On September 11, 2024, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles played host to one of the most highly anticipated concerts of the year: Linkin Park’s return to the stage. After a lengthy hiatus, the band, now fronted by Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara, reignited the spark that had long flickered in the hearts of fans across the globe. For many, this night wasn’t just a concert—it was an emotional journey filled with nostalgia, healing, and excitement for what the future holds.
The atmosphere inside the venue was electric, charged by the palpable anticipation of a fanbase that had waited nearly seven years to see the band play a full set again. The energy in the room was a mix of trepidation and joy as the audience wondered how the absence of late frontman Chester Bennington would impact the performance. Yet, as soon as the band launched into their set, it became clear that Linkin Park wasn’t just surviving—they were thriving.
The show kicked off with “Somewhere I Belong,” a track that had never before served as an opener for a Linkin Park concert. From the very first note, the audience was transported back to the early 2000s, reliving the angst and emotion that defined their teenage years. The band powered through a setlist that included hits like “Crawling,” “Points of Authority,” and “New Divide.” But it wasn’t just a night of crowd-pleasers—Linkin Park also treated fans to rare gems like “My December” and “Given Up,” tracks that hadn’t been performed in over a decade.
Emily Armstrong’s presence brought a new dynamic to the band. Her powerful vocals, combined with Mike Shinoda’s iconic rapping and Joe Hahn’s turntable wizardry, created a fresh yet familiar sound that resonated deeply with the audience. While some fans had expressed concerns about how the band would move forward without Bennington, Armstrong’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. She didn’t try to replace Bennington—no one could—but rather, she paid homage to his legacy while bringing her own unique energy to the stage.
One of the standout moments of the night came during “Leave Out All The Rest.” As Shinoda stepped into the spotlight, performing a stripped-down version of the song, the audience fell into a hushed silence. The lyrics, a haunting reminder of loss and memory, were sung by thousands of voices in unison. It was a deeply emotional moment, as fans and band members alike honored Bennington’s memory, with many shedding tears as they sang along.
As the concert continued, the band seamlessly transitioned between high-energy anthems and softer, more reflective tracks. “The Catalyst,” “Burn It Down,” and “Castle of Glass” kept the energy levels soaring, while songs like “Lost,” “Breaking the Habit,” and “What I’ve Done” provided moments of introspection.
One of the most exciting aspects of the night was the inclusion of new material. Linkin Park debuted “The Emptiness Machine,” a single from their upcoming album From Zero, which is set to be released in November. The song’s heavy electronic beats and haunting lyrics signaled a new direction for the band, blending their signature nu-metal sound with modern electronic elements. Fans were quick to embrace the track, with many already hailing it as a future classic.
The night also featured a number of live debuts and rare performances, such as “Friendly Fire,” a previously unreleased song recorded during the One More Light sessions, and “Keys to the Kingdom,” a track from The Hunting Party that had never been played live before. These moments felt like gifts to the hardcore fans, offering a glimpse into the deeper cuts of the band’s discography.
The encore was everything a Linkin Park fan could hope for. The band returned to the stage with “Resolution,” a medley that included elements of “Castle of Glass” and “Papercut.” As the final notes of “Bleed It Out” rang out, fireworks lit up the sky above the arena, marking the end of an unforgettable night.
For many in the audience, the concert was more than just a musical performance—it was a cathartic experience, a chance to come together and celebrate a band that has been through so much. The joy, the tears, and the shared memories all blended together in a night that will be remembered for years to come.
As Linkin Park moves forward with Armstrong at the helm, it’s clear that the band is not only honoring their past but also embracing their future. Their return to the stage wasn’t just a comeback—it was a declaration. Linkin Park is back, and they’re stronger than ever.
