Mike Shinoda on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour in Raleigh NC
Before the tour, Mike Shinoda is quoted claiming that the shows were going to be a typical concert as expected, but also full of emotion and feelings in the wake of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington's passing last year. Well, the day finally came for Shinoda to play Raleigh NC and it ended up being a huge gathering of Linkin Park fans, Fort Minor fans, and those beginning the journey with Shinoda as a solo artist. The show ended up being just as he had predicted; full of emotion.
The man that wore many hats in Linkin Park (singer, guitarist, rapper, songwriter, keyboardist), pulled together a 22 song set that was a collection of Linkin Park, Fort Minor, and of course solo tracks. Shinoda took a moment in the set to really talk to the crowd about where he got his start. He mentioned that he started making mashups as a young man and then went right into the first of multiple mashups of the night with "Waiting For The End"/"Where'd You Go". He then really brought things down to the elephant in the room that was the loss of Chester Bennington. As his two band mates left the stage, Shinoda stood at his keyboard as he spoke about life in Linkin Park and the legacy and personality of Chester. He commented on his preference to mix up the setlist every night, playing new songs or songs that he may not play often, but there was one song that he always makes a point to play. As he asked for crowd participation, he began a striped down version of Linkin Park's "In The End" and the entire crowd sang all of Chester's vocal parts. It was truly an emotional moment to be a part of. The choir of fans, lead by Shinoda, went on to remember Chester through other Linkin Park songs "Heavy" and "Numb".
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The show of course also featured the opening act, Don Broco. The band from England is always a great time with their incredible energy and music that turns any venue into a huge dance party. Their brand of rock is something that is so unique but fits well into any alternative rock/pop punk fans rotation. This past summer on Vans Warped Tour, Don Broco really had their first major exposure to the US fans and it appeared that the majority of the crowd in Raleigh was familiar with them. The lead vocalist even wore a Carolina Hurricanes t-shirt, which was pretty awesome. Go 'Canes!
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The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, featuring Mike Shinoda, still has just under a month left as it heads West then back up to the Northeast. If you're in the path of any remain dates, take a night off and join what is an amazing experience, whether you're a Linkin Park fan or a Fort Minor fan.
Oct. 25 – New Orleans, La. @ House of Blues
Oct. 28 – Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
Oct. 30 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ House of Blues
Nov. 2 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ Hollywood Palladium
Nov. 5 – Anaheim, Calif. @ House of Blues
Nov. 6 – San Francisco, Calif. @ The Masonic
Nov. 8 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ The Depot
Nov. 9 – Denver, Colo. @ Fillmore Auditorium
Nov. 11 – Chicago, Ill. @ House of Blues
Nov. 14 – Boston, Mass. @ House of Blues
Nov. 16 – Detroit, Mich. @ Fillmore
Nov. 17 – Silver Spring, Md. @ Fillmore
For more information and updates on Mike Shinoda: Facebook, Twitter, and www.mikeshinoda.com
Stream, Buy, and Download Mike Shinoda's debut solo album Post Traumatic HERE
