Linkin Park is a popular rock band, but why is it on the Charger Post? It’s certainly not because we Chargers are all die-hard Rock fans, or because they are one of the most successful rock bands of all time. The actual reason they are featured in this paper right now is that their founders went to Agoura High School. Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon were High School friends who graduated from our school in 1996. Later that year, they founded Linkin Park. However, let’s go way back, before the band’s establishment, to see their individual journeys.
Mike Shinoda was born in Panorama City and lived in Agoura in a Japanese household. At an early age, he was encouraged to play piano and later developed a passion for blues, jazz, and hip-hop. Later, he went to college in Pasadena to study graphic design. I bet you have heard the names of some familiar cities!
Brad Delson was born and raised in Agoura Hills. He initially played the trumpet until he switched to the guitar at twelve years old because of his love for Guns ‘N Roses. He ended up majoring in communications at UCLA, and even debated attending law school.
Rob Bourdon was born in Calabasas, where he learned to play the classical piano at an early age. He met his future bandmates in the Agoura High School jazz band and later studied at Santa Monica College. He and Brad Delson created a smaller band called Relative Degree before making their larger band with Mike Shinoda. The Agoura High School grads originally formed the band Xero and debuted at a nightclub in West Hollywood. Eventually, they realized they needed a singer if they wanted to “go big,” so they recruited a talented vocalist from Arizona named Chester Bennington. With the help of their lead singer, the small band was able to release their debut album, Hybrid Theory, in 2000. The album ended up selling 4.8 million copies later that year. Twenty-six years later, they continue to release songs, despite the exit of Rob Bourdon and the sad death of beloved Chester Bennington. So, next time you are looking for a new song to listen to, make sure to sit back, relax, and enjoy a Linkin Park hit, “In the End.”
