Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park recently reminisced about the band’s humble beginnings and their first encounter with the soon-to-be-famous metal band, System Of A Down.
In a candid chat with NME, Shinoda shared his memories of the band’s early days, including their inaugural gig, which happened to be alongside a then-local band, System Of A Down, fresh off their major record deal. Mike Shinoda recalled being in awe of them, struck by their coolness and the talent that would soon catapult them to stardom.
Not just professional acquaintances, Shinoda and System Of A Down’s members shared a bond that went beyond music. Reflecting on the years following the tragic loss of Linkin Park’s lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, Daron Malakian of System Of A Down shared in another interview his sense of disbelief that a year had already passed.
He remembered Chester as a vibrant and lively presence, contrary to the troubled image often associated with him. The friendship between the bands was more than just superficial, culminating in a creative collaboration in 2014 when Malakian featured in ‘Rebellion,’ a track from Linkin Park’s sixth album, ‘The Hunting Party.’
