Linkin Park

Profile and Background
Linkin Park is a nu metal and alternative rock musical group origin from Augora Hills, California, United States. They had several times changed their name, such as Xero, Hybrid Theory, 0818, until Linkin Park to date. This group is consisted of Chester Bennington (Vocals), Rob Bourdon (Drums), Brad Delson (Lead Guitars), Dave Farrell (Bass Guitar), Joe Hahn (Keyboard) and Mike Shinoda (Rhythm Guitar). The name of Linkin Park itself is a parody of the park name in Los Angeles, it's Lincoln Park.

Before Chester Bennington became Linkin Park's vocalist, Mark Wakefield was the first one. But, he left from Linkin Park to find another project (became a manager of Taproot group band)- at that time used name Hybrid Theory- to become the manager of Taproot musical group.

The bassist, Dave Farrell aka Phoenix also had ever left Linkin Park for a while to follow the tour with his band called Tasty Snax. While 4 other personnels, Brad Delson, Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, and Rob Bourdon constantly have been standing in Linkin Park since their first formation.

Linkin Park has released 5 studio albums, they are Hybrid Theory, Meteora, Minutes to Midnight, A Thousand Suns, and Living Things. Living Things is their latest album released on June 26, 2012. Linkin Park also released other albums, such as Live in Texas, Reanimation, and Collision Course, as well as Hybrid Theory EP. Linkin Park succeed in popularizing their songs such as Crawling, In the End, Numb, Somewhere I Belong, and What I've Done. Totally, Linkin Park's albums has been sold 50 million copies.

The first formation of Linkin Park was from the meeting of Mike Shinoda and Brad Delson (guitars) at 7th grade. Then, they formed a band named Xero. Brad also played for band called Relative Degree, one of its members was Rob Bourdon (Linkin Park's drummer). Mike met with Rob through Brad and Rob joined with Xero. When was in college school, Brad met with Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (Linkin Park's bassist) who was Brad's roommate. Mike who majored of illustration at Pasadena Art University, met with Joe Hahn (Linkin Park's turntablist). Then, Dave Farrell and Joe Hahn joined together with Xero. Dave had ever left Xero to rejoin his former band, Tasty Sanx.

At first, they recruited Mark Wakefield as vocalist, then was replaced by Chester Bennington (former vocalist of Grey Daze) to date, while Mike always became Rapper. Unfortunately, because Xero had been used by another group, they were pushed to change their name into Hybrid Theory. After 3 times refused, Hybrid Theory succeed to be accepted by record company called Warner Bros Records after succeed launching an EP titled Hybrid Theory EP in 1999 as many as a thousand pieces. But, at the time Mike had problem with Jeff Blue, his manager. Jeff Blue said that Mike should not rapping, enough to play keyboard only. That incident inspirated Mike to write a song called Get Me Gone (Fort Minor).

Once time, they were pushed to change their name since Hybrid Theory was similar to the name of musical group Hybrid from Wales. Instead to be considered as the same band, they preferred to re-change their name into Linkin Park. However, before the name Linkin Park, they had changed their name into 0818. This name was also revealed in the middle of 2009. The name of Linklin Park was taken by Chester from the name of a park in Los Angeles, Lincoln Park. In order to be able to manage their own site, Chester changed the spelling into Linkin Park. After that, they succeed to buy a website www.linkinpark.com.

