Linkin Park returned to New Jersey for the first time since 2015, bringing their "From Zero World Tour" to Newark's Prudential Center. With new lead singer Emily Armstrong providing vocals, the band followed up their last Garden State performance—the "Hunting Party Tour" at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall — with a powerful and highly anticipated show. Pop-rock group PVRIS opened the night, performing songs from their album Evergreen as well as fan favorites from their debut album, White Noise which celebrated its 10 year anniversary this past November..
As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, the conversations died down the moment the venue lights went dark. A laser beam touched down on center stage as the intro to "Castle of Glass" softly played, building the anticipation. The intro smoothly transitioned into their 2003 hit, "Somewhere I Belong," as the band took the stage one by one. Mike and Emily were the last to appear, and with a mic in hand, Shinoda greeted the crowd: "What's up, you guys? Ready to have some fun tonight?" The venue erupted in cheers as the band launched into their first song of the night.
The energy was relentless. "Lying from You" and the Grammy-winning "Crawling" followed, with the crowd singing every single word. Strobe lights flashed and smoke shot from the rafters as the audience's voices rang out like a chorus, at times drowning out the band. The rest of the night continued with that same intensity; not a single seat was filled as fans stood and rocked out for the entire show. Shinoda showed his appreciation to the crowd, saying "Thank you, thank you Newark. Do you mind if I call you New Jersey?" a moment that was clearly for the fans who know the frustration of constantly being called New York. IYKYK.
The band's performance was a testament to their enduring legacy. Emily's voice was a powerful force, especially on their song "The Emptiness Machine," which closed out Act 1 with a guttural roar. Her command of the stage was undeniable; she frequently held her microphone out to the crowd, allowing them to actively participate and further enhancing the connection between the band and their fans. Throughout the night, they brought out PVRIS lead singer Lynn Gunn to perform "Burn it Down," and Joe Hahn delivered a classic Mr. Hahn solo set. Shinoda made his way down to the barricade to greet fans, rapping lines from his solo track "Petrified" and Fort Minor's iconic hit "Remember the Name," and even gifted a young fan his hat that had been signed by the entire band. Surely a moment this young fan would never forget.
For some, this was their first time experiencing a Linkin Park show, while for others, it was their second, third or tenth plus LP concert. Regardless of how many times fans had seen them before, this performance at the Prudential Center proved one thing: Linkin Park has successfully honored their past while building a thrilling new future. With Emily Armstrong's undeniable stage presence and the band's signature raw energy, it's clear the legacy of Linkin Park is in good hands.
Words and photos by Andrew Pintado
