Photo of Linkin Park by Erica Vining
Everyone loves a good comeback story. For years, fans of Linkin Park have carried their music as a lifeline, leaning into tracks that carried many of us through dark times and showed us there was always hope, even in the blackness. It is difficult to resurrect a band after nearly a decade away with the same vigor that they once performed, but that’s not what this was about. The comeback was never about trying to recreate Linkin Park without Chester. It was never about replacing a voice that can’t be replaced. Instead, it’s a step toward healing, a way for the band and the fans who have carried his memory to honor the legacy he left behind. Every song on this tour is less a performance and more a tribute, a reminder that grief and love can coexist, and that music can keep a spirit alive long after the silence.
The From Zero World Tour was a can’t miss experience I feel blessed to have been a part of. From the start, opener Jean Dawson treated the audience to a set that was diverse and difficult to pin to one genre. At one point I described the sound as The Weeknd meets Sleep Token, with identities hidden behind hooded coats and balaclavas, a sense of intrigue blended with curiosity. Ethereal R&B was the best way to describe the sound, although heavy riffs and pounding bass blended into the set, creating the best kind of chaos. At one point, Dawson’s drummer tossed his furry percussion mallet accidently but carried on without missing a beat. Jean Dawson is an artist to watch, with his dynamic vocal range and intriguing blend of genres (which he lovingly refers to as ‘Ghetto PoP’ on Instagram) we will surely be seeing more of him to come.
A countdown ominously appeared overhead ahead of Linkin Park’s entrance, building tension in the stands that was palpable as it ticked towards zero. Enterprise Center deviated from their normal setup for the From Zero tour with a circular stage seated in the center of the arena, with 360° views leaving no bad seat in the house. Homemade signs speckled the arena, from declaring it was their first concert ever to honoring the memory of someone lost who loved the band, the arena was full with few open seats to be found. Opening the night with “Somewhere I Belong” off the iconic 2003 album Meteora, vocalist Emily Armstrong came out strong, leaving little doubt about her place in the band. The choice of a female vocalist was contested when it was announced, but after hearing Armstrong belt a Linkin Park classic and make it her own while honoring the core tone of the song, it all made sense. Bouncing around amid fog and lasers, the production for this tour is one of my favorites, enough to be visually stunning but not so much that it takes away from the talent on stage. Drummer Colin Brittain was visited often by Armstrong and Mike Shinoda, the circular stage allowing the members to move freely to engage everyone in the stands.
The night’s setlist was a healthy blend of old school Linkin Park, with hits like “Castle of Glass,” “One Step Closer,” and “Numb,” while bring in new tracks including “The Emptiness Machine,” “Up From The Bottom,” and “Heavy is the Crown.” The laser show throughout the show rivaled an EDM set and was punctuated by Armstrong’s energy on stage, which was both captivating and impressive—I was out of breath just watching from the stands. Each member of the band seemed to always be aware and playing on the others’ presence, not simply performing but truly enjoying themselves. During “Two Faced,” Shinoda jumped into the pit and joined the crew for a mosh pit to the enjoyment of the crowd. The encore of the night included three fan favorite songs—“Papercut,” “In The End,” and “Faint”—and the crowd engagement was at an alltime high. I’m used to a walkout during the encore but no one was worried about getting to their cars that night because the stands remained as full as when the band took the stage. Brittain tossed drumsticks to an eager crowd while others tossed picks and took time to shake hands and meet fans on the rail. Tears were seen all around from fans who felt like they were given back something they lost long ago, it was a truly moving moment to be a part of.
If Chester is watching somewhere through the veil, I’d wager it’s with a smile on his face. | Erica Vining
If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about suicide, help is avaialble. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. You matter.
