Linkin Park Bio: Love Lives, Members, Singles, Founder, Albums, Real Names, Eps, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents

Linkin Park is a Grammy Award-winning American rock band known for blending alternative rock, nu-metal, hip-hop, and electronic music into a sound that redefined the 2000s rock scene.

Founded in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996, the group rose to global stardom with the release of their 2000 debut album, Hybrid Theory.

Over the years, Linkin Park evolved sonically while addressing deeply personal and social themes in their lyrics.

The tragic death of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017 marked a turning point for the band, but their influence continues through their music and legacy projects.

Early Life & Members

Mike Shinoda:

Born February 11, 1977, in Agoura Hills, California, Mike Shinoda is a multitalented musician, producer, and visual artist. He studied illustration at the Art Center College of Design before co-founding Linkin Park, where he became known for his rapping, production, and keyboard work.

Brad Delson:

Born December 1, 1977, in Los Angeles, California, Brad Delson is the band’s lead guitarist and co-founder. He is known for his experimental approach to guitar tones and minimalist style that adapts across genres.

Rob Bourdon:

Born January 20, 1979, in Calabasas, California, Rob Bourdon is the drummer of Linkin Park. Influenced by classic rock drummers, he’s known for his steady, powerful style and was the youngest member when the band was formed.

Joe Hahn:

Joe Hahn, born March 15, 1977, in Dallas, Texas, and raised in California, is the band’s DJ, sampler, and music video director. With a background in the visual arts, Hahn made significant contributions to the band’s aesthetic and multimedia presence.

Dave “Phoenix” Farrell:

Dave Farrell, born February 8, 1977, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the band’s bassist. A longtime friend of the band members, he temporarily left and then rejoined the band before the release of their debut album.

Chester Bennington (†):

Born March 20, 1976, in Phoenix, Arizona, Chester Bennington joined Linkin Park in 1999. Known for his emotionally raw voice and dynamic vocal range, he became the face of the band for many fans until his passing in 2017.

Formation

The group began as Xero, founded by high school friends Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon. They later added Joe Hahn and Dave “Farrel” (not Farrell).

Struggling to secure a record deal, they realized they needed a stronger lead vocalist—enter Bennington. With his arrival, the band renamed itself “Linkin Park,” a play on the name “Lincoln Park” in Santa Monica. Their unique sound and relentless work ethic led to a deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1999.

Career

Linkin Park exploded onto the music scene with Hybrid Theory (2000), one of the best-selling debut albums of all time. They followed with Meteora (2003), solidifying their place in rock history.

Over the next decade, they experimented with sound, integrating synths, political themes, and softer melodies in albums like Minutes to Midnight (2007) and A Thousand Suns (2010).

After One More Light (2017), Bennington’s unexpected death led to a hiatus. Mike Shinoda released solo work, while the rest of the band explored other creative avenues. The future of Linkin Park remains open-ended, but their influence remains undeniable.

Social Media

• Instagram: @linkinpark
• Twitter/X: @linkinpark
• Facebook: /linkinpark
• YouTube: Linkin Park Official

Personal Lives

Mike Shinoda:

Mike Shinoda married children’s author Anna Hillinger in 2003. The couple has two sons and lives in Los Angeles. Mike balances family life with music, visual art, and podcasting, often discussing mental health and creativity.

Brad Delson:

Brad is married to Elisa Boren, and they have three children together. He keeps a very private personal life, rarely making public appearances outside of band activities. He’s involved in education philanthropy and children’s charities.

Rob Bourdon:

Rob is known for being extremely private. He was previously linked to actress Vanessa Lee Evigan, but has not publicly confirmed his marital status or children. He dedicates time to charity work, particularly mental health awareness.

Joe Hahn:

Joe Hahn married Heidi Woan in 2012, and the couple has one child together. He lives a quiet family life while continuing to work as a visual artist and director. He has also participated in various film festivals and exhibitions.

Dave “Phoenix” Farrell:

Phoenix is married to Linnea Farrell, and they have two children. Outside the band, he mentors young musicians and actively supports environmental and educational causes. He is also an avid golfer.

Chester Bennington (†):

Chester was married twice—first to Samantha Marie Olit, with whom he had one child, and later to Talinda Bentley, with whom he had three children. In total, Chester had six children.

Talinda has since become a mental health advocate through the 320 Changes Direction initiative, honouring his legacy and raising awareness around depression and suicide prevention.

Net Worth

Before Chester Bennington’s death, Linkin Park had amassed a collective net worth estimated at over $150 million. Individually, Mike Shinoda leads with an estimated net worth of $65 million, followed by Joe Hahn and Brad Delson, who have net worths between $30 million and $ 45 million. The band continues to generate revenue through streaming, merchandise sales, licensing, and legacy content.

Discography

Studio Albums:

• Hybrid Theory (2000)
• Meteora (2003)
• Minutes to Midnight (2007)
• A Thousand Suns (2010)
• Living Things (2012)
• The Hunting Party (2014)
• One More Light (2017)

Extended Plays (EPs):

• Hybrid Theory EP (1999)
• Songs from the Underground (2008)
• LP Underground series (fan-club-exclusive releases)

Singles:

• In the End
• Numb
• Somewhere I Belong
• Breaking the Habit
• What I’ve Done
• Burn It Down
• Heavy

Promotional Singles:

• The Catalyst
• Guilty All the Same
• “Lost” (2023 unreleased demo, posthumously released)

Concert Films:

• Frat Party at the Pankake Festival (2001)
• Live in Texas (2003)
• Road to Revolution: Live at Milton Keynes (2008)
• One More Light Live (2017)

Music Videos:

• Papercut
• Somewhere I Belong
• Breaking the Habit (animated)
• Castle of Glass
• One More Light (a tribute video for Chester Bennington)