Rock bands have long captivated the hearts of millions worldwide. But among the many groups, only a few manage to leave an indelible mark on the public. While Metallica initially brought heavy metal music into the spotlight, Linkin Park offered their unique take on the iconic rock genre.
Both groups have produced remarkable music over the years, and despite a decade-long gap between their beginnings, they share a unique camaraderie. In a past interview, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda shared an amusing anecdote about how his band pulled off a hilarious prank on Metallica.
Mike Shinoda Recalled How Linkin Park Hilariously Trolled Metallica
Mike Shinoda surely has a lot of hilarious Linkin Park anecdotes up his sleeves and can be constantly spotted dishing them out in public. In one such moment, during an interview with Australia’s Triple M radio station via Yahoo, he recalled an amusing story of pranking Metallica during their 2003 tour together.
Both iconic rock bands were part of the Summer Sanitarium package, which saw them performing in several stadiums across the United States for two months. Shinoda detailed that initially Linkin Park was quite nervous about performing on the same stage with Metallica, mostly due to how awestruck and intimidated they felt.
But to their surprise, the band was very down-to-earth and welcoming. It was this friendly vibe that gave Linkin Park the confidence to be the first band to prank Metallica. Shinoda explained that the plan was to execute the prank towards the end of the tour.
After getting help from Metallica’s head of security, the group came out with “a blanket and a picnic basket and little, almost like lunch boxes and things.” Shinoda also added that Chester Bennington also came out with his skateboard. He added:
And we go up to the middle of it, and we pull out sandwiches and sodas, and we start having a picnic on their stage. And they’re doing, like, ‘Ride the Lightning.’ [People are] trying to take ’em seriously, and Chester’s literally skating back and forth behind them eating a sandwich.
The prank caused a hilarious stir among the Metallica members as well, with Lars Ulrich in particular being slow to figure out what was happening. Overall, it was an unforgettable moment for Shinoda and Linkin Park.
Drummer Rob Bourdon Was a No-Show for Linkin Park Reunion
The news is out that Linkin Park is all set to make an electrifying comeback after a long hiatus of seven years. Not only that, but after the passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017, the band has also introduced a new singer, Emily Armstrong.
While the reception of Armstrong has been a topic of contention on the internet, another member of the group has been missing from the reunion activities: drummer Rob Bourdon.
In an interview with Billboard, Mike Shinoda revealed the reason behind Colin Brittain’s addition to the lineup following Bourdon’s absence. He added:
Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band. And we understood that — it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The Hybrid Theory rerelease and Papercuts release, he didn’t show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best.
Shinoda explained that he had previously worked with Brittain in 2021 and instantly clicked with him. He also noted that both had a strikingly similar approach to music.
Additionally, Brittain is no newcomer to the industry and boasts an impressive record in songwriting and production. His credits include work with 5 Seconds of Summer, A Day to Remember, All Time Low, and others.
