Linkin Park @ Moda Center - Portland

September 19th 2025: Linkin Park @ Moda Center - Portland, OR

Linkin Park | Photos Courtesy of: Christina Hall

Linkin Park visited Portland, Oregon, for the first time in over 20 years for their From Zero World Tour. This is the first tour without Chester Bennington, who lost his life to suicide in 2017 and drummer, Rob Bourdon. Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain were invited to join the band in 2023 to take on those roles.

The stage was centred in the arena, and each band member had their own “home”. Above the band were giant screens that weren’t just for the fans in the higher seats; they were part of the creative production of graphics, lasers, and dynamic lighting. Everything presented truly complemented the songs and what was happening on stage, and sometimes stunned the crowd. The beginning of the set felt like there was some restraint. Rather than jumping in with full force, it felt like the band held space for fans who felt deeply for Emily’s predecessor, heavily letting the crowd sing along not only for the first song, Somewhere I Belong, but also for all of the songs fans hold near and dear throughout the night. Songs from their most recent album Zero World Tour, were sprinkled in throughout the night, as well as a couple of Fort Minor songs, where Mike Shinoda walked around the barricade and rapped into the crowd. Halfway through the show, the stage was flipped so those who had their backs to one side of the crowd would now face the other side. The energy spiked with One Step Closer. Mosh pits were encouraged by the band. Joe Hahn schooled the crowd with a scratching solo. A disco intro of Numb showed a playful side of the band.

The new vocalist faces an impossible task, but doesn’t attempt to replace the beloved Chester. As someone hesitant themself, I can say that Emily offers her own interpretation, and setting any of the discourse around her to the side, her voice does merit the benefit of an open mind.