Linkin Park’s reunion was driven by a multitude of factors, but one particularly significant “motivating factor” stood out for Mike Shinoda. As the band navigated through profound changes, it became clear that the loss of their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington, in July 2017, reshaped their journey in unforeseen ways.

During a candid conversation with Complex, Shinoda reflected on his evolution with Linkin Park, tracing their history from their inception to the present day. The emotional weight of Bennington’s passing left the band grappling with their identity and purpose, making them confront a reality they never anticipated. “We found ourselves at a pivotal moment in our careers, facing profound grief. The passion we had for our music felt extinguished,” Shinoda shared, emphasizing the impact of this loss.

Shinoda expressed that one of the key drivers behind his desire to reunite was to demonstrate to his children and the world that it is possible to recover from devastating setbacks and emerge with renewed strength. He wanted to embody resilience and showcase that even from the depths of despair, one can find a way to rise again.

In 2018, Shinoda released his solo album, Post-Traumatic, which served as a therapeutic outlet for his grief over the loss of his bandmate. Despite receiving positive feedback from fans, he felt an undeniable void that only Linkin Park’s collaborative spirit could fill. It became clear that the essence of the band was irreplaceable.

After some time, Shinoda reconnected with fellow musicians Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, along with Joe Hahn and Dave Farrell. Together, they reminisced about their musical chemistry and aspirations, which rekindled the spark of creativity reminiscent of their earlier days as Linkin Park. This camaraderie was crucial in realizing that they could create something meaningful again.

Nonetheless, the journey back to togetherness was not without its hurdles. “With the new project, we faced a myriad of expectations. Some fans adored our earlier albums while others embraced our later, more experimental work,” Shinoda noted. “We were also mindful of how to honor Chester and Rob Bourdon, who were not part of this new chapter. It was essential for us to respect their legacy while also uplifting our new members, Emily and Colin,” he added, reflecting on the complexities of their reunion.

READ MORE: Emily Armstrong Shares Photo of New Linkin Park-Themed Tattoo

Amidst these challenges, Shinoda admitted to grappling with anxiety about whether resurrecting the band was the right choice. Yet, as they began crafting new music, he found solace in the realization that their work still carried the “DNA of Linkin Park,” reminding him of their shared history and artistry.

While fans have voiced a wide range of opinions regarding Linkin Park’s comeback, the reception of their new single, From Zero, speaks volumes. The track debuted at No. 1 in ten countries and reached No. 2 in the U.S., indicating that a significant portion of fans, often silent, are genuinely excited about the band’s return to the music scene.

Watch the full interview below.

Key Moments That Made Mike Shinoda Reflect on Linkin Park’s Reunion