Linkin Park to perform in New Zealand
Linkin Park, the iconic rock band that originated in California in 1996, will be making their long-awaited return to New Zealand next year. The band’s last visit to the country was back in 2013, making their upcoming show in Auckland a highly anticipated event for fans. The concert is set to take place at Spark Arena on 18 March as part of their From Zero World Tour.
The band has undergone some changes since their last performance in New Zealand. New vocalist Emily Armstrong has joined the lineup, stepping in to share singing duties with Mike Shinoda. Armstrong took over the role previously held by the late Chester Bennington, who tragically passed away in 2017. Following Bennington’s death, the band took a seven-year hiatus before regrouping with fresh energy and new members.
In a statement released last year, the band revealed that they had quietly reunited in recent years and found a renewed sense of purpose and passion for creating music. Instead of trying to restart the band, they chose to collaborate with different musicians, ultimately finding a special connection with Emily Armstrong. The band members expressed their excitement for the upcoming tour, emphasizing that it marks a new chapter in their musical journey.
Linkin Park achieved international fame with the release of their album “Hybrid Theory” in 2000. Most recently, they dropped a new single titled “The Emptiness Machine” and released a new album called “From Zero” in November. The title of the album pays homage to the band’s original name, Xero, symbolizing their humble beginnings and the transformative journey they are currently undertaking.
As part of the band’s evolution, drummer and founding member Rob Bourdon departed in 2024, making way for Colin Brittain to step in and take over on the drums. Brittain, known for his work with various artists, impressed the band with his talents and creative contributions. The chemistry between the members of Linkin Park has become stronger through their collaboration with Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, setting the stage for an exciting performance in New Zealand.
Fans can look forward to tickets for the Auckland show going on sale on 12 December at 1pm. The band members, including Mike Shinoda, expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support of their fans and their enthusiasm for sharing their new music with audiences on a larger scale. The concert promises to be a memorable experience for fans of Linkin Park as they embark on this new chapter of their musical journey.