Members Profile

Chester Bennington (Vocals)	Birth name : Chester Charles Bennington Born : March 20, 1976 (age 36) Origin : Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Genres : Alternative rock, alternative metal, rap rock, nu metal, post-grunge, electronic rock Occupations : Musician, singer-songwriter, actor Instruments : Vocals, guitar, piano, drums Years active : 1992–present Labels : Warner Bros. Associated acts : Linkin Park, Dead by Sunrise, Julien-K, Grey Daze Website : www.cbennington.com
Rob Bourdon (Drums, percussion)	Birth Name : Robert Gregory Bourdon Born : January 20, 1979 (age 33), Calabasas, California, USA Genre : Rap rock, nu metal, hip hop, electronica Occupation : Drummer Instruments : Drum, backing vocals Years active : 1996-present Labels : Warner Bros. Associated acts : Linkin Park
Brad Delson (Lead Guitars)	Birth name : Bradford Phillip Delson Also known as : Big Bad Brad, BBB Born : December 1, 1977 (age 34), Agoura, California, U.S. Genres : Alternative rock, alternative metal, nu metal, electronic rock Occupations : Musician, A&R representative Instruments : Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, drums, vocals Years active : 1996–present Associated acts : Linkin Park, Jay-Z, Xero, Fort Minor, Busta Rhymes Website : linkinpark.com
Dave Farrell (Bass Guitar)	Birth name : David Michael Farrell Born : February 18 1977 (age 35) Origin : Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA Genre : Alternative Rocks Occupation : Musician Instruments : Bass, Vocals Years active : 1995–present Labels : Machine Shop/Warner Bros. Associated acts : Linkin Park
Joe Hahn (turntables, keyboard, sampling)	Born : March 15, 1977 (age 35), Dallas, Texas, USA Genres : Rap metal, nu metal, hip hop, electronica, industrial rock Occupations : Musician, music video director, painter Instruments : Turntables, sampler, keyboards, backing vocals Years active : 1996-present Labels : Warner Bros. Associated acts : Linkin Park, Fort Minor
Mike Shinoda (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboard)	Birth name : Michael Kenji Shinoda Born : February 11, 1977 (age 35) Origin : Agoura Hills, California, U.S. Genres : Nu Metal, Hip Hop, Rap Rock, Rap Metal, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal Occupations : Rapper, Musician, Producer, Graphic Designer, visual artist Instruments : Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Piano, Samples, Organ, Percussion Years active : 1994–present Labels : Machine Shop/Warner Bros. Associated acts : Linkin Park, Fort Minor, The Raid: Redemption Website : www.mikeshinoda.com

The Beatles

Profile and Background

A legendary band who has become the most popular musical group around the world. They are The Beatles, best-known as the first group band in the world. They were British musician with rock and pop genre, formed in Liverpool in 1960. The band is often considered as the most successful musician commercially and got a compliment in the popular music scene. The members are consisted of 4 persons who never changed until their disbanding. They are John Lennon (rhythm guitars and vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitars and vocals), George Harrison (lead guitars and vocals), Ringo Starr (drums and vocals). Most of their songs were written by Lennon and McCartney. Started from skiffle and rock and roll genre in 1950s. Although The Beatles had disbanded for a long time, their albums and singles sales still peak the highest position among many musicians, with estimated sales of over one billion units according to Guinness World Records. Whereas, they only existed for 10 years, from 1960 to 1970. They also achieve a success in US and worldwide. The fans of this band are called Beatlemania.

Formed for the first time in 1959 by the formation was John Lennon (Vocal and Guitars), Paul Mc Cartney (Vocals and Guitars), George Harrison (Vocals and Guitars), Stuart Sutcliffe (Bass Guitars) and Pete Best (Drums). But not long after that, Stuart Sutcliffe left the band (traveled to Germany and married with Astrid Kircherr and died in there in 1962 because of cerebral hemorrhage). Then in 1962, Pete Best left the band too, and his position was replaced by Richard Starkey aka Ringo Starr.

The Beatles later traveled to the American continent performed a tour in some cities. The greeting by American people was really fantastic. Hundreds of thousands of people always fulfilled the Beatles's concert. Millions of people even watched from television. The Beatles's albums also succeed in American market, even Europa and Asia. Since the album Rubber Soul (1965), the Beatles had changed the image of love songs to rock genre with various themes. A producer named George Martin also played an important role in giving a freedom to them to explore on creating songs.

On August 29, 1966, The Beatles held their last concert in San Fransisco. After that, they returned to studio to record a single Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever (1967). But, the split of the group had appeared in 1969. However, the Beatles still created top albums like The Beatles and Revolver. The split reached the top until April 10, 1970. The Beatles stated officially that they were disbanded.

The Beatles's manager, Brian Eipstein, first time knew The Beatles by many LP buyer requests at his store. First time, Brian attempted to offer The Beatles to Decca Record, a major record label company at that time. The audition could be taken, but Management of Decca thought that guitar musical group had past its popularity time. So, the 4 young men frustrated, Brian eventually could got an audition for them in one record label, Parlophone, that was actually record company for radio broadcast. George Martin, the manager of Parlophone, agreed, and began the recording for the first album titled, Please Please Me. The song Please Please Me and Love Me Do was hit songs for the album.

