Linkin Park

O2 Arena, London, 28 January 2008

Support band: Biffy Clyro

Nothing narks e-Mo Magazine off more than girls who do a 180 on a band the instant they become commercial. “They’re total sell-outs” they snarl, whilst giving you a look that could curdle milk. “They’re completely lame.” Never mind the fact that these are the same biyatches who scratched:  “I love Chester” on their arms during Maths class only a few years before.

Well Linkin Park certainly sold-out the O2 arena, and performed a savage set that stuck two fingers up at anyone who said these guys don’t know how to rock.

The instant the band appeared on stage, silhouetted behind a white curtain; apocalyptic guitars wailing into the night, the arena floor was a sea of bobbing heads and glowing cellphone lights.

Chester was in particularly fine form, his pitch-perfect vocals like a primal scream as he belted out hit after hit, whipping the crowd into a frenzy and barely giving us time to breathe as they segwayed from one song to another.

The set was an awesome mix of new and old tracks too, with Hands Held High, Crawling and Valentine’s Day our particular favourites of the night. We were also treated to a quick rendition of Rihanna’s 2007 smash-hit Umbrella; which, for all its silliness, was really enjoyable.

We’re kinda tired of having to justify why we like Linkin Park. Sure, they’re as commercial as Maccy D’s and Diet Coke breaks, but these guys know how to rock. 

4/5