The roots of Linkin Park stretch well beyond the debut of their first CD, released in 2000.

In 1996 MC/vocalist Mike Shinoda and guitarist Brad Delson were graduating from the California high school they attended together.

Up until that point Delson had been in a band called Relative Degree. After graduating Delson invited Shinoda to form a new band, with Relative Degree band mate Rob Bourdon serving as drummer. Shinoda agreed and soon the trio formed a band called SuperXero.

SuperXero continued to evolve while the band members attended college. While attending art college Shinoda met and befriended DJ Joseph Hahn. While taking classes at UCLA Delson became close friends with room mate and bass player Dave Farrell. Farrell and Hahn would both join the band, expanding the sound of the group which shortened its name to simply "Xero".

Vocalist Mark Wakefield joined as lead vocalist and the group recorded their first self-titled EP.

While the band was still struggling to get signed by a record label Wakefield left. Delson's connections at Warner Music referred the band to Chester Bennington. Bennington was a Phoenix, Arizona native who had just left a band called Grey Daze.

Bennington auditioned for Shinoda and Delson over the phone by playing a recording of his lyrics over Xero's instrumentals. The band was blown away and brought Chester in as lead vocalist.

The band began to promote itself aggressively. Unfortunately in the process they discovered that the name "Xero" had already been taken. The band changed its name to Hybrid Theory, to reflect their unique sound.

Hybrid Theory recorded a self-titled EP. Dave Ferrell was unable to record with the band for the EP due to a commitment with another band. Bassist Kyle Christner filled in for Farrell on the album.

This EP helped make the band, and got them signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1999.

The band soon received notice from the Warner legal department that "Hybrid" was already taken by a band in Britain. The group would have to change their name again.

Chester Bennington suggested Lincoln Park, after the park the band drove by every day on the way to recording sessions. The band soon discovered that all the good website domain names for "Lincoln Park" were already owned by other people. They changed the spelling in order to avoid any future problems and thus, Linkin Park was born!

Farrell was again temporarily replaced, this time by bassist Scott Koziol. Farrell rejoined the band in 2001 after the release of their first album.

In October of 2000 Linkin Park's first CD, aptly titled "Hybrid Theory", was released. The album was a huge success and quickly established the sound that Linkin Park is known for. Their music has been described as "Nu Metal", because of its blend of rock, hip-hop, rap, metal, and electronica.

In the time since their launch Linkin Park has toured the globe on their own and as a part of major music festivals. A fan club, called Linkin Park Underground was formed, and an album called "Reanimation" was released that featured remixes of Linkin Park songs by well-known DJ's.

The group won a Grammy in 2002 for "Best Hard Rock Performance". Their next album, "Meteora", was released in 2003 and debuted at number one on Billboard's music charts. The band also collaborated with rapper Jay-Z to release an EP titled "Collision Course".

In 2005 the band established Music for Relief, a benefit organization to help people affected by the 2004 tsunami in India. In 2006 Linkin Park confirmed that they will be producing their third studio album. Rick Rubin of Beastie Boys fame has signed on as producer. The group also received a 2006 Grammy award for "Best Rap/Sung collaboration".

It's safe to say the Linkin Park has made an impact on the music scene and will continue to do so. The band is truly much more than "rap rock" as some critics have labeled them. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how they will smash any pre-conceived labels on their next and future albums