,' which contains the famous line '10% luck, 20% skill, 50% pain.'

What happened during a recent Linkin Park concert that went viral on the internet?

During a concert, Mike Shinoda ran into a mic stand while performing the song 'Remember the Name,' and this moment gained attention online.

How does Mike Shinoda describe the feeling of being back on tour with Linkin Park?

Mike Shinoda described the feeling as euphoric, and mentioned that the band was filled with genuine excitement and adrenaline, even after so many years of performing together.

How did Mike Shinoda’s daughter react when he tried to give her advice on playing the guitar?

Initially, his daughter dismissed his advice, saying, 'Yeah, whatever,' but later came back to ask for help with the chord he mentioned.

What did Mike Shinoda’s wife do after their daughter dismissed his advice about playing guitar?

Mike's wife showed their daughter a video of Linkin Park performing in front of 85,000 people to prove that Mike knows what he's talking about when it comes to performing.

What was the original name of the band before they became Linkin Park?

The original name of the band was 'Xero,' with an 'X.'

How did the band Linkin Park evolve over time?

The band started with just Mike Shinoda and his friend Mark as 'Xero.' Over time, they added Brad, 'Phoenix,' Rob, Joe, and later Chester Bennington, after which they renamed themselves Linkin Park.

How did the band come to start working on new music after Chester Bennington’s death?

The band didn’t set out with the intention to 'bring the band back' or find a new singer. Instead, they started hanging out more, being creative, and the new album 'From Zero' came together naturally during that process.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Mike Shinoda's Return with Linkin Park

In this segment, Mike Shinoda, a Grammy-winning artist and co-founder of Linkin Park, is introduced as the next guest. His new album, 'From Zero,' is set to release on November 15th. The audience is excited to welcome him, and he is greeted with a playful rendition of 'My Sharona' by the band. The conversation quickly shifts to the recent successful performances by Linkin Park, including a sold-out show at the Forum in LA. Mike shares his band's euphoric reaction to the positive reception of their comeback. An unexpected incident during a concert in L.A., where Mike ran into a mic stand, is discussed, and a clip is shown, highlighting the internet's reaction to the mishap. The segment ends with a discussion about Mike's children and their budding musical interests, with a humorous anecdote about his daughter learning to play guitar and her initial reluctance to accept his advice.

05:04

🤘 Linkin Park's Journey and New Album 'From Zero'

This paragraph delves into the emotional and creative journey of Linkin Park following the tragic loss of their bandmate, Chester Bennington, in 2017. Mike explains that the band never had a set plan to 'bring the band back' or find a new singer; instead, they organically started creating music together. The new album, 'From Zero,' is a representation of both starting from scratch and a nod to their original band name, Xero. Mike also reflects on the band's evolution over time, from its initial formation to the addition of various members, culminating in the well-known name Linkin Park. The conversation includes light-hearted moments, such as Mike's commentary on his own fashion choices from the past and a discussion about the timeless nature of high school fashion. The segment concludes with anticipation for Linkin Park's upcoming performance of a song from their new album.

Keywords

💡Linkin Park

Linkin Park is a globally recognized rock band co-founded by Mike Shinoda. In the video, they discuss the band’s return after a long hiatus, performing live shows and releasing a new album, 'From Zero,' following the death of their lead singer Chester Bennington. The band’s legacy and impact are central to the conversation.

💡Mike Shinoda

Mike Shinoda is a key figure in the video, as both a member of Linkin Park and a solo artist. He discusses his experiences performing live, interacting with fans, and his personal life, including anecdotes about his children. Shinoda's role in reviving the band is also highlighted, reflecting on his personal and professional growth.

💡From Zero

'From Zero' is the name of Linkin Park’s new album, set to be released on November 15th. The title has a dual meaning, representing both starting from scratch after their hiatus and a nod to the band's original name, Xero. It symbolizes their creative rebirth and return to the music scene.

💡Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington was the lead vocalist of Linkin Park who passed away in 2017. His absence and the emotional toll it took on the band are discussed, emphasizing how it felt like losing a brother. His loss plays a significant role in the band's journey towards reuniting and creating new music.

💡Fort Minor

Fort Minor is a side project by Mike Shinoda, separate from Linkin Park. In the video, he mentions the song 'Remember the Name' from this project during a humorous recount of running into a microphone stand on stage. Fort Minor reflects Shinoda’s multifaceted career and his ventures beyond the band.

💡Barclays and Forum Shows

These refer to the live performances Linkin Park played during their comeback. Shinoda expresses the euphoria the band felt after playing at these sold-out venues, particularly highlighting the emotional high of returning to live performances after many years away. These shows represent the band’s triumphant return.

💡Rock in Rio

Rock in Rio is a large music festival where Linkin Park performed in front of 85,000 people. Shinoda's wife uses footage from this concert to remind their daughter of her father's musical prowess. This moment underscores the generational gap and how Shinoda’s children are unfamiliar with the band’s earlier fame.

💡Running into the mic stand

This humorous incident happened to Mike Shinoda during a live concert, just before he was about to perform the line '50% pain' from the song 'Remember the Name.' The internet quickly took notice, and the incident is highlighted as a lighthearted moment in the band’s recent performances.

