Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda Confirmed to Play Beijing Exhibition Theater, Aug 12

Rise and rejoice all you Linkin Park fans, for Beijing is preparing to once again welcome one of the Californian rap-rock group's founding members, Mike Shinoda on Aug 12 at the Beijing Exhibition Theater. Drawing from scattered hints, leaked visa permits, and an official confirmation from organizers Live Nation Asia at 2pm today, the Beijinger is out and about fanladying on the upcoming show.

This is the first time one of Linkin Park's members has returned to Beijing following the passing of lead singer Chester Bennington almost a year ago, a loss that prompted a mass outpouring from the band's Chinese fans.

Linkin Park proved popular on the mainland ever since their Beijing gig back in 2007. Those looking to relive that landmark show, as well as the band's return in 2015, will likely enjoy Shinoda's similarly melodic passages and ear for rich instrumentals and rhymes.

The announcement of Shinoda's solo tour comes amid confusion as to what the future holds for Linkin Park. In January, Shinoda tweeted that he had “every intention” of continuing a career with his bandmates. However, a clash of opinions within the band seems to have thrown plans into uncertainty. When asked about what was to happen to the band earlier this month, Shinoda answered: “That’s a million dollar question, and there aren’t any answers to that.” 

In 2015, Shinoda confirmed that he would resume his solo career using his real name rather than the moniker Fort Minor, which he established in 2004. His first release under his real name, Post Traumatic, was coincidentally released today. The LP centers around Shinoda's coming to terms with Bennington's suicide. We can assume that Shinoda's China dates will be a fitting farewell to an artist whose end came far too early.

Tickets (RMB 480, 880, 1,280) to the Beijing leg of Mike Shinoda's China tour are due to go on sale on Jun 19 for the Linkin Park Underground official fan club, Jun 21 via Live Nations official WeChat account (ID: livenation), and Jun 22 for everyone else via Damai or 228. Shinoda will also play Shanghai on Aug 14.

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Images: nme.com, 947.fm, ew.com