The Beatles's first album was Please Please Me, with the hit single Please Please Me and Love Me Do in 1963. And next, album after album succeed to be created by The Beatles, such as With The Beatles (1963), A Hard Day's Night (1964), Beatles For Sale (1964), Help! (1965), Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966), Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), The Beatles (1968), Yellow Submarine (1969), Abbey Road (1969), Let It Be (1970). I Want to Hold Your Hand is their most first popular single.

Members Profile

	Birth name : John Winston Lennon Born : 9 October 1940, Liverpool, England, UK Died : 8 December 1980 (aged 40), New York, New York, US Genres : Rock, pop Occupations : Musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, artist, writer Instruments : Vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica, harmonium, electronic organ, six-string bass Years active : 1957–75, 1980 Labels : Parlophone, Capitol, Apple, EMI, Geffen, Polydor Associated acts : The Quarrymen, The Beatles, Plastic Ono Band, The Dirty Mac, Yoko Ono
	Birth name : James Paul McCartney Born : 18 June 1942 (age 69), Liverpool, England, UK Genres : Rock, pop, classical, electronica Occupations : Musician, composer, music producer, film producer, businessman Instruments : Vocals, bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, drums, ukulele, mandolin, recorder Years active : 1957–present Labels : Hear, Apple, Parlophone, Capitol, Columbia, Concord, EMI, One Little Indian, Vee-Jay Associated acts : The Quarrymen, The Beatles, Wings, The Fireman, Linda McCartney, John Lennon, Denny Laine Website : www.paulmccartney.com
	Birthname : George Harrison Also known as : Carl Harrison Born : 25 February 1943, Liverpool, England, UK Died : 29 November 2001 (aged 58), Los Angeles, California, US Genres : Rock, pop, psychedelic rock, experimental, world music Occupations : Musician, singer-songwriter, actor, record and film producer Instruments : Vocals, guitar, ukulele, harmonica, mandolin, tambura, sarod, swarmandal, bass, keyboards, violin, sitar Years active : 1958–2001 Labels : Parlophone, Capitol, Swan, Apple, Vee-Jay, EMI, Dark Horse Associated acts : The Quarrymen, The Beatles, Traveling Wilburys, Dhani Harrison, Ravi Shankar, Eric Clapton Website : www.georgeharrison.com
	Birth name : Richard Starkey Also known as : Ringo Starr Born : 7 July 1940 (age 71), Liverpool, England Genres : Rock, pop, psychedelic rock, world music Occupations : Musician, singer, actor Instruments : Vocals, drums, percussion, piano, keyboard, guitar Years active : 1957–present Labels : Parlophone, United Artists, Capitol, Apple, Swan, Vee-Jay, Tollie, Atlantic, RCA, Mercury, Koch, Private Music, Boardwalk, Rykodisc Associated acts : The Beatles, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Plastic Ono Band Website : RingoStarr.com

Avanged Sevenfold (A7X)

Profile and Background

Avenged Sevenfold or usually abbreviated as A7X is 4 pieces member Heavy Metal band originally from Huntington Beach, California, US. This band consists of M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitars), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitars), and Johnny Christ (bass). They were formed in 1999 with many changes of position. Currently, they have been not accompanied by their drummer, The Rev. He died and left the band in 2009 because of heart attacks. The band has released five studio albums, one live album/compilation/DVD, and eighteen singles. They have sold more than 4 million albums worldwide.

The first album of Avenged Sevenfold is Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, released in 2002, followed by the second album Walking the Fallen released in 2003. In the second album, they performed with Xl Rose, Kylie Minogue and Chris Cornell. Still followed by City of Evil in 2005 and the self titled album (Avenged Sevenfold) in 2007.

History
This band was formed when the 4 members were still in Senior High School. In its early appearance, the band brought a metalcore music genre. Then, the name of Avenged Sevenfold was triggered by M.Shadows which was taken by reference story on Bible. Avenged Sevenfold stated that they are not a religious band, though the name and some songs take from Bible references.

In early formation of this group, Avenged Sevenfold consisted of M.Shadows (vocals), Zacky Vengeance (guitars), Matt Wendt (bass), and The Rev (Drums). This formation changed in the Sounding The Seventh Trumpet album era where the bassist Matt Wendt was replaced by Justin Sane in the middle of 2001 and then was replaced again by Daemon Ash in 2002. In addition, this era was also marked with the joining of guitarist, Synyster Gates who is still holding the main role as lead guitarist in Avenged Sevenfold.

