Xero, original name of Linkin Park
Band history
Early years (1996–1999)
Originally consisting of three
high school friends, Linkin Park’s foundation was anchored by
Mike Shinoda and
Brad Delson along with
Rob Bourdon.
[1][17] After graduating from high school, the
California natives began to take their musical interests more seriously, recruiting
Joe Hahn,
Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and Mark Wakefield to perform in their band then titled
Xero 

. Though limited in resources, the band began recording and producing songs within Shinoda’s make-shift bedroom studio in 1996.
[1][18] Tensions and frustration within the band grew after they failed to land a record deal.
[1] The lack of success and stalemate in progress prompted Wakefield, at that time the band's
vocalist, to leave the band in search for other projects.
[1][18] Farrell would also leave the band to tour with
Tasty Snax and other bands.
[19][20]
After spending a considerable time searching for Wakefield's replacement, Xero recruited
Arizona vocalist
Chester Bennington.
Jeff Blue, the vice president of Zomba Music, had referred him to the band in March 1999.
[21] Bennington, formerly of
Grey Daze, became a standout among applicants because of his unique singing style. The band changed their name from Xero to Hybrid Theory.
[19] The newborn vocal chemistry between Shinoda and Bennington helped revive the band, inciting them to work on new material.
[1] The band’s renaissance culminated with a change in name; from Hybrid Theory, the band changed their name to Linkin Park, a play on and homage to
Santa Monica’s Lincoln Park.
[1] However, despite these changes, the band still struggled to sign a record deal. After facing numerous rejections from several major
record labels, Linkin Park turned to Jeff Blue for additional help. After failing to catch
Warner Bros. Records on three previous reviews, Jeff Blue, now the vice president of Warner Bros. Records, helped the band sign a deal with the company in 1999. The band released their breakthrough album,
Hybrid Theory, the following year.
[21]