The recently reunited Linkin Park put their stamp on last night’s (September 17) episode of The Tonight Show. Perhaps the most fun moment came at the very start, though.
The band’s Mike Shinoda was one of Jimmy Fallon’s interview guests, and after introducing him, Shinoda walked out as The Roots performed a rendition of The Knack’s 1979 classic “My Sharona.” Naturally, instead of singing the actual words, they replaced it with Shinoda’s name and it was a delightful moment.
Shinoda clearly got a kick out of it, as he laughed and pointed at the band when he realized what was happening. Still smiling and laughing once the intro was done, Shinoda explained to Fallon how his name has faced “My Sharona” comparisons since he was in high school.
He also spoke about what it’s like to have the Linkin Park machine up and running again and said, “You know what’s really funny is I was texting with the band after the Forum show, and we were euphoric for like 48 hours. I mean, it was truly, you know… to be this many years in and to feel that genuine adrenaline and excitement and happiness was like… there’s nothing like it, man.”
The new-look band also performed their recent single “The Emptiness Machine.” The group released the single earlier this month and it’s the first one featuring new members Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain. Check out the performance below.
Linkin Park is one of the most beloved rock/rap groups of all time. They blended the two genres pretty seamlessly, and landed an iconic collab album with JAY-Z. The death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017 put an end to the group as we know it. Recently, however, co-founder Mike Shinoda has decided to relaunch Linkin Park with a brand new lead singer: Emily Armstrong. The decision has not gone over well with fans. Or Chester Bennington’s son, Jamie, for that matter.
Jamie Bennington took to Instagram on September 9 to make it clear that he didn’t co-sign the new version of Linkin Park. There was a multitude of reasons. For one, he does not condone Armstrong’s Scientology beliefs, or her support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson. For another, he feels that Mike Shinoda is cheapening the legacy that he built alongside Chester Bennington. He pointed to Shinoda’s lack of vetting with regards to Armstrong’s character. “You refuse to acknowledge the impact of hiring someone like Emily,” Bennington wrote. “Without so much as a clarifying statement on the variety of victims that make up your core fan base.”
Jamie Bennington also feels that Linkin Park’s credibility will be damaged by Shinoda’s decision to revive the band. His criticisms got more stinging as the post went on. He accused Shinoda of erasing his dad’s legacy “in real time,” and and betraying day one Linkin Park fans in the process. Bennington also claimed hypocrisy on the part of the band’s co-founder. He believed Mike Shinoda was not taking the care with the fans that his father did. “You promised us that was your intention,” Bennington asserted. “Now you’re just senile and tone deaf.”
Shinoda has said his peace on the decision to continue Linkin Park without Chester Bennington. He told Billboard that it was a difficult decision, but one he ultimately stood by. “It’ll be a question of, ‘How does it land with people?,’” he noted. “And I don’t know how it will. But I know that, when I hear it, I love it.” It’s been a bumpy start so far. It’ll be interesting to see whether Linkin Park can weather controversy of if this will be prove to be an unsuccessful experiment.
Mike Shinoda, synonymous with the iconic rock band Linkin Park, has made a significant mark in the music industry. As of 2023, Mike Shinoda’s net worth is estimated to be around $65 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth, and what ventures contributed to his success?
Mike Shinoda is best recognized as a pivotal member of Linkin Park, a band that has sold over 70 million albums globally. Their debut album, Hybrid Theory, released in 2000, skyrocketed them to international fame. The band solidified its place in rock history with subsequent albums like Meteora, Minutes to Midnight, and One More Light. Their collaboration with rapper Jay-Z, titled Collision Course, further showcased their versatility.
Shinoda’s Versatility: Beyond Linkin Park
Members of Linkin Park, (left to right) Phoenix, Joseph Hahn, Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington before the band’s concert at Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. 17 June 2004 (Photo by K. Y. Cheng/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
Besides his contributions to Linkin Park, Shinoda has been involved in various other musical projects. In 2004, he introduced his hip-hop side project, Fort Minor. Their album The Rising Tied featured hits like “Where’d You Go” and showcased collaborations with artists like Common and John Legend. Moreover, following the tragic passing of Linkin Park’s lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, Shinoda embarked on a solo journey. He released his debut solo album, Post Traumaticin 2018, reflecting his emotions and experiences during that challenging period.
Shinoda isn’t just a musician; he’s a multi-talented artist. He has been responsible for designing much of Linkin Park’s album artwork. His skills extend to graphic design, having graduated with a BA degree in illustration. He has even designed shoes and dolls and contributed to other artists’ album art. In 2006, he established a scholarship at the Art Center College of Design, his alma mater, to support budding graphic design and illustration students.
Philanthropic Efforts & Real Estate
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 4: Musicians Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (right) and Mike Shinoda (left) of Linkin Park with rapper Jay-Z at the world premiere of concert film Jay-Z “Fade to Black”, November 4, 2004 at the Zigfield theater in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Shinoda and Linkin Park founded the charitable organization Music for Relief in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This organization aids natural disaster survivors and initiates environmental programs to mitigate future catastrophes. Over the years, Music for Relief has raised millions for victims of various disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Mike Shinoda’s net worth isn’t just a result of his musical endeavors. He has made significant investments in real estate. In 2019, he purchased a mansion in Encino, California, for $7.95 million. Previously, in 2006, he bought a home in a gated community in the hills above Sherman Oaks, California, for $7.4 million, which he later sold in 2020 for $9 million.
Conclusion
READING, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Mike Shinoda performs live on stage during day two of Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue on August 25, 2018 in Reading, England. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)
Mike Shinoda’s journey from the early days of Linkin Park to his solo ventures and philanthropic efforts showcases a multi-faceted individual. His net worth of $65 million in 2023 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. As a musician, artist, and philanthropist, Shinoda continues to inspire and influence many worldwide.
(@denz_0day) 
