24 January,2026 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The legendary American rock band made their India debut with an electrifying debut in Bengaluru that saw die-hard fans witness them for the very first time in the country. Here are some glimpses. File Pic
Bengaluru witnessed a historic high point for rock music in India as Linkin Park finally set foot in the country for their first-ever visit, delivering a standalone performance that fans had waited years to experience.
For India's rock community, the night marked more than a concert, it was a cultural milestone.
Composed of Mike Shinoda, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, Joe Hahn, Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, the band commanded the stage with a powerhouse set from the From Zero World Tour, turning the city into the epicentre of global rock for the evening. The show was produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live.
The evening opened with a commanding set by homegrown metal powerhouse Bloodywood, whose fusion of heavy metal and Indian folk elements immediately ignited the crowd.
Powering through tracks like âBekauf', âDanadan', âHalla Bol' the band's raw intensity and unapologetic sound set a ferocious pace for the night.
Their performance drew a tremendous response from the audience, firmly establishing the energy that would carry through Linkin Park's arrival.
From the moment Linkin Park stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere in Bengaluru shifted with palpable anticipation.
Opening with commanding momentum, the band quickly asserted their presence, transforming the venue into a wave of movement and shared emotion.
Their sound - sharp, controlled and powerful carried the authority of a group that has shaped the global rock landscape for over two decades.
Every transition felt fluid, every crescendo met with a resounding response, as the city surrendered itself to the experience.
True to their globally celebrated live reputation, Linkin Park delivered a performance rooted in intensity and connection.
The band moved effortlessly between driving sections and reflective moments, holding the audience in constant engagement.
Fans sang in unison, fists raised, voices rising above the music as thousands moved together, bound by collective memory and songs that have endured across generations.
The setlist bridged past and present, blending new material from From Zero with the anthems that define Linkin Park's legacy.
New tracks such as âThe Emptiness Machine' and âHeavy Is the Crown' sat seamlessly alongside iconic favourites like âIn The End' and âNumb'.
The performance reaffirmed the band's rare ability to evolve while remaining unmistakably true to their sound.
Bengaluru erupted with energy as Mike Shinoda exclaimed, "We've waited so long to come to India, Lollapalooza India now has a lot to live up to because Bengaluru, you raised the bar to new heights."
Reflecting on the significance of the night, Naman Pugalia, chief Business Officer - Live Events, with the online ticket platform, said, "Linkin Park's music has shaped generations of listeners globally and in India and seeing that legacy translate so powerfully on an Indian stage was truly special. The connection between the band and the audience - every lyric, every moment, reaffirmed their cultural relevance. For us, experiences like these underline India's growing position as a key market for the world's most influential touring artists."
As the final chords faded and the arena rose in a thunderous, unbroken ovation, it was undeniable that Bengaluru had just lived through a historic moment.
Linkin Park's standalone performance became more than a show, it marked the beginning of a long-awaited relationship with Indian audiences.
With the city still humming from the night's energy, the band now sets its sights on Mumbai, where they will headline Lollapalooza India 2026, taking their first-ever India visit to an even bigger, festival-defining stage.
