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After a seven-year break, Linkin Park, one of the highest-selling bands of the century, made their comeback to the music industry last fall with a new album, From Zero,and a reunion world tour. The original members Mike Shinoda, Dave Farrell, and Joe Hahn are back, accompanied by new lead vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.
For the past nine months, the band has traveled back and forth from New York and Japan to Brazil on the From Zero World Tour—with six more months ahead. They also launched the deluxe edition of From Zero, featuring three new tracks.
All five band members chatted with associate editor Annie Harrigan about their favorite travel memories and essential items for touring—while playfully teasing each other’s travel habits.
Thrillist: What’s your favorite travel memory?
Mike Shinoda:The initial times I visited Japan were always during tours. However, this year, I went with my wife before our concert. We experienced an onsen in Hako, which was a first for me. It was an incredible experience, unlike anything I’ve encountered. The whole concept of the onsen is to provide a complete traditional Japanese experience, which we definitely received. It’s a bit odd to be in a place that smells like sulfur, but you adapt.
Dave Farrell:This job would be challenging if we disliked traveling. One of my most memorable trips was taking my family on a safari in South Africa. We spent approximately a week in Cape Town and around five or six days in the bush. I have three daughters, and being able to share that experience at Kruger Park with them is quite memorable and unique.
Emily Armstrong:When I think about it, my first trip to Brazil on this tour comes to mind. It was my first visit, and from the moment we landed, there was an incredible energy. It may sound strange, but it was a great energy. I had never felt that before in a new country. Typically, places take time to grow on you, but in Brazil, that energy was constant. It was relentless the entire time, and I thought, “That’s unusual.” It’s a memory that will always remain with me.
Joe Hahn: Having toured for ages, my memory bank is full. During our first tour, we aimed to hit as many places outside of the U.S. as we could, and we completed a whirlwind trip around the globe very quickly, which was fun yet exhausting. In Mexico City, we visited the Temple of the Sun and the Moon. Trekking out there was a fantastic experience.
Colin Brittain:I call Joe “Side Quest Joe” because he’s always discovering cool places to eat and unique things to do in every city we visit. Some of my fondest memories from this year’s tour come from the days Joe and I explored together. I often tag along with him; he usually has an agenda. Since I haven’t visited many of these cities, exploring off the beaten path with him has been enjoyable. For example, in Hamburg, we had a day of wandering around. I believe you had a plan, Joe, but it felt like we were just wandering and sightseeing together. We stumbled upon several fantastic little art galleries and shops, which I loved. I like to allow enough time to daydream and roam, so that day was really enjoyable for me.
What do you bring to make the tour bus feel like home?
EA:You need to bring your own pillow.
DF: I can’t sleep without a fan, so I usually have a compact fan in my bunk.
MS:He often selects someone from the crowd.
DF:That’s quite amusing. Nicely done!
MS:His wife will probably be like, “You said what?”
DF:Allow me to rephrase. I can’t sleep without an air movement device.
JH:Colin has this obsession with characters and their outfits, especially anime characters. He has a whole costume thing going on. I think they call that cosplay.
CB:Yep, I definitely bring costumes with me.
Do you tend to overpack or pack lightly?
EA:Dave hardly brings anything.
Anything at all?
MS:It’s unbelievable. Annie, you have no idea. He only brings a carry-on. We could be in Europe for a month, and this guy survives out of a carry-on.
EA: “If I need it, I’ll buy it there,” he says.
What’s in your carry-on, then? What’s crucial enough for you to actually pack?
EA:Two pairs of underwear.
DF:More than two—three pairs of underwear. Mostly, it’s underwear and socks. I’ll bring a couple of workout outfits and a pair of running shoes. Some underwear, some socks, two pairs of pants, and a couple of shirts.
I’m not fond of packing or unpacking. I’d prefer to purchase anything I need rather than carry it around. I dislike checking luggage and waiting for bags. At this point, my wife and I have instilled that mindset in our kids. The whole family flies with carry-ons. We can go to Europe for two weeks, and everyone just has a carry-on, which is fantastic. With these guys, I just share how beneficial it’s been for me.
CB:During the first leg, I definitely overpacked. I didn’t realize how much stuff I’d accumulate on tour. Whether it’s shopping or people bringing gifts, you end up with extra items from every city. I didn’t leave room in my bag for that the first time. I remember returning home with additional bags while Dave had just his carry-on and a backpack. I thought, “Oh man, I went overboard.” I’m still trying to find the right balance.
EA:My neighbors assume I’m moving every time I head out.
What travel essentials do you all need on the road?
JH: For me, it’s a laptop because it does nearly everything. A backup iPad, since Apple has us all hooked, and I’m definitely guilty of that. Plus, I have my camera for photography. I try to establish the habit of taking pictures; in years to come, I’m always grateful I did.
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