In 2003, when Avenged Sevenfold processed the recording of their second album, Waking the Fallen, re-occurred the formation changes where Daemon Ash stepped down and replaced by Johnny Christ. Johnny Christ who previously was a roadie and several times plays with Avenged Sevenfold when Ash could not come, to date is still taking a role as a bassist for this band.

The Album Waking The Fallen caused positive respond for Avenged Sevenfold and attracted attention to Warner Brothers Records, thus who contracted them and released the whole albums of Avenged Sevenfold during 2005 to 2007 which each of it is entitled City of Evil and Avenged Sevenfold as well as video album All Excess and Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough in 2007 and 2008.

In the end of 2009, the tragedy struck Avenged Sevenfold while The Rev was found dead at his home on December 28. Whereas, they had finished writing a demo at that time and took a vacation before recording their 5th album in studio. So, they decide to cancel all record planning. Finally, the recording process began several months later by the help of Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater former drummer). This 5th album that was entitled Nightmare finished to be recorded on April 17, 2010 and released on July 27, 2010.

Members Profile

M.Shadows (Vocals)	Birth name : Matthew Charles Sanders Also known as : M. Shadows, Shadows Born : July 31, 1981 (age 30) Origin : Huntington Beach, California Genres : Hard rock, hardcore punk, metalcore, heavy metal Occupations : Musician, Vocalist Instruments : Vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar, bass guitar Years active : 1999–present Labels : Warner Bros., Good Life Recordings, Hopeless Records Associated acts : Avenged Sevenfold, Good Charlotte, Steel Panther, Cowboy Troy, Death by Stereo, Bleeding Through, Dream Theater, Slash, Hell Or Highwater
Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitars)	Birth name : Zackary James Baker Also known as : Zacky Vengeance Born : December 11, 1981 (age 30) Huntington Beach, California Genres : Hard rock, post-hardcore, metalcore, punk rock, heavy metal Occupations : Musician Instruments : Guitar, bass, vocals Years active : 1999 – Present Labels : Warner Bros., Hopeless, Good Life Recordings Associated acts : Avenged Sevenfold, The Dear & Departed
Synyster Gates (lead guitars)	Birth name : Brian Elwin Haner, Jr. Also known as : Synyster Gates, Syn Born : July 7, 1981 (age 30), Huntington Beach, California, United States Genres : Heavy metal, hard rock Occupations :  Musician Instruments : Guitar, vocals, piano Years active : 1998-Present Labels : Good Life Recordings, Hopeless, Warner Bros., Bucktan Associated acts : Avenged Sevenfold, Pinkly Smooth, Good Charlotte, Bleeding Through, Burn Halo, AxeWound
Johnny Christ (bassist)	Birth name : Jonathan Lewis Seward Born : November 18, 1984 (age 27) Huntington Beach, California Genres : Heavy metal, metalcore, post-hardcore Occupations : Musician, bassist Instruments : Bass, vocals Years active : 2002–present Labels : Warner Bros., Hopeless Associated acts : Avenged Sevenfold, The Dear & Departed

Green Day

Profile and Background

Green Day is a punk rock band originally from Berkeley, California, US. This band was formed in 1987 by three young people, they are Billie Joe Armstrong (Vocals and Guitars), Mike Dirnt (Bass), and John Kiffmeyer (Drums). In 1990, the drummer, John Kiffmeyer left the band due to continue his study in the college school. However Kiffmeyer had accompanied them to record the debut album titled 39/Smooth in the same year. And then, he was replaced by Tre Cool in the same year too. After that, Tre Cool contributed in the 2nd Green Day's album titled Kerplunk, and became a permanent member since then. In 1994, they released an album titled Dookie, succeed to get a diamond status from RIAA and brought Green Day on their top career. However, the three next albums failed to get success as Dookie did, they were Insomniac, Nimrod, and Warning. Though these three albums got status, where Insomniac and Nimrod got platinum and Warning got gold, it precisely showed the declining popularity of Greenday. In 2004 they came back with an album titled American Idiot that made their success back and even raised their name better than before. This album was sold more than 5 million in US alone. Their eighth album, titled 21st Century Breakdown was released in 2009 with the hit single 21 Guns.