💡Adrenaline and excitement

Shinoda uses this phrase to describe the emotions felt by the band after their successful return to live performances. This reflects the joy and energy they experienced after reconnecting with their audience, showing how even after years of being in the industry, performing live still brings intense emotional highs.

💡Creativity and rebuilding

Shinoda mentions how the new album came together organically, as the band members decided to start meeting more often and be creative. This concept underscores the theme of rebuilding Linkin Park’s identity and sound after a period of personal and collective loss, leading to the creation of their new music.

Highlights

Introduction of Mike Shinoda, a multiple-Grammy-winning artist and co-founder of Linkin Park.

Announcement of Linkin Park’s new album, 'From Zero,' releasing on November 15th.

Mike Shinoda humorously acknowledges The Roots playing 'My Sharona' as a nod to his name, calling it a high school memory.

Mike describes the euphoria of performing again after years, texting with bandmates about how exciting and fulfilling the experience was.

Jimmy Fallon plays a clip of Mike Shinoda running into a mic stand during a concert, leading to laughs and a discussion about the moment going viral.

Mike shares a personal story about his daughter learning to play guitar and how she initially dismissed his advice, later asking for his help.

Humorous moment where Mike’s daughter didn’t realize he was a famous performer, with his wife showing her a video of Linkin Park performing.

Discussion about Mike's kids witnessing his career as a rock star and how they now get to experience their dad on tour.

Reflection on the loss of Chester Bennington and the emotional challenge of moving forward with the band.

Mike explains that Linkin Park never intended to replace Chester or 'bring the band back' in a traditional sense, but rather, their new music evolved organically.

The album title 'From Zero' is a double entendre, symbolizing both starting from scratch and referencing their original band name 'Xero.'

Mike reminisces about the early days of Linkin Park, including their evolution from Xero to the full band lineup.

Mike jokes about his outdated style in high school photos, comparing them humorously to modern-day trends.

Mike and Jimmy Fallon reflect on the timelessness of certain fashion trends and how Mike's style unintentionally aligned with future trends.

Linkin Park prepares to perform a song from their new album after the break, marking a significant return to the stage.

Transcripts

-Our next guest is a multiple-Grammy-winning artist

and co-founder of Linkin Park.

Their new album, "From Zero," comes out November 15th.

Please welcome Mike Shinoda!

-♪ My, my, my, my, my, whoo ♪

♪ M-M-Mike Shinoda ♪

♪ M-M-Mike Shinoda ♪

♪ M-M-Mike Shinoda ♪

-They had to do it. Come on, Mike Shinoda!

Come on. -Okay, okay.

The "My Sharona" thing in high school,

for those that don't realize what they just did --

-Yeah. Did you even dream

that The Roots would ever play "Mike Shinoda"?

-Uh, no. That's a big no.

-Congrats. Linkin Park is back.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Indeed. Indeed.

-You played Barclays last night. -Yeah.

-Rave reviews. You sold out the Forum in LA.

Sold out -- What do you -- How can you describe --

What does it feel like to be back?

-You know what's really funny is, I was texting with the band

after the Forum show.

And we were euphoric for like 48 hours.

I mean, it was truly -- You know, to be this many years

in and to feel that, like,

genuine, like, adrenaline and excitement and happiness

was like -- there's nothing like it, man.

-You -- [ Cheers and applause ]

I can't wait for everyone to see your performance tonight.

But it's phenomenal.

But you've been rehearsing, and everything's been going

smoothly with the tour.

-Yeah, it's so good.

-Yeah, but something unexpected happened in L.A.

-Okay. Yeah, except for one moment.

-I mean, this is -- The Internet took notice.

Do you know what I'm talking about?

How do we describe it to...

-I -- Well, just to set up the context,

there's a section in the set where I have this song.

I did a project called Fort Minor.

There was a song called "Remember the Name."

And the song is, you know, "10% luck, 20% skill,"

and there's a line that goes "50% pain."

And this happened right before I said that line, basically.

-Yeah. We have a clip.

Here's Mike Shinoda running into the mic stand

during the Linkin Park concert last week.

Take a look at this. This is real.

-♪ ...luck, 20% skill, 15%... ♪

By the way, I'm... [ Cheers and applause ]

-"15% -- Aah!"

-I have not seen that particular angle of it.

That angle is way worse than what I've seen.

-We gave you the cool angle We gave you the cool angle.

-That was aggressive. Thanks for that, Jimmy.

-But another good thing that we were talking about --

your kids.

I got to meet them backstage.

You have teenagers. They get to experience dad going on tour.

-Yeah, it's crazy.

Like, imagine, you know --

Well, from our perspective, like, we were not --

We've not been touring as a band for like seven years.

And for them, their memories of Linkin Park are --

They don't really have them

because they were so much younger.

And, actually, a funny thing happened.

I was -- My kids do play some music.

Like, they play -- A couple of them play drums,

a couple of them play piano, et cetera, et cetera.

One of my daughters said,

"Oh, you know, I signed up to play this song"

at this school, like, festival type of thing.

