Numb with excitement: Bengaluru Linkin Park fans are elated about band's upcoming concert in city

With lyrics that bared heartbreak, anguish, and loneliness set to music that straddles rock, metal, electronic and pop, Linkin Parks songs including hits like 'Numb', 'In the End', and 'Somewhere we Belong', shook the walls of an entire generation of teenagers growing up in the 2000s and 2010s. Indian fans have long waited for the moment that came true over the weekend: confirmation that the popular band wouldnt just headline Lollapalooza in Mumbai but perform a full fledged concert right here in Bengaluru on Jan 23. The announcement came after a week of intense speculation caused by mysterious billboards stating One show wasnt enough with Linkin Parks logo. The bands manager Adam Ruehmer cryptically replying to a fan who had posted the image on X with It looks real to me, added fuel to the fire. While some expressed disappointment at already having bought tickets for Lollapalooza, others like Rithvik DGV, who is travelling from Hyderabad, have decided to attend both. The headliner performs for half an hour but a proper standalone concert is three hours long. I was planning to travel to South-East Asia for a concert but when the Bluru show got confirmed, my friends group who hadnt booked Lollapalooza tickets decided we could squeeze in another concert ticket, he says, with a laugh. I recently saw a clip of their Brazil show which was like a mini earthquake with everyone jumping thats what I want to get here. For content writer Ritika Mudabidri, who grew up listening to the band, this is a nostalgic moment. To relive it, she is not only re-listening to old discography but will also be attending the show with her cousin who introduced her to the band as a nine year old. They represent a part of my childhood I remember having them playing all the time so its nostalgic that Im going with her. New beginnings The excitement is also tinged with a hint of sadness, given that the bands new vocalist Emily Armstrongs voice will take the place of late lead singer Chester Bennington. The band released a new album with her and drummer Colin Brittain last year after a seven year hiatus following Bennigntons death. While some say its not the same, others feel that Linkin Parks essence has stayed. Bringing Emily in is the highest sign of respect that Chester could have gotten. I dont think any male vocalist would have measured up. Linkin Park has kept it interesting on a lot of levels with the music and shes got a different spin on the songs, states musician Karthik Chennoji Rao. Its the music that matters to me. Its different, but theyre making great music; Im excited to see what they have in store, says Rithvik while metal enthusiast and small business owner, Nikita Nain adds, Its a good vibe and will be a new experience for those who have seen Chester live. What does this mean for ooru? While a Linkin Park concert in ooru came as a surprise to some, Nikita notes that it was only a matter of time since Bengaluru has already been on the map for rock and metal concerts with popular metal festival, Bangalore Open Air. She says, I kept faith and believed that they would come here. Rock might be dying in the world, but its not in Bengaluru; a lot of old-school artistes and tribute bands will be lining up to see Linkin Park. Karthik who has seen Bengalurus music scene evolve over a decade says, Ive seen the citys music scene boom but also deteriorate and be shaky with venues shutting doors. Linkin Park coming here, like Coldplay in Mumbai a few years ago, is going to bring in a lot of money and people will look at bringing in more rock acts.