As Linkin Park continues as a band,there’s one song they will not include in their setlist, as they’ve deemed it too sad for their live shows. Creating a setlist is not easy for musicians, as there’s only so much they can perform. Acts like thehit-making Green Dayplay for hours, but even then it’s difficult fitting everything in.
For any songs that get left out of live performances,every musician has their reasons why. Linkin Park is not alone, asmany acts have refused to play certain songs. Bands such asR.E.M. made it very clear which songs they would not performat the height of their career, leaving some disappointed, but their shows went on.
When it comes to Linkin Park, there is excitement from fans that they are even still touring today. Even better, they’re creating new music. However, no one will forget the difficult journey they have taken to get here. They have overcome tragedy, andit is that tragedy that still haunts them today, as shown by this tough decision.
“One More Light” Has Taken On A Meaning That’s Too Deep
The Narrative Has Been Set
Even though Linkin Park has remained a band, the death of their lead singer, Chester Bennington, in 2017 is something they carry with them. This is whythe song they’ve decided not to play anymore is “One More Light.“This was the title track from the last album to which Bennington contributed, and there are many layers to this decision.
The main thing that makes “One More Light” difficult for them to play is the narrative that surrounds it. During aninterview with The Guardian, the band’s co-founder Mike Shinoda elaborated, saying, “After Chester passed, the world decided that it was about him. And so that’s just too sad to play.” Shinoda noted thatit was actually about the death of a woman at their label, but for many, they have created their own meaning from it.
When it comes to their shows now,Shinoda noted they focus on good vibes:“I think we all wanted our show to be really good vibes.” This is why playing this tune isn’t something they seek to do, as it will inevitably bring the venue to tears. They have a clear vision of what they want from their onstage spectacles, which Shinoda also discussed, saying, “I want you walking away feeling like, this was such a wonderful, special, fun night.”
It’s been hard enough for the band to bear, and even the fans have had to adjust to their next chapter. Therefore, it’s reasonable that they would like to keep things positive, as it may never get easier. No matter how much time passes,Bennington’s memory will remain, so a song like this may emphasize that too much.
The Entire 2017 Linkin Park Album Is Heavy
The Unfortunate History Remains
While the song they won’t perform anymore is “One More Light,“the entire rest of the album it’s on may be difficult as well. Of course, this seventh studio album would be the last to feature Chester Bennington. Its release came only a couple of months before his death, making its connection with the fans bigger than music.
There are many great songs on this record, but there are plenty that could draw a connection to Bennington. For example, “Heavy,” which is a great tune, was the first single they would release to promote this record. However,it was also the last single they would release during Bennington’s lifetime, adding even more meaning to it.
Then, along with “One More Light,” “Talking to Myself” was released just as everything happened. This made it Bennington’s first posthumously released single, marking yet another song on the record with a difficult connection. Things don’t end there with this record, asit was also the last to feature drummer Rob Bourdon, who had been with them from the beginning.
With the history surrounding it, any song from this record may prove challenging for them to perform live. While it’s possible that the right occasion calls for this, right now,Linkin Park is focused on moving forward. However, according to Mike Shinoda in hisinterview with The Guardian, some fans have struggled adjusting to new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, saying, “There were people who lashed out at Emily, and it was really because she wasn’t a guy.”
Linkin Park Still Plays Plenty Of Hits
The Shows Are Still Everything Fans Want
While there is definitely one song that won’t be played at Linkin Park shows,plenty of their other hits are performed. Mike Shinoda admitted in hisinterview with The Guardianthat he didn’t quite enjoy everything surrounding nu-metal. However, he explained how he has come to appreciate the genre, enhancing the performances, saying, “Genres are so blended and music is so all over the place, I don’t hate nu-metal anymore.”
With this mindset,the band gives audiences everything they could wish for.According to Setlist.fm, the band has been playing 27 songs, performed over multiple acts. Not only are there well-known classics, but they also mix in a couple of tracks from Shinoda’s former side project, Fort Minor, “Where’d You Go” and “Remember the Name.”
Additionally, there are plenty of new hits as well. The new incarnation of Linkin Park hasmany great songs from their 2024 record,From Zero. Some of the ones they perform are “The Emptiness Machine” and “Up From the Bottom.” This helps introduce the next chapter while still honoring what brought them to prominence in the first place.
It hasn’t been easy for Linkin Park to overcome the tragedy they faced in 2017. There were a few years when the prospect of them being on stage again seemed bleak. However, as their new album states, they’ve started from zero. Linkin Park retooled their act, which is loved by audiences worldwide, andthey’re focused on sending them home happy.