-Yeah.

-And I was like, "Oh, that's so cool.

You know, what are you going to do?"

She said, "I'm going to sing and play guitar."

This girl doesn't know how to play guitar.

She took two lessons. At that point.

This was a couple years ago. She had taken two lessons.

And she goes, "I'm going to play guitar and sing."

And I was like, "Okay." So, you know, a couple --

I guess it was probably like a week or two later,

I'm listening and I'm hearing her doing her thing,

and she's got most of it.

Like, she's getting really pretty far.

But there's a couple things she's not doing correctly.

Like, one of the chords is wrong, for example.

So I kind of went in, I was like,

"How's everything going?"

And I was, like, talking to her.

And I was like, "Hey, by the way,

like, that one chord at the end of this part,

like, it's actually -- your fingers go here."

And she's like, "Yeah, whatever."

Like, "Cool."

-"Dad, leave me --"

-Yeah, basically, "Leave me alone."

And I was like, "Okay, sorry."

Like, whatever. I'm sure you got it."

And I left, and a little while later --

I want to say it was, like, the next day or something.

She came to me and was like,

"Hey, like, dad, like, um, can you show me that chord?"

And I was like, "Oh, yeah, cool. No problem."

Like, you know, I gave her some tips and stuff.

-That's what I'm talking about.

-And then, I thought that was it.

I just thought, "Oh, she came around.

Like, she was like, you know --"

-You're a good, caring -- -Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I told my wife this story. Like, we were going to bed.

I was telling this story.

I was like, "Yeah, it was so cool.

She, like, came around."

My wife starts laughing at me.

She's like, "That's not what happened."

She said, "I heard you two talking originally.

And she was like, 'Get out of here, basically.

Like, don't tell me how to play.'

And, so, after you left --" This is my wife talking.

And she's like, "After you left, I went in the room

and I was like, 'Hey, like, you should listen to your dad.'"

And my daughter goes, "What does he know about performing?"

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪

She literally -- My wife literally pulled

up a video of us, of Linkin Park, onstage

at, like, Rock in Rio in front of 85,000 people.

And she shows it to her, and my daughter goes, "Who's that?"

-"This is your dad. He knows how to rock.

You should listen to your dad."

-And now they get to be out here and see the real show.

-And they're so cool. They couldn't be nicer kids.

-They're so sweet. They're the sweetest kids.

-Let's talk about Linkin Park coming back,

because, obviously, you lost your longtime bandmate,

Chester Bennington, in 2017.

And it must have been like losing a brother.

I can't even imagine. -That's right, that's right.

-What's it like to put a band kind of back together

or start something new or think about even going out or...

-Yeah, it was like -- Well, we never set --

I think the important thing for us is that we never set out to,

like, "Let's bring the band back"

or like, "Let's find a singer."

It was never -- That was never our intention or our goal.

It was more like there was --

I remember where there was a moment where our DJ, Joe --

he just, like -- We went to breakfast, and he was like,

"I think we should, like, hang out a little more often.

Like, can we, like, get together and just be creative?

Like, I don't know what that means."

But, you know, one thing led to another, yeah.

And it was almost like this new record --

Like, we wrote it, we came up with the music

while we were creating the new band.

Like, when we started the music,

we didn't have a band, and it just came together

while the music came together, I guess.

-Yeah. And when you hear it -- It's out November 15th.

It's called "From Zero." It is definitely Linkin Park.

I mean, what is the name "From Zero" from?

-It's a double entendre. It's a double meaning.

-Yeah.

-It's both, like, you know, starting from scratch

or starting with a blank canvas at least,

and then, also, our original band name,

like, when we first started --

Actually, it was originally just me

and my friend Mark, and the band was called Xero with an "X,"

but it was Xero.

And -- -With an "X."

-Yeah. Well, that's easy to remember.

-Not a bad -- Not a terrible first-band name.

-Xero. Yeah.

-I think we ended up on the right band name.

-Yeah, me too. -But, yeah, then we added --

you know, we added Brad and "Phoenix" and Rob and Joe.

And then, later, we met Chester,

and at that point, we named ourselves Linkin Park.

-Come on. And that's how you became -- Yeah.

[ Cheers and applause ]

-Look at these guys. Look at this.

Okay...look at this dude.

-And what's going through his mind? What is he thinking?

-I don't think that guy knows what size waist

his pants are supposed to be.

I don't think he -- It's just like somewhere

between 36 and 42.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. -Like, whatever.

-Yeah. -But I also can't tell --

I mean, have you seen a high school lately?

Have you been to a high school lately?

Like, is this picture from 2024 or is it from 2001?

I actually don't know. -It is interesting, yeah.

That is interesting, right? That's wild, yeah.

So you can tell your kids, "Hey, dad knows what's up."

-I mean, by accident.

-Yeah, not only is he a rock star,

but he was ahead of his time, style-wise, yeah.

Well, when we come back,

Linkin Park is going to perform a song from their new album.

Thank you again for coming back. I appreciate this.

"From Zero" comes out November 15th.

Linkin Park performs for us after the break.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