I was recently given the opportunity to attend the live taping of Linkin Park and Steve Aoki performing “A Light That Never Comes” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The event took place on November 27 in Hollywood, CA. To my good fortune, a few people who had been selected for the performance could no longer attend, and I was emailed a last minute invitation the night before the event.
Upon arrival, a small group of 10 LPU members, myself included, were checked in and escorted right to the front of the stage where a few familiar LPU faces, and an eager Lorenzo was waiting for us with a backpack full of brand new RECHARGED CDs for each of us. The small stage was set up in the corner of the main entrance of the studio on Hollywood Blvd where they record the Jimmy Kimmel Live shows and indoor performances.
The stage was decorated with an abundance of strobe lights, screens, as well as a distinctly, brand-new, Aoki/LP collaborative DJ console. Although we pried for answers from Lorenzo, our attempts were unsuccessful. But the group consensus was that, while nothing is confirmed, the dashboard would most likely been seen again in the future…
The group was able to watch the live taping of the show while we waited for the performance to start. We even got a glimpse of the legendary Mike Tyson as he filmed a short bit for the guest introduction for the night. While shorter in person, he is still however, an intimidating sight from down the hall. And after about 2 hours of taping and waiting, Steve Aoki, Mike and Chester were ready to hit the stage.
Aoki took to the stage in all smiles and sparkles, followed by Mike and then Chester who was decked out in classic mega rock star fashion. The set was short- one and done. They literally performed the song one time, but somehow managed to have everyone in the room hyped and excited in a matter of three minutes.
Immediately after the song, Mike and Chester came down to the front of the stage, instantly recognizing our various Linkin Park/LPU t-shirts we were all sporting for the cameras. They thanked us for coming out and showing our support for the collab with Aoki with hi-fives, hugs, and handshakes. Luckily someone had brought a sharpie marker with them and Mike and Chester were kind enough to stick around and sign all of our RECHARGED CDs that Lorenzo generously gifted us.
But the night didn’t end there. After the show, the majority of our group headed to the car where I had a small cake stashed away in the trunk. Unfortunately JKL staff wouldn’t allow the Aoki cake toss tradition inside the studio for security and safety reasons. So our only chance at being pelted with delicious, chocolatey goodness was to take matters into our own hands- which worked out quite nicely in the end.
We took the cake to the parking lot behind the studio and after about 20 minutes, Aoki walked out and kindly stopped to take pictures, sign CDs, and whack me in the face at point blank range with the cake. The incident somehow ended up in slow motion on TMZ for all to see, which only added another checkmark to my bucket list of ridiculousness. I took the walk of shame down Hollywood Blvd to the Hooters around the corner, where I cleaned myself up, and we all sat down to plates of fries, wings, and sliders to finish off the night.
Overall, I’d say the night was a success. I got to see “A Light That Never Comes” live for the second time, up close and personal, and finally got caked by Aoki, all in the company of good friends I’ve met over the years through the LPU. One could say I had my cake, and ate it too…
Big thanks to Lorenzo, Mike, Chester, and Steve Aoki for always being patient and gracious with us. We all can’t wait for the next opportunity, and we’re eager to see and hear what’s in store for the new year! And as we launch into 2014 I’ve learned to respect the lesson that this whole experience has taught me; life is short, so eat dessert first.
-Dayna
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