The band has sold over 65 million copies album worldwide, and 24 million in US alone. It makes Green Day becomes one of the best-selling music artists around the world. Their latest album also still achieve high sales.

History
Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Ryan Pritchard (Mike Dirnt) formed a band called Sweet Children when they ware still 15 years old. On October 17, 1987 was their first performance at Rod's Hickory Pit in Vallejo, California. Since then, Mike decided to live together with Billie because his mother decided to move from Bay Area due to financial problem. So Mike stay in the Billie's garage.

Billie and Mike heard a place that is not far from theirs, a place where all punkers gathered to unite in the music. That was a place which previously was only small club. Until now, the place called Gilman.

Their First Gig in Gilman was not welcomed because people in Gilman thought "Sweet Children" was too "pop" to be listened by the Hardcore Punk music lovers. Eventually they met John Kiffmeyer (aka El Sobrante) to join with "Sweet Children".

They had an experience to be hated and be forgotten by the people of Gilman and almost frustrated because they have sacrificed everything, even Billie Joe was dropped out by his school. Finally, John stepped in, he tried hard to get a show for "Sweet Children" and took care of all spending money which was spent to register in show. Then John also called Lawrence Livermore the owner of Lookout! record to see Sweet Children plays. Lawrence loved it and asked to Billie, whether they wanted to make an album, Billie agreed.

Before they released a single titled "1000 Hours", Sweet Children changed their name into Green Day, which they got while just sitting all day with sucking marijuana. Lawrence was very angry to hear that, but everything what they did was for the best. One year after the appearance of Green Day, their first album called 39/Smooth was finally released. Green Day were loved at the time, and after Mike graduated from Pinole Valley High School, they took a tour for 45 days.

Green Day was willing to sleep in the person's basement in order to their music was listened, even they sold a mattress and their album to pay for food and car's fuel that they used for tour. But some big problems came, John left the band to continue his study and he didn't tell to Green Day at all. Billie just knew it from his friend, Billie was very angry and didn't tell to John that he had been replaced by a drummer who was introduced by Lawrence named Frank Edwin Wright the III, or best-known as Tre Cool.

Members Profile

Vocals & Guitars	Birth name : Billie Joe Armstrong Also known as : Wilhelm Fink, Reverend Strychnine Twitch, Fink Born : February 17, 1972 (age 40), Oakland, California, U.S. Genres : Punk rock, alternative rock, rock, pop punk, garage rock, new wave, heavy metal Occupations : Singer, musician, songwriter, guitarist Instruments : Vocals, guitar, piano, drums, percussion, saxophone, harmonica, mandolin, bass, violin Years active : 1987–present Labels : Reprise, Lookout!, Adeline, Recess Associated acts : Green Day, Pinhead Gunpowder, The Network, Foxboro Hot Tubs, The Boo Notable instruments : Gibson USA Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Jr., Fernandes Stratocaster (Blue), Gibson Les Paul Junior, Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson ES-335, Gibson SG Standard, Gretsch Hollowbody, Fender Stratocaster,Fender Telecaster, Guild D55, Taylor 514C, Fender Jaguar
Bass	Birth name : Michael Ryan Pritchard Also known as : Mike Dirnt Born : May 4, 1972 (age 40), Berkeley, California, United States Genres : Punk rock, alternative rock, rock, new wave, pop punk, garage rock Occupations : Musician, songwriter Instruments : Bass, guitar, vocals, drums, farfisa, violin Years active : 1987–present Labels : Reprise Records, Lookout! Records, Adeline Records Associated acts : Green Day, The Frustrators, Screeching Weasel, Foxboro Hot Tubs Notable instruments : Fender Mike Dirnt Precision Bass, Fender Precision Bass, Gibson G3, Fender Telecaster Bass
Drums	Birth name : Frank Edwin Wright III Also known as : Tré Cool, The Snoo Born : December 9, 1972 (age 39), Frankfurt, West Germany Genres : Punk rock, alternative rock, rock, new wave, hardcore punk, pop punk, garage rock Occupations : Musician Instruments : Drums, vocals, accordion, guitar, violin, percussion Years active : 1985–present Labels : Reprise, Lookout!, Adeline Associated acts : Green Day, The Lookouts, The Network, Foxboro Hot Tubs, Samiam

Latest News
Currently Green Day will release three trilogy albums, titled ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!. These albums will be released respectively from September 2012 to January 2012.