After seeing Linkin Park live close to thirty times by now, I cannot fail to mention how much better and better these guys are getting even though they’ve always been just as talented and entertaining. Even after hearing the same singles that I’ve heard in past years, they somehow still constantly surprise us with new mixes, blends, and different touches added to tracks. Joe Hahn’s solo set/mix was amazing and full of energy. It really made my friend and I want to dance as if we were in a club. It reminded me of the time he guest-DJ’d at a Las Vegas nightclub just a year or so ago, and how fun it was to dance to his fast-beat mixes, as if at an electro concert. It caught me off guard!
Aside from Mr. Hahn’s bold and wicked scratching was Mike’s medley of Fort Minor verses. He’s ‘still got it’ with the hip hop rhythm and rapping, and hearing Fort Minor tracks after some time brought back old memories of the FM days and the FM Street Team. Mike’s vocals on The Hunting Party have really grown into something exhilarating as well, and I did not imagine it could even enhance the way it has.
My favorite track that they performed from The Hunting Party was definitely “Rebellion”, and this was due to Chester’s screaming. Impeccable! For anyone who might have thought Chester was losing his screaming abilities over the years, this live performance has proven them all wrong. I had goosebumps. It’s actually safe to say these performances are, if not more, just as hard as they were back in the Hybrid Theory days.
I loved how each song flowed from one to the other, and how they’re able to incorporate so many pieces of seemingly completely different songs together and still keep it cool! I was disappointed that I hadn’t been able to get pit tickets, because I am sure those in the pit were having the time of their lives.
Last but not least, it was very thoughtful of Mike to pause for a minute and have us reflect on our country’s veterans; what they’ve done to protect us and allow us all to live our lives. He mentioned the work that the Linkin Park and Carnivores Tour team has ensured to put in to give select veterans a premiere concert experience, and to promote funding to help veterans return to society.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I look forward to seeing the guys again on Monday in Hollywood. Every penny spent was more than worth it. I can’t thank the band enough for all the effort they put forth into each live performance, every single song. There’s never a moment where they don’t look as if they’re giving it all they’ve